Motorcycle ridership at record levels; training sessions emphasized

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), motorcycle rider training sharpens skills, gives riders the edge to be a better rider, and may save their lives. Course registration for motorcyclists of all experience levels is now available at motorcyclesafety.org. Training is available at 31 MnSCU locations from April through October.

Ridership is at record-high levels in Minnesota, with almost 230,000 registered motorcycles and more than 404,000 licensed operators. Preliminary reports indicate 41 rider deaths in 2011, down from a 24-year high of 72 in 2008. Rider deaths account for 10 percent of Minnesota’s total traffic deaths annually.

“A majority of fatal motorcycle crashes result from rider error,” says Bill Shaffer of the DPS Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC). “Many crashes could be prevented by riders honing their crash-avoidance skills through proper training.”

In the last five years, 42,553 riders have taken a MMSC rider training course. MMSC offers a variety of affordable courses for all skill levels led by high-quality, MSF-certified rider coaches. Course registration is easy online at MotorcycleSafety.org. Courses include:

· Basic Rider Course ($160) — The essential beginning rider course, riders can earn a motorcycle license while learning important skills such as proper braking, steering, cornering and mental strategies. Many insurance companies offer discounts for riders who complete this course.

· Civilian Police Motorcycle Course ($75) — More experienced riders can learn the same techniques that police motor officers use to stay safe on the streets.

· Other courses include the Basic Rider Course 2, moped training, individual training and more.

Visit MotorcycleSafety.org for special motorcycle only evening skills testing hours, 2012 rider laws and regulations, and more motorcycle safety information.

Motorcycle safety efforts are a component of the state’s core traffic safety initiative, Toward Zero Deaths (TZD). A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes – education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.

Tags: news, updates, motorcycle, safety