Thank God trusting random YouTube tutorials and “watch this” advice from your cousin is no longer considered a solid motorcycle training plan. The Safe Rider motorcycle safety course is coming to Bartlesville High School on April 18 beginning at 8 a.m. The free course will be instructed by members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Motorcycle Division and is funded through a partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation through a federal grant aimed at improving motorcycle safety.

The training will take place in the high school parking lot and is expected to run until around 2 or 3 p.m., depending on how long it takes to explain that weaving through traffic at 90 miles per hour is not technically considered “advanced riding.” Space is limited to 30 riders of all ages, so procrastinators and “I’ll sign up later” people may want to act before the spots disappear.

Participants must have a valid motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license and provide proof of liability insurance before training begins. Riders will also need to bring their own motorcycle and safety gear, including a helmet, gloves and long pants, because flip-flops and gym shorts are still not considered proper riding equipment. To register or get more information, email saferiders@dps.ok.gov with your name, phone number, email address and the course location.