In a parking lot at St. Clair College, motorcyclists, both experienced and new, spend their weekends learning tools to not only enjoy the ride but to avoid serious injury. The warmer weather and approaching summer season have more motorcycles on the road, and a subsequent reminder to all that the road must be shared. For Mike Desjardins, a longtime instructor of motorcycle safety courses at the college, it’s a busy time of year. While many prospective motorcyclists sign up in hopes of obtaining their M2 licenses, Desjardins said there’s a need for all riders to receive a refresher course. “Sometimes experienced riders, they’re a little bit overexcited, overconfident,” Desjardins said of riders hitting the road for the first time since last year. “So our program is designed for either that novice rider or that experienced rider to come back, remind themselves about that basic skills set, provide them, you know, an opportunity in a safe training environment to develop and enhance those skills.” On the course, students learn the basics of tight turns, being aware of their surroundings and stopping, among other skills needed on the road. For Haaris Mustafa, who was taking the course over the weekend, the training brought him one step closer to experiencing the roads safely. “Being on a bike just feels good, and I just want to do it the right way, rather than doing it the wrong way and getting in trouble,” Mustafa told CTV News. Getting ready to hit the road on a motorcycle this summer, Mustafa said the course was a reminder to be cautious of those around him. “Some people, you know, they don’t see bikes, so I [would] rather pay attention to everyone around me = rather than thinking that they’re going to be paying attention to me,” Mustafa noted. In October 2025, Essex County OPP reported a dip in motorcycle collisions compared to years prior. In the early stages of the 2026 motorcycling season, Desjardins said there’s a responsibility for all on the road to be diligent. “For the motorcyclist, to ensure that they’re sound in their skillset, that they’re getting out, and practicing their skills before they go out onto the roadways,” he said. “For a motorist, just a gentle reminder that motorcycles are back out on the road and to look twice and give some space.” Throughout a course taught on Sunday, Desjardins often repeated the importance of confidence for those gripping their handlebars. “As motorcyclists, the only thing we can really control is are we ready to ride, is our gear ready to ride, and is our bike ready to ride,” he said. “If I feel confident that all of those check boxes are marked, well, then I’m going to get out, more prepared to deal with whatever situation that may be faced.” Whether it be someone interested in learning to ride or hoping to become more confident, Desjardins said it’s important to begin in a course and build the confidence to hit the streets.
