The Kansas City Police Department is opening another round of free one day motorcycle training after earlier sessions drew enough interest to bring the program back for two more dates in May.
According to KCPD, the next trainings are set for Saturday, May 9 and Sunday, May 17 at the Regional Police Academy, with limited space available for both days.
The training is being offered to both beginners and experienced motorcyclists, which gives the program a wider appeal than a basic introductory course.
KCPD says participants will work through instruction and on cycle drills designed to improve downed motorcycle recovery, slow speed operation, clutch, throttle and brake control, counter steering at speed, threshold braking, curve negotiation and braking in a curve.
There are some requirements before riders can sign up. KCPD says anyone wanting a spot must already have a motorcycle license or endorsement, or a learner permit equivalent, and must bring a street legal motorcycle.
The department also makes clear that this training is not a substitute for an accredited motorcycle safety course such as MMSP or MSF, and it does not replace the riding proficiency demonstration required for Missouri DMV licensing.
Riders who want to reserve a spot are being asked to email benjamin.lindsay@kcpd.org, with KCPD stressing that the number of openings is limited.
The classes are expected to take place at the Regional Police Academy, which KCPD lists at 6885 N.E. Pleasant Valley Road in Kansas City.
Read More: Kansas City sets May 1 opening for restored Boone Theater in 18th and VineWhile the motorcycle training post describes the event as an all day session, the academy page confirms the location where KCPD regularly hosts training related programs.
What makes this more than a routine department announcement is the response from riders who say the earlier sessions were worth the time.
One local rider who attended the first training said she would highly recommend it and described the class as “beneficial, insightful, challenging, and fun.”
She also said the course helped experienced riders recognize bad habits they may not even realize they have picked up over time.
The same rider said she was impressed by the improvement she saw from other participants, including riders on larger touring motorcycles, and said the officers came across as riders who were strong both on the bike and as instructors.
That kind of response gives the class a practical word of mouth angle that could help fill the remaining spots quickly.
Another resident, David Ettinger, said he and his father took part in a similar Kansas City Police Department motorcycle training roughly 25 years ago and also recommended it.
That kind of reaction suggests the department’s motorcycle instruction has built a longer history in Kansas City than many local riders may realize.
For riders in Kansas City, the draw is simple. This is a free skills based training day backed by KCPD, aimed at helping people handle real world riding situations better, whether they are still building confidence or have already logged years on the road.
With only two dates announced and limited space available, the remaining openings may not last long.
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