California Highway Patrol Administers Training for Bikers

Statistics support what most motorcyclists already know—there’s an inherent risk to riding a motorcycle on California’s roadways. While the best you can do to protect yourself from the carelessness of other drivers is to pay close attention at all times and to drive defensively, you can sharpen your own skills and minimize the risk of injury.

Pursuant to California law, the California Highway Patrol has the responsibility for administering the state’s official motorcycle safety and training programs. The 15 hour Motorcycle Training Course (MTC) is a requirement for bikers under the age of 21. You must complete the program to get the motorcycle endorsement for your California drivers license. The basic program includes five hours of classroom learning and 10 hours on the road. A premier program is also available, with 7.5 hours in the classroom and 13.5 hours on the road.

The MTC is not limited, however, to new and younger bikers. In California, to receive your Class M1 or M2 (motorcycle) operator’s license, you must either complete the MTC or take a driving test at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Many older bikers choose to complete the MTC, so that they can waive the motorcycle skills test.

The DMV estimates that, through 2019, more than 1.2 million bikers have participated in the California Motorcycle Safety Program. The California Highway Patrol also offers advanced skills and safety training programs, encouraging motorcyclists to be lifelong learners.

Contact the Experienced Attorneys at Weber & Nierenberg

At Weber & Nierenberg, we bring more than three decades of experience with personal injury claims to men and women across California. We understand that every situation is unique, so we’ll take the time to listen and learn, so that we can help you seek full and fair compensation for all your losses. Contact us online or call us at 1-866-288-6010 to set up a free initial consultation.

The city of Los Angeles has temporarily suspended rideshare giant Uber’s permit to rent scooters and bicycles city-wide. LA officials say the company opted not to obey city rules regarding data sharing. Uber operates its scooter and bicycle rentals through a subsidiary named Jump. According to a spokesperson for the city of Los Angeles, Uber is the only one of eight licensed vendors to intentionally ignore the data-sharing provisions. Uber has indicated that it will file legal action against the city rather than comply with data-sharing mandates.

Lawmakers in Los Angeles say data sharing is a critical component of efforts to maximize safety and minimize the risk of congestion and increased traffic problems. They say the information allows them to accurately and efficiently track the number of scooters in use, as well as where they are parked, so that streets and sidewalks don’t become impassable. Uber, however, says the rules raise significant concerns about the privacy rights of its customers and potential misuse of personal data.

City officials counter that their privacy and confidentiality standards are such that those concerns are unfounded. They insist that the data collected is about only the scooters and bicycles and has nothing to do with the riders. Jump currently has a permit that allows it to rent as many as 5,500 scooters and bikes. The entire city allows just over 36,000 dockless vehicles on the roads.

Contact Weber & Nierenberg for Proven Representation

At the law offices of Weber & Nierenberg, we have provided comprehensive counsel to personal injury victims in California for decades. We provide an individualized approach to every claim, taking the time to learn the details of your accident so we can develop the best strategy to get the results you want. Contact us by e-mail or call our office at 1-866-288-6010 for a free initial consultation.

A Maintenance Checklist to Get Your Motorcycle Road-Ready

There are many factors that contribute to your safety on a motorcycle, but one of the most important is consistent, thorough and regular maintenance of your bike. You may already have some miles in this summer, but it’s never too late to run through a checklist to make certain your bike operates at peak performance.

If your motorcycle’s been idle for more than about six weeks, it’s usually a good idea to drain the fuel tank (including the carburetors) and put in new gas. While you’re at it, check the oil to make certain the level’s where it should be. Check the battery, too—it’s the most common problem with a bike that’s been in the garage for the winter.

Before you pull out onto the road, check your brakes. Look at the pads, check the lines and make certain you have plenty of fluid. Do a couple of loops in the driveway, testing the front and back brakes individually, listening for scraping or squealing and confirming that they respond properly.

Look at your tires, too. If there’s any evidence of cracking or dry rot, put new tires on before you hit the road. Make certain your tire pressure is good, too. Low pressure can make handling the bike a challenge.

Your gear is also a part of good maintenance. Make certain your helmet, jacket and gloves are in good shape and will provide the protection you need.

Lastly—do a little personal maintenance as well. If it’s been a while since you’ve been on the bike, take a couple easy laps around the block first. Re-acquaint yourself with all the controls, from the throttle to the brakes to the steering.

Contact Weber & Nierenberg

Contact us by e-mail or call 1-866-288-6010 to schedule an appointment with an experienced California motorcycle accident attorney. We have fought for the rights of injured motorcyclists in California for more than 30 years. We understand that every accident is different. We will fully investigate the details of your accident, so that we can aggressively pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries.