YMCA Camp Coffman here in Pennsylvania is offering a brand new program that teaches school age kids how to ride dirt bikes. The class is taught by Sean Howard, a camp coordinator at the location.

The program is called Unpaved Intro to Dirt Bike Riding. Kids will "learn how to ride a dirt bike safely and confidently with the guidance of a youth YMCA mentor. Your rider will experience rides in our open field and progress to small trails."

Participants in this program will learn the following:

• the ability to identify trail bike parts
• proper riding behaviors
• how to describe risks that can occur with trail bike riding
• knowledge to state pre-ride safety procedures
• how to apply riding strategies to be a more responsible rider
• how to distinguish between safe and unsafe actions and behaviors

The class will take place from September 10th to November 15th of this year on Wednesdays from 5:30-7:30pm. 8 kids ages 10-17 will be accepted, and the dirt bikes and helmets are even provided! Riders should bring long pants and long slevves, gloves, and boots. The class only costs $25.

While the sessions is currently full, YMCA Camp Coffman has stated that this is a trial run of the class. If it is successful, they plan to offer it again in the Spring at a higher rate. Call 814-229-7027 to be added to the waiting list! This program was completely funded by grant funding. Check out more information on their website here.

Some other dirt bike safety courses in the Pittsburgh area are:

• Off the Beaten Track
• Lojak's House of Speed
• Jones & Roman MX School

It's great for kids to learn dirt bike safety, as well as tips and tricks to make riding more enjoyable- especially if they plan to get into racing. Make sure to check out safety courses near where you live! You can search for lessons in your area on this site!