To the editor:
My wife and I completed an all day motorcycle skills training program in Columbus, Saturday, Oct. 19, provided by the Columbus Police Department, in cooperation with several other local police departments in western North Carolina, and sponsored by the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program.
Included was a combination of presentations that really kept our attention, and then actual “one on one” rider skills evaluations done on two separate motorcycle trips around Polk County, organized by specially certified motorcycle police officers. After each ride, participants received pointers on how they might improve their skills.
Those who complete the course receive a certificate that may qualify them for reduced insurance rates.
What a great experience. We learned a lot, and had fun in the process.  Even after several decades of motorcycle riding for both of us, we both had breakthroughs in learning how to ride better, and more safely.
If you ride a motorcycle, this training could be a life saving experience, and it’s available presently at no charge to licensed riders.
The next class is Nov. 22 in Columbus. For more information, contact Chris Beddingfield at the Columbus Police Department at 828-894-8236.
– John and Shawn Matthew, Columbus