DUBLIN, Va. (WDBJ) – The revving of bikes can be heard all throughout New River Community College with the motorcycle training course in session.
First-time riders and seasoned bikers are learning life-saving skills when it comes all things motorcycles.
Rob Hopkins has been riding motorcycles for as long as he can remember, but when his son, Marshall, was eager to hop on a bike as well, he decided they were going to learn together.
“I’ve been riding for about 41 years now. I got my first motorcycle when I was 4, and my son’s interested in riding, and I thought this would be a unique father-son experience,” said Hopkins.
Rob and Marshall are students in New River Community College’s motorcycle safety course. It teaches students like them everything from the basics of motorcycles to safely operating the bike.
“Being out here for these last couple of days makes me realize that there’s a lot of areas where my slow maneuvering skills have gotten a little dusty, and having those refreshed is really important,” said Rob.
“It’s kind of fun learning together, even though he knows a lot more than me, still fun to do it together and learn together,” said Marshall.
Hilton Davis, a fellow long-time rider, is the coach of the course. It’s taught in part online and in person, with students getting 10 hours riding at NRCC’s motorcycle range learning maneuvering, braking and things to look out for.
“I don’t advocate anyone going out buying a motorcycle and just getting on the road. Take the course, learn the basics, and start small, start slow and work your way up,” said Davis. “Motorcycling is a great lifestyle, I absolutely love it. But it has this bad side, so take a course like this to reduce those.”
That bad side is the dangers that come with motorcycles. The latest statistics from Virginia’s DMV shows there were 2,245 motorcycle accidents in the state in 2024 alone, where 114 drivers were killed and 1,724 injured.
Davis said the first lesson of safety to protect anyone on a bike starts with what they’re wearing. That’s why he’s got one big rule for all his students, always be suited up.
“You can look all you want, but if you to get on the motorcycle you have to have full protection helmet, eye protection, gloves, long sleeve pants, boots and long pants,” said Davis. “If we do it here, they’ll know when they get at home and they’re on their own motorcycles that every time they ride that motorcycle they need to be in full protective gear.”
Davis said there’s several courses offered throughout the year, and encourages any seasoned riders or those hoping to learn to join the program.
More information can be found here.
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