Michael Bushnell
Publisher

On Friday, October 13, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department (KCPD) opened up its motorcycle training range at the police academy to a class of 10 civilian riders intent on bettering their riding skills.

The day-long clinic was offered by KCPD traffic officers who ride daily, regardless of weather conditions. Sergeant Fred Phillips, (above right) led the training class that had riders executing various activities on the department range including figure eights, box-drills and controlled braking
and stopping.

“We’ll work on getting more control of the bike, really cross train on that clutch-throttle-brake and using their head-eye controls,” Phillips said. “It’s a very unnatural act to do because wherever that head is looking, that’s where that bike is
 gonna go.”

This is the second class that was opened up to civilian riders, the first being last spring. The clinic is given on the actual course that motorcycle officers have to pass with a 70% or better in order to ride a department motorcycle on duty. While grades won’t be issued during the civilian class, participants will come through with a stronger skillset of safer riding on public streets.

Ariel Seelig, a Kansas City, Mo., firefighter, welcomed the opportunity to better his riding skills while building camaraderie between
the departments.

“It’s a great opportunity for fire and police to come together, but also the course and the stuff they teach here is invaluable,” Seelig said. “I’ve taken this course twice with PD and a similar one in the military, and this course makes you a safer rider for sure.”

For those interested in taking the course, Phillips noted there would be opportunities for more classes next spring depending on department staffing levels and duty assignments.