CORVALLIS, Ore. – After a short winter break to service training bikes, scooters, facilities and equipment, TEAM OREGON Motorcycle Safety Program kicks off its 2012 training season this weekend. Since 1984, the program has trained more than 110,000 riders.

Courses this weekend will be running in Eugene, Portland, Oregon City, and Roseburg. As the weather warms, training expands across the state and is available in 21 cities including Albany, Astoria, Baker City, Bend, Coos Bay, Klamath Falls, McMinnville, Medford, Pendleton, Ontario, Salem, The Dalles and Tillamook.

TEAM OREGON is the state’s approved motorcycle safety program. Participating in a training course is the best way – and for some riders, the only way – to ride legally in Oregon.

In 2009 the Oregon Legislature passed a law that now requires all new riders younger than 41 to take an approved safety course. Anyone younger than 21 is required to complete Basic Rider Training (BRT) to earn a motorcycle endorsement. Riders 21-40 can take BRT or Intermediate Rider Training (IRT) to meet state requirements. Regardless of age, anyone who wants to learn to ride can take a TEAM OREGON course.

BRT is a 15-hour course that combines classroom learning with on-cycle instruction and practice on a closed course. Training motorcycles and helmets are provided. IRT is an eight-hour course designed for riders who are self-taught or who haven’t ridden in some time and are getting back into motorcycling.

Riders of any age who successfully complete BRT have their motorcycle knowledge and skill tests waived by Driver and Motor Vehicles (DMV). DMV waives the skill test for riders who successfully complete IRT. Riders are required to follow up at a DMV office to have the motorcycle endorsement added to their driver’s license.

“Our instructors are rested up after the holiday break and ready to jump back in, building riders’ survival skills on a motorcycle,” says Steve Garets, program director. Students get training and practice time in the critical areas of cornering, emergency braking, and evasive maneuvers. “If a rider is thinking of getting a motorcycle or scooter, or wants to earn their license, our message is take the course – get endorsed,” says Garets.

Courses run from February to December statewide. For more information or to register, visit http://team-oregon.org or call 800-545-9944.