Instructor Recruitment

SCHOOL OF COOL

by Steve Garets

Motorcycling has always been "cool." From Brando to Bond, motorcycling has been presented as an instrument of freedom, a vehicle to break free from life's complications, even if just for a short time. Of course, we all know that we pay for that freedom on the altar of increased risk, but for those of us who ride, the sheer exhilaration of a scenic back road or matching wits with traffic is worth the risk. But then again, we all know the risks and have strategies and skills to keep them in perspective. But what about all those new riders?

Riders entering the sport today have an advantage over riders of Brando's era, where training in motorcycle operation consisted of identification of controls and a controlled (or not) launch out of a parking lot or driveway. Today's new riders can simply call a toll-free number (800/998-3227), find the location of a motorcycle rider course nearest them and sign up. It's never been easier, or safer, to learn to ride.

I'm sure you've seen rider training in progress in or near your community. Student riders are schooled in the skills and strategies necessary to ride safely, then taken to a parking lot where they put these newfound skills to use. Most schools even provide loan motorcycles and helmets for students to use, and employ the services of trained professional motorcycle safety instructors. These individuals have successfully completed more than 60 hours of training to stand before your child, spouse, parent, grandparent or friend, to lead instruction in the safe and responsible operation of motorcycles. Instructors have an important job - to help new riders explore their limits safely, and to give these riders the tools necessary to identify and manage risk.

The key to success in this effort is in the instructor. Instructors, like motorcyclists, are as diverse a group as you'll ever know. They are clerks, mechanics, teachers, coaches, doctors, lawyers, engineers, homemakers, loggers, beauticians, pilots, and farmers. They have nothing in common and everything in common - they share the common bond of concern for fellow motorcyclists, and have either learned the lessons of motorcycling the hard way, through "self inflicted training," or completed professional training and understand implicitly the lifesaving value this training affords new riders.

Forty-six states have state-funded motorcycle safety programs, funded through fees on endorsements and/or vehicle registrations. Collectively, these programs manage rider training activities in which more than 125,000 riders are trained each year. Those numbers are growing at an unprecedented rate. The strong economy is responsible for many new motorcyclists. State governments are tightening eligibility requirements, and the motorcycling industry and enthusiast groups are channeling more riders than ever into training. Herein lies the rub. Many State and independent programs are struggling to meet the increased demand because there aren't enough instructors! It's hard to believe that these rider training programs, which are funded by motorcyclists, managed by motorcyclists, and taught by motorcyclists, would flounder due to a lack of motorcycle rider instructors, but that is precisely what's happening at training centers around the country.

You can help. Use that same 800 number to find the site nearest you and call to offer your services and support. If you haven't taken a professional rider training class, do it. You'll be surprised by what you learn. Give serious consideration to becoming an instructor yourself. Instructor training is challenging, but you'll never realize greater rewards than by watching a new rider blossom from a raw, frightened novice. Stay with it for even a short while and you'll witness first-hand the fruits of your labor - a trained, competent rider who rushes up to you with a story about how you saved his or her life. Your guidance and instruction stays with riders after they complete training, and those heartfelt success stories will bring you even closer to the sport you love - riding! The added bonus to your effort is that you are paid to teach! You won't get rich, but you'll find the extra cash comes in handy for that gear you've wanted or that trip you've been planning.

If you enjoy the challenge of riding and are ready to step up to the next level of your own competency and commitment, give us a call. We need you to initiate the next generation of riders into the school of cool.

Steve Garets is Director of the Team Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program at Oregon State University and member of the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA). The purpose of the SMSA is to foster and promote state-administered motorcycle safety programs and to represent state concerns by working cooperatively with individuals and organizations who share interest in motorcycle safety. For more information contact SMSA at 763/785-9242; 8251 Main St. NE, Suite 102, Fridley, MN 55432. See our web page at http://www.smsa.org.

Copyright (c) 1997 Stephen B. Garets, Oregon State University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior written permission of Stephen Garets. Printed in the United States of America.