FORT BRAGG, N.C. - For motorcycle riders, taking the basic and experienced riders course is mandatory before operating a motorcycle on Fort Bragg. In the past, the course lasted two days and consisted of classroom and actual motorcycle operator training outside the classroom.
Starting Oct. 1, the basic riders course will be extended an extra day and include a new piece of equipment designed to familiarize riders with motorcycle movement before getting out on the road.
A state-of-the-art motorcycle simulator has been added to the riders course. Consisting of a motorcycle body mounted in front of three screens, the simulator resembles any one of the popular video games you can find at an arcade. However, this video game will provide a unique benefit to anyone taking the basic riders course, especially new riders who have never had the experience of operating a motorcycle.
"What the simulator is designed to do is to take a lot of the stress and anxiety from riding motorcycles for the first time," said Steve Brunner, Army traffic safety program instructor. "It's to get the basic understanding and feel of a motorcycle and how it operates before you actually get on one."
Hazards, such as animals running into the road to different light and weather conditions, can be programmed into the simulator creating realistic scenarios that riders can respond to in a safe environment. Brunner says that even though the simulator cannot replicate the real world, it can help riders form good riding habits before going out on the range and getting on the road.
"You're gonna get movement, you're gonna get throttle input, breaking input, the motorcycle (simulator) is gonna move a little bit on you," Brunner said. "You can get that sense of feel."
Brunner said the simulator is not just for new riders, but also for the experienced rider who might already have skills and habits who just wants to make sure that they are reinforcing the proper technique with the simulator.
With the simulator, instructors can tailor training to a rider's skill level.
"What the simulator does is allow a person to experience things without negative impact to create positive habits," said Brunner.
Marnie Boboige, rider coach and Army traffic safety instructor said one of the many benefits of the simulator is the practice it gives riders od all levels in responding, not reacting, to potentially dangerous situations they may encounter on the street that can't be duplicated on the range.
For more information on the Basic Riders Course and the Experienced Riders Course, visit them on the Web at www.braggmotorcyclecourse.com. Schedule dates and registration information can be found at www.airs.lmi.org.
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