Biker Education

Motorcycle Safety

Summary: Information on practicing motorcycle safety. Read this information on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and the courses offered in your area. The courses are for both beginning riders as well as experienced riders.

About the MSF....www.msf-usa.org
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has been around since 1973 and has set internationally recognized standards of excellence in motorcycle rider education and training. The group works with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), state governments, the military and others to improve biker education, training and licensing of the rider.

The MSF is a national organization sponsored by the manufacturers and distributors in the US for BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles. The MSF is a non-profit company.

The next section is taken right from the MSF website...

Objectives and Strategies

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is the leader in championing the safety of motorcyclists by:
- Developing and maintaining a high quality, comprehensive, research-based Rider Education and Training System (MSF RETS) and its individual curriculum products.
- Establishing national trainer and site certification standards and providing technical assistance for training and licensing programs.
- Promoting model or enabling legislation to create state-funded rider training programs.
- Actively participating in government relations, research and public awareness
- Partnering with other motorcycling and public organizations to make the nation's streets and highways safer for motorcyclists.

The Five Main MSF Messages for Motorcyclists
To enhance the enjoyment of motorcycling, MSF recommends that riders:
- Get trained and licensed.
- Wear protective gear.
- Ride unimpaired.
- Ride within your limits.
- Be a lifelong learner.

The MSF Rider Education and Training System (MSF RETS) Since 1973, more than 3.5 million motorcyclists have graduated from basic or experienced RiderCourses . Each year throughout the nation and the military, there is an average of 7,000 MSF-certified RiderCoaches actively teaching, each trained by one of a team of 210 MSF-certified RiderCoach Trainers.

Operator Licensing

Another important activity for the MSF is operator licensing. The MSF model Motorcycle Operator Manual and written tests were created using the same research-based development process as the curricula; they also serve as a complement to the education and training information contained in the MSF RETS.
- More than 30 state licensing agencies use one of five different MSF skill tests as part of their motorcycle endorsement procedures.
- More than 40 states use MSF's Motorcycle Operator Manual, and many incorporate the related knowledge test.
- Sharing the Roadway, a six-page insert for state driver's manuals, informs car drivers about differing vehicle characteristics and asks them to expect to see motorcyclists on the roadway and respect their right to be there.
- MSF licensing assistance to states includes conducting examiner-training programs, qualifying motorcycle license examiners, and providing technical expertise on motorcycle operation.
- The MSF partners with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to update and improve motorcycle operator licensing systems.

To learn more about MSF or to find a rider course near you, go to www.msf-usa.org or call 1-800-446-9227.

Rider Course Information and Locations:
http://nm.msf-usa.org/msf/ridercourses

You can also check out our motorcycle practice exercises by clicking here, and you can practice your motorcycle safety in a controlled environment.