 The Leading Edge - Spring 2005
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In this Issue...
Welcome to the first-ever electronic version of The Leading Edge, the SMSA's official newsletter.
Your feedback is welcome, and we ask that you email us if you have any suggestions for improvement or changes to your subscription: LeadingEdge@smsa.org.
We hope you will enjoy this issue!
Greetings from the SMSA Chair
Ken Kiphart, SMSA Chair
Last month, on March 30, I attended a State Coordinators’ Meeting arranged by MSF in Irvine, CA. During the meeting I presented the feedback and suggestions that several of you sent to me prior to the meeting. Thanks to all of you that responded allowing me the opportunity to represent SMSA and the concerns and suggestions from the State Administrators
Besides myself, representing SMSA, several other State Administrators attended and participated. They included:
- Mike Melis, representing Eastern Region of SMSA
- Bob Secrest, representing Central Region of SMSA
- Ron Thompson, representing Central Region of SMSA
- Carl Spurgeon, Washington
- Clif Burdette, Texas
- Ray Gaulin, Connecticut
- Louie Kyler, Florida
- Mark Weiss, independent programs, Arizona
We began the day taking a tour and meeting representatives from MSF, MIC, and SVIA. The remainder of the time was spent discussing the key topics of the meeting. Throughout the meeting, a MSF representative took notes which were projected on a screen in the room, for all to reference.
Our first major topic revolved around the lack of availability of training bikes. All of those in attendance expressed concern about the overall availability of training bikes. MSF stated that they are currently working with the OEM’s to explore the issue and potential resolutions of availability. At this time there is no consensus regarding how availability will be resolved, however the parties are still in discussion. One suggestion brought forth from Mike Melis discussed the use of Kymco bikes and the gap these bikes fill as a training bike.
The next topic of discussion was that of communication. MSF had asked how their communication could better improve with State Administrators. Our feedback concerned the overall timing of communication, methods and vehicles of communication, and ways in which the groups can better communicate regarding shared interests, such as RiderCoach recertification. Our first suggestion was that, if the communication has a deadline (such as the Handbook offer), more lead time is necessary for State Administrators. As a result, MSF said they are trying to improve information by posting pertinent info on RETSORG. Several Administrators said they don’t visit RETSORG very often, as most focus on and are busy with state issues. It was suggested that if something were very important, MSF should send a notification email to help alert Administrators.
MSF is currently analyzing RiderCoach recertification and working through how each state manages recertification differently. Some states want to verify the teaching events for their RiderCoaches, others would prefer the RERPs handle this directly.
There was some discussion about curricula improvements. A new module called Advanced Braking and Traction Management is in development. It will be a range activity, hopefully to be previewed in Bismarck this coming August. A suggestion was made to consider the U-turn box on the BRC & ERC riding evaluation. MSF will consider this, using their RESLAB function.
One state requested that the BRC Participant’s Handbook be available to be printed on-line. MSF has resolved this issue by establishing a “view only” version for the public and added a print option version in RETORG. Other issues briefly discussed were reciprocity, capacity, and coordination with military sites.
The meeting ended with a request from MSF to identify trends that they should be preparing for.
M SF is planning several more state administrators’ meetings this year. SMSA is hopeful to be able to participate in each meeting.
New Corporate and Professional Members Welcomed
Ron Thompson, Government and Industry Affairs Committee Chair
SMSA is fortunate to have four new members since the beginning of the year. Please meet and welcome the following:
ABATE of Indiana
 ABATE of Indiana is a new Professional Member.
ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) of Indiana is a not-for-profit, safety, educational, charitable and advocacy motorcyclist organization. It's aims are to promote safety, protect rights and help others.
ABATE of Indiana represents approximately 20% of the registered motorcycles in Indiana, with a membership of over 27,000. ABATE has a full-time staff, 350 volunteer officers, and over 150 certified safety instructors, dedicated to serving the interests of all motorcyclists.
Jay Jackson is the Executive Director. Their state office is located in Bargersville, Indiana.
www.abateofindiana.com
Accident Scene Management
 Accident Scene Management (ASMI) is also a new Professional member. ASMI was established in December, 1996 They offer a bystander assistance program aimed primarily at motorcyclists.
The purpose of the Bystander Assistance Program "A Crash Course for the Motorcyclist" is to enhance survival rates and reduce severity of injuries for the injured riders of motorcycles. They expect to decrease the chance of rescuer injury due to inappropriate actions at the crash scene as well as treat the injured cyclist. They also expect to educate the rescuer how to protect themselves and their loved ones legally and financially should a crash occur.
The program is directed toward the assessment and treatment of the injured as well as how to safely administer care. They teach the techniqes scene management and the legal aspects of an accident. Course instructors are EMT's and RN's who maintain current professional licensure and CPR certification. The program information follows the DOT's National EMS curriculum. Legal portions are taught by lawyers and accident investigators
The company is owned and operated by Vicki Roberts-Sanfelipo and Tony (Pan) Sanfelipo and is located in Waukesha, WI, a suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
www.accidentscene.net
Innocorp, Ltd.
