(COLUMBUS) – The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Motorcycle Ohio Rider Education Program registration begins Monday, Feb. 2. Those wanting to learn how to ride a motorcycle or refresh their motorcycle safety skills may register at www.motorcycle.ohio.gov for one of the courses scheduled throughout the state from April through October. In 2008, Motorcycle Ohio trained more than 13,500 riders, surpassing the 2007 total of 12,000 students. More than 132,000 motorcycle riders have been trained since the program’s inception in 1988. More information about Motorcycle Ohio and the courses, including statewide locations, is available online at the address listed above. Beginner Rider Course (BRC) This 16-hour course is recommended for novice riders. The BRC also teaches tips and strategies for riders with intermediate skills. BRC students must have a motorcycle learner’s permit or a motorcycle endorsement to take the class. Motorcycles and helmets are provided. Ohio law requires this class for 15- to 17-year-old riders. Beginner Rider Course-2 (BRC-2) This 9-hour course is recommended for returning riders or those with prior cycling experience but no motorcycle endorsement. This course is offered at limited sites. BRC-2 students must have a motorcycle learner’s permit or a motorcycle endorsement. Motorcycles and helmets are provided. By passing the BRC or BRC-2 course, students will receive a course completion card to add a motorcycle endorsement to their license without any further exam. Experienced Rider Course (ERC) Primarily for advanced riders, students must have a motorcycle endorsement and have at least one year of cycling experience and/or 1,000 riding miles accrued. Riders taking the course must provide their own motorcycle, proof of insurance, safety gear, and must pass a motorcycle safety check. Ride SMART: Sober. Motorcycle Licensed. Alert. Right Gear. Trained. For more information call 1-800-83-RIDER (1-800-837-4337). Motorcycle Ohio is run by ODPS’ Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO). OTSO coordinates and funds the efforts of DUI Task Forces and local law enforcement and safety partners around the state to combat impaired and unsafe driving. OTSO also promotes educational programs, coalition-building efforts and campaigns focused on highway safety in addition to administering the Driver Training program for the state, Motorcycle Ohio and Traffic Statistics. For Ohio motorcycle crash statistics, please visit http://www.publicsafety.ohio.gov/crashes/crash_facts.asp.