Police, state safety program partner to assess and coach local riders
The Jacksonville Police Department, in partnership with the Governor’s Highway Safety Program, will host a free BikeSafe Rider Skills Day Friday, Aug. 28, offering motorcyclists a professional assessment of on-road riding skills and individualized feedback aimed at improving safety.
The event is scheduled to begin at 8:45 a.m. and will take place at the Department of Public Safety. Officials said the program gives riders an opportunity to have certified assessors observe their performance and recommend specific ways to reduce risk on Jacksonville streets.
“The BikeSafe program offers motorcyclists in Jacksonville a hybrid educational experience with the opportunity to provide individual feedback on road performance from our certified assessors,”
The department has participated in BikeSafe since 2010 and currently has four certified assessors. Sgt. James Smallwood serves as the department’s BikeSafe site coordinator and is the contact for questions about the event.
Who can participate, and how to register
Officials say participants must meet several basic requirements to attend:
- Register by Wednesday, Aug. 26.
- Have a valid motorcycle endorsement or a learner’s permit.
- Bring a motorcycle that is properly insured.
Course details, schedules and additional requirements are available on the BikeSafe website at bikesafenc.com. Questions may be directed to Sgt. Smallwood at jsmallwood@jacksonvillenc.gov, according to the Jacksonville Police Department announcement.
Local context and expected benefits
Jacksonville’s participation in the BikeSafe program aligns with ongoing efforts by local agencies to reduce vehicle and motorcycle collisions through education and enforcement. BikeSafe assessments are designed to identify common risk factors — such as lane positioning, hazard perception and braking techniques — and to deliver tailored coaching that riders can apply immediately on city roads.
By offering this service free of charge, the department is attempting to remove financial barriers that can prevent riders from receiving constructive feedback. The program’s hybrid model — combining classroom or on-site instruction with on-road assessment by certified evaluators — aims to bridge the gap between basic licensing and higher-level, defensive riding skills.
Practical considerations for Jacksonville riders
Riders planning to attend should arrive prepared for a day of active assessment. That means wearing proper protective gear, ensuring the motorcycle is in safe riding condition and bringing proof of insurance and the required license or permit. While the department provided no attendee cap in the public announcement, the registration deadline indicates organizers expect to manage attendance in advance.
For newer riders, BikeSafe can supplement formal rider courses offered by private instructors or community colleges. For experienced riders, the assessments offer a chance to receive an outside evaluation and potentially correct habits that increase crash risk.
Event details (as provided by Jacksonville Police)
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, Aug. 28 |
| Start time | 8:45 a.m. |
| Location | Department of Public Safety (Jacksonville Police Department) |
| Registration deadline | Wednesday, Aug. 26 |
| Requirements | Valid motorcycle endorsement or learner’s permit; insured motorcycle |
Jacksonville riders interested in improving their on-road skills should consider registering promptly. The program represents a collaboration between city law enforcement and state highway safety officials aimed at reducing motorcycle crashes through education and targeted feedback.
Contact and registration information: bikesafenc.com | jsmallwood@jacksonvillenc.gov.