 Founded in 1996, Innocorp’s Mission is to contribute to the reduction of alcohol and other drug fatalities and injuries through innovative, interactive and entertaining educational products and programs. Innocorp, Ltd. introduced its first product, Fatal Vision® impairment simulation goggles in June of 1996. Since then, Fatal Vision products are now in use in all fifty states and more than thirty foreign countries.
Today, Innocorp produces a line of innovative, interactive awareness education products used to demonstrate the debilitating effects and dangers caused by impairment from the misuse of alcohol and other drugs. The company’s flagship product, Fatal Vision® impairment goggles, allow people to experience alcohol or other drug impairment without the dangers associated with actual use of these substances. Fatal Vision is an internationally recognized tool used by advocacy groups, police agencies, school systems, businesses, the US Military and many other education professionals. S.I.D.N.E.Ò (Simulated Impaired DriviNg Experience) is a motorized vehicle that drives impaired. Since its introduction at the 2003, S.I.D.N.E. is being recognized by prevention specialists across the country as the next breakthrough tool in alcohol and other drug prevention education.
Michael Aguilar is the President of Innocorp, Ltd. And is located in Verona, WI near Madison, Wisconsin.
www.fatalvision.com
Northern Illinois University
 Northern Illinois University has been conducting motorcycle rider training since the early 1960s
From 1976 to 1981, funding for all street rider training came from federal highway safety funds channeled through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This funding was made available for all states by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Federal Highway Safety Act of 1966 (section 402).
In 1981, foreseeing an imminent cutback of federal funding for highway safety projects, a group of Illinois motorcyclists created, introduced, and helped pass the Cycle Rider Safety Training Act (Public Act 82-649). This act assures the continued administration of the Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Program by the IDOT, and provides for a change in the funding source. In 1982, the federal 402 funds ended and funding was provided from the Illinois Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund. In 1982, Illinois motorcyclists started contributing four dollars of their cycle registration to the Cycle Rider Safety Training Program. This money can only be used for motorcycle rider training in Illinois although it has been confiscated in the past to help balance the State budget. At this time, the name of the State motorcycle rider-training program officially became the “Cycle Rider Safety Training Program, the CRSTP.”
Contributing to the success of the Project has been the consistent cooperation of motorcycle dealerships, local training sites which host the courses offered as a community service, and the instructional staff. Without these important groups the program could not have served the thousands of riders it has, nor could it have reached the level of sophistication and quality it has achieved.
Since 1997 the full time staff for the Project has grown from the Project Director/Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator to include a full-time secretary and a full time mechanic. Training site operations have increased from nine ranges with nine training sites to 14 ranges with those same nine sites. A tenth training site was put into operation in 2003 and opened for service in the 2004 training season. Course offerings have increased from 156 courses in 1997 to 321 courses for 2005. This would reflect the increase in the NIU Motorcycle Safety Project grant, which was $312,000 in 1997 to $628,000 and the possible training of 3,852 students for 2005 training season.
Bob Ritter is Director of the Motorcycle Safety Project and NIU is located in DeKalb, Illinois.
www.outreach.niu.edu/mcycle
Online Registration Available for 2005 Annual Conference
 The SMSA is proud to announce that you can now register on-line for annual SMSA conferences. In addition, we are now able to accept Visa or MasterCard for on-line conference registrations. Please be advised that credit cards can only be accepted for conference registrations. We are unable to accept credit cards for annual membership dues.
To register on-line, please click here and register for the upcoming fall conference.
Workshop details and other conference information can be found here.
If you experience any difficulties, please contact the SMSA Business Manager at 303-797-2318 or via email.
2005 Annual Conference to be Hosted in North Dakota
Carol Thurn, 2005 Conference Chair
The annual SMSA Conference will be held in Bismarck, North Dakota, Saturday and Sunday, August 20-21, 2005. The Business Meeting will be held on Friday, August 19, 2005. Both will be held at the Ramkota Hotel. Click here for a registration form. If you are interested in viewing the hotel accommodations, visit:
http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=35035
The sister cities of Bismarck and Mandan continue their historical role as a trade and transportation hub into modern times. Despite their rural beginnings, these cities host technologically advanced services that range from two medical centers providing full patient care to energy developed through the use of oil, coal, and synthetic fuels.
However, what sets these two cities apart is the attitude of the residents. North Dakota is known for its friendly people, and Bismarck-Mandan is no exception. Experience that famous western hospitality firsthand, from hotel staffs to store clerks to passers-by on the street.
You’ll feel at home in Bismarck-Mandan, where you’ll experience the new West.
Some trivia facts about Bismarck Mandan are listed below.
