CONREP To Offer Trike Training

NEWINGTON, CT – A possible change in driver’s license regulations has the Connecticut Rider Education Program preparing to offer trike training. Under current state law, anyone wanting to ride a trike on state roadways must have an “M” endorsement, despite the fact that riding a three-wheeled motor vehicle doesn’t require the balance or skills that riding a motorcycle does.

However, tucked into an “autocycle” bill that’s moving forward in the General Assembly is a provision that would create a “motorcycle endorsement with a three-wheeled restriction.”

If passed, this would allow someone wishing to have the wind in their face, but not being physically able or desirous of riding on two wheels, to get an endorsement without having to take classes on two wheels and pass CONREP’s current Basic Rider Course.

CONREP administrator Nick Just reports he already has two instructors certified to teach a trike class. “We’ll probably be setting up a range to do it on our North Haven campus,” he said, referring to Gateway Community College. “We’re going to begin in July as long as that passes.”

Whether existing Honda Rebel and Suzuki TU250 models used by CONREP will be modified into trikes or whether some dealers might provide loaners, such as Can-Am Spyders, hasn’t been locked down. “It depends on the cost of the kits,” said Just of converting existing bikes.

Just said he was “kind of surprised” that the added M endorsement – should it be called “3M” to signify a trike? – got included in the autocycle bill, but reported that the effort to create another driver’s license category began last July.

If passed, the autocycle bill, the details of which can be read here, would be effective on July 1.