The Oregon Department of Transportation will be implementing a new law in January requiring new motorcyclists under the age of 31 to take a training course before they can get their motorcycle endorsement. The goal is to lower the rate of motorcycle crashes in Oregon,

“Even though passenger car fatalities in Oregon have gone down, motorcycle fatalities have risen over the past few years,” said Sally Ridenour with the Oregon Department of Transportation. “It’s our hope that by gradually introducing this mandatory training, the number of crashes will decrease.”

According to ODOT’s Motorcycle Safety Data book, the number of motorcycle crashes in Oregon has almost doubled from 2002 to 2006, with a recorded average of 329 crashes in 2002 jumping up to 622 crashes in 2006.

The law requiring all new motorcyclists to take training courses was actually passed in 2009, and is being introduced in several phases over the course of four years.

A course will be required for new riders 41 and younger starting in 2012, those 51 and younger starting in 2013, and those 61 and younger starting in 2014. By January of 2015, all new riders will need to take a course before getting their endorsements, regardless of age.

According to Ridenour, riders younger than 21 are already required to take a course before they can get their endorsements.

This training has been linked to fewer motorcycle crashes for the under-21 age group, and was one of the driving factors behind the new law that will eventually require all new motorcy- clists to take a training course.

“From the data on motorcycle crashes, we determined that a lot of them are single-vehicle crashes on rural roads,” said ODOT’s Motorcycle Safety Program Manager Michele O’Leary, adding that often the crashes happen on tight turns. “This indicates to us a lack of training.”

The required training courses are offered through TEAM OREGON, an organization that helps provide training for motorcyclists of varying abilities. Prospective motorcyclists between the ages of 21 and 30 who will be required to take a course starting in January can take the Basic Rider Training course to meet the new requirement. It’s a 15-hour program that costs $179.

For those who have some experience, but still do not have their endorsement, the Intermediate Rider Training course offered through TEAM OREGON will also count for the new law. The intermediate class lasts eight hours and is $149.

According to O’Leary, the classes offer a combination of classroom training and range training that helps riders develop maneuvering and street-riding skills.

To enroll in the classes, students must have a valid driver’s license. Those interested in taking TEAM OREGON classes can find out more about requirements and class schedules at http://teamoregon.orst .edu/to_web/index.shtml under “Rider Training.”

“A lot of crashes could be prevented with good training,” said O’Leary. “We think with this now being mandatory, it’ll help increase motorcycle safety on the roads.”