Harley-Davidson offers free Riding Academy to military members

Kate SwansonMay 13, 2015

News Release

From the flight deck of the USS Yorktown, Harley-Davidson today announces it is offering all current and former U.S. military free Riding Academy motorcycle training. The new “Learn to Ride” program, open to active-duty, retired, reservists and veterans, begins on Armed Forces Day, May 16 and runs through Sept. 13.

The scene from on the flight deck of the USS Yorktown while six veterans and active-duty military ride the H-D Street 500 as Harley-Davidson with the H-D Street 500 as Harley-Davidson announced it is offering current and former U.S. military free Riding Academy motorcycle training in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., Wednesday, May 6, 2105. (Mic Smith/AP Images for Harley-Davidson)

Harley-Davidson teamed up with U.S. Army veteran and two-time Paralympian, Heath Calhoun, and six riders who are also in the military, to make today’s announcement by demonstrating fundamental motorcycle riding exercises aboard the USS Yorktown in Charleston, S.C.

“As a veteran, and a rider, I have found that nothing is more therapeutic than getting on my bike and taking a ride,” said Calhoun, Wounded Warrior Project Alumnus and owner of a 2014 Harley-Davidson Tri-Glide. “I am honored to help Harley-Davidson empower all of us who have served to find comfort on the open road.”

Tamika Whitfield, member of the U.S. Air Force, from Charleston, rides the H-D Street 500 aboard the USS Yorktown Wednesday, May 6, 2015, in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., as Harley-Davidson announced it is offering free Riding Academy to all current and former U.S. Military. (Mic Smith/AP Images for Harley-Davidson) — Tamika Whitfield, member of the U.S. Air Force, from Charleston, rides the H-D Street 500 aboard the USS Yorktown Wednesday, May 6, 2015, in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. (Mic Smith/AP Images for Harley-Davidson)

All stateside military can take advantage of this offer by visiting a Harley-Davidson dealer or going to www.h-d.com/militarylearntoride. If Riding Academy is not available in a particular area, Harley-Davidson will issue a Harley-Davidson gift card totaling the cost of the certified motorcycle safety program.

Those currently deployed outside the U.S. can also submit the “Learn to Ride” form by Sept. 13 and will receive a voucher for free motorcycle safety training that is good through 2016.

Debi Cole, from James Island, S.C., rides the H-D Street 500 aboard the USS Yorktown Wednesday, May 6, 2015, in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., as Harley-Davidson announced it is offering free Riding Academy to all current and former U.S. Military. (Mic Smith/AP Images for Harley-Davidson) — Debi Cole, from James Island, S.C., rides the H-D Street 500 aboard the USS Yorktown Wednesday, May 6, 2015, in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. (Mic Smith/AP Images for Harley-Davidson)

“For us at Harley-Davidson this is our way to thank the millions of people who have courageously defended our country and everyone’s personal freedom to ride,” said Christian Walters, managing director of U.S. Sales and Marketing at Harley-Davidson, and U.S. Army veteran.