MANCHESTER, PA — On Monday, Northeastern High School hosted a collaborative motorcycle safety event with representatives from the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation, Education, and Insurance, along with the Pennsylvania State Police and safety advocates. The event showcased ongoing efforts to improve motorcycle safety and highlighted a unique program now available to Northeastern High School students as part of the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP).
For four decades, PAMSP has provided free motorcycle safety training to Pennsylvania residents, reinforcing the importance of responsible riding. This year’s program marked a milestone with the integration of the Basic Rider Course into Northeastern High School’s curriculum, enabling students to earn graduation credits while learning essential riding skills. To date, 21 students at the school have successfully completed the course, with more eager to participate in the coming academic year.
“We are proud of our budding motorcycle program for the students at Northeastern High School and hope to continue the effort to better prepare them for a safer future operating a motorcycle,” said Dr. Jason M. Bottiglieri, Northeastern School District Superintendent. “We are confident that teaching our students good riding habits early on will help save lives.”
The event emphasized the critical role that training and education play in reducing motorcycle crashes. Recent data shows 3,292 motorcycle crashes occurred on Pennsylvania roadways in 2024, resulting in 219 fatalities. These numbers reflect progress but highlight the ongoing need for proactive measures to ensure rider safety.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll shared his thoughts on the broader impact of programs like PAMSP. “The lessons learned through PAMSP courses provide riders with important training to mitigate crashes and reinforce the message for all motorists and riders to share the road safely,” Carroll said. He encouraged both riders and drivers to remain alert, obey speed limits, and prioritize responsibility on the roads.
The curriculum at Northeastern High School also garnered praise from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. “We applaud the efforts of our individual schools and our school districts in providing meaningful and life-changing educational opportunities to our young citizens,” said Amy Lena, Deputy Secretary of Elementary and Secondary Education. “Anytime we can promote safety and teach a valuable life skill to our students, it’s a win-win.”
Safety advocates underscored the importance of ongoing skill development for riders. Major Robert Krol, Director of the Bureau of Patrol for the Pennsylvania State Police, reminded attendees of the responsibilities that come with motorcycle ownership. “Enjoy Pennsylvania’s roadways on your motorcycle, and share the roadways responsibly and safely,” Krol said. “Never ride while impaired or distracted. Ride defensively and don’t hesitate to seek basic or advanced training to keep your skills sharp.”
PAMSP courses, including the Basic Rider Course (BRC), Intermediate Rider Course (IRC), Advanced Rider Course (ARC), and the 3-Wheeled Motorcycle Basic Rider Course (3WBRC), offer options for riders at all experience levels. Completion of certain courses allows permit holders to bypass further skill testing and receive a motorcycle license directly.
Classes are available at multiple training sites across Pennsylvania, with schedules coordinated by each third-party provider. Visit www.penndot.pa.gov/PAMSP for more details. PennDOT expects more training sites to open during the riding season, so check the website for updates. Schools interested in starting a motorcycle training program should contact PAMSP for more information.
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department also highlighted the financial benefits of safety education. “Motorcyclists don’t just have a passion for their bikes – it’s a way of life,” said Deputy Commissioner for Product Regulation Shannen Logue. “We want motorcyclists to take the available safety courses and follow safety guidelines so they can continue to enjoy the beautiful roadways in Pennsylvania while staying safe. And, riding safely may also help reduce your insurance cost.”
With programs like the one at Northeastern High School, Pennsylvania is paving the way to a safer and more informed generation of motorcyclists. By combining education, training, and community effort, the state continues to promote responsible riding and improve roadway safety for everyone.
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