LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — A local riding academy run through Red Rock Harley-Davidson teamed up with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department on Saturday to offer motorcycle safety training to riders of all experience levels, including those who had never worn a helmet before.
Steve Ritchey spent 28 years as an LVMPD officer, 25 of them as a motor officer.
“A lot of those riders out there either don’t have an endorsement or they’re new to motorcycling,” Ritchey said. “They haven’t really gotten any education.”
Ritchey said education is central to the academy’s mission.
“There’s so much that happens out there on the roadway that you really need to get the experience of a motorcycle instructor to talk to you about that stuff and to have that knowledge and experience,” he said.
Fatality numbers driving urgency
Over the last five years, an average of 37 deaths per year have been tied to motorcycles and mopeds, according to Las Vegas police statistics.
So far this year, the pace is on track for close to 50 fatalities connected to motorcycles. Of the 25 traffic deaths recorded so far this year, eight have involved motorcycles.
Lt. Cody Fulwiler said the department sees training as a key tool in reversing that trend.
“Those who maybe are interested in becoming a motorcycle rider, getting that training and getting that motorcycle endorsement to make them a better and safer rider out there on our roadways, it’s very important,” Fulwiler said.
Braking demonstrations highlight skill gaps
LVMPD officer Michael Rose conducted braking demonstrations during the event, showing the difference between properly applied brakes and rear-brake-only stops — a habit officers said they are seeing frequently among riders.
“They don’t know when they’re going to stop — when the officer lowers his hand is when they’re applying their brakes,” Rose said. “Again, just where we’re at right now, you can see the distance that the properly applied brakes are stopping versus the rear brake only, which is what we’re seeing a lot of right now.”
Academy licensing hundreds of new riders annually
For 16-year-old Joseph Montoya, Saturday marked his first time on a street bike.
“I really enjoyed the experience. I would definitely want to do it again,” Montoya said. “I’ve been thinking about wanting to ride, and I think it’s a great opportunity for me.”
Ritchey said the Riding Academy licenses approximately 500 new riders per year. The academy also offers a skilled rider class for those with existing experience. Of the 13 coaches on staff, eight are retired motor police officers from agencies across the country.
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