- Bismarck is the capitol of the State of North Dakota. The Missouri River is the natural dividing line between the sister cities of Bismarck and Mandan. Both cities lie in the Central Time Zone, observing daylight savings time. They have a combined population of 72,250. Bismarck-Mandan is a part of the Plains Midwest region of the United States. Latitude: 46 degrees, 46 minutes north. Longitude: 100 degrees, 45 minutes west. Elevation 1700 feet. Area - Bismarck 25.5 sq. miles, Mandan 10 square miles.
- The cities of Bismarck and Mandan both utilize a city commission structure. Both cities have adopted Home Rule Charters and are official Home Rule Cities under the North Dakota Constitution and North Dakota State Law.
- Bismarck was originally named Edwinton after Edwin Stanton, Chief engineer of the Northern Pacific Railroad. The name was changed to Bismarck not more than a year later after Germany's "Iron Chancellor", Otto Von Bismarck, the new community hoped to attract German investments to spur railroad construction.
- The legal drinking age is 21. Alcoholic beverages can be sold between 8:00 and 1:00 a.m.
- There are over 1,250 native species of flowers, plants, grasses and sages in North Dakota. The earliest blooming plant is the crocus.
- Per capita, North Dakota leads the nation in the number of golf courses. Bismarck-Mandan is home to five 18 hole courses and two 9 hole courses.
- North Dakota as a whole receives more hours of sunshine annually than any other state along the Canadian Border with 58-62% days of possible sunshine.
- In Bismarck the average cost of a house is $123,474 and in Mandan the average cost is $100,750.
- The Northern Pacific Railroad arrived in Bismarck in 1873 where it ended for 10 years because of money problems with NP, this wasn’t entirely bad because it spurred the steamboat business and transshipment between rail and river. In 1881 Mandan, which was named for the Mandan Indians, or "people of the bank", was founded as the center of western expansion of the iron rail. In 1883, a railroad bridge was built, linking the towns and joining the east with west. Both cities prospered because of the railroad industry.
- Prior to being elected president, Theodore Roosevelt was treated for pneumonia at St. Alexius Medical Center.
- Era Bell Thompson, an international editor of Ebony Magazine, graduated from Bismarck High School in 1924.
- Camp Hancock Museum on West Main Avenue has the cannon that was shot off at special events in Bismarck, including the completion of the railroad and the laying of the cornerstone at the territorial capitol.
To find out more about Bismarck, ND visit the Bismarck-Mandan CVB.
Texas Motorcycle Safety Program: A Formula for Success
 The Texas Department of Public Safety Unit began administering the Motorcycle Operator Training and Safety Program in 1983. Since its inception, the program has gone through, and continues to go through, changes designed to improved the types of training offered. The result—a highly successful motorcycle safety program.
Written Comprehensive Policies and Procedures
The latest revision of the administrative guide addresses topics such as approving the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCoursesm and Experienced RiderCoursesm, licensing specialized courses, and the Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider and Skilled Rider programs.
Copies of the Administrative guide are available in hard copy and electronic file and have been used as a basis for administrative guidelines in several new and/or expanding state motorcycle safety programs.
The Policy and Procedures Guide addresses the following topics:
- Motorcycle Safety Unit Overview
- Motorcycle Safety Unit Employee Policies
- Purchasing Goods and Services
- Motorcycle Operator Training Site Contracting
- Specialized Motorcycle Operator Training Site Licensing
- RiderCoach Preparation Course Guidelines
- Mobile Motorcycle Operator Training Program
- Helmet Exempt Sticker Program
- All-Terrain Vehicle Education & Certification Program
Program Quality Control
Quality training courses offered by qualified training site sponsors and taught by quality RiderCoaches is our goal. Texas’ RiderCoach Trainers conduct superior RiderCoach Preparation Courses, updates and Technical Assistance Visits. Our quality assurance efforts dramatically decrease training accidents and customer complaints, even though the number of students trained significantly increases each year.
Program Evaluation
Our customers evaluate the Texas Motorcycle Operator Training and Safety Program every day. Questions about the Motorcycle Safety Programs are included in the Texas DPS’s Customer Service Survey on its web page, www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb.
Number of Training Sites in Relation to the Number of Registered Motorcycles
Texas has 90 range locations, many of which use creative course scheduling and conduct multiple courses each weekend using the same range. Consequently, with relatively the same number of training sponsors, training has increased dramatically since 1996.
Number of students trained in Relation to the Number of Registered Motorcycles
An increased demand for motorcycle operator training has resulted in a total of 26,337 students for Fiscal Year 2004 making Texas the second largest state administered training program in the United States.
Program Promotion
Each year nearly 400,000 pieces of promotional material are printed and distributed. Brochures, posters, pamphlets, key fobs, and lapel pins are just some of the ways the training program is promoted.
Program Material Distribution
A major source of public information is the unit’s web page, www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb. According to our Webmaster, the Motorcycle Safety Unit web page is by far the most popular of those offered by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Licensing System Tie-In
The Motorcycle Operator Training and Safety Program became tied to the state’s licensing program in 1996. The Motorcycle Safety Unit believes that the road test waiver is responsible for more properly licensed motorcyclists on the road.
Project and Partnerships
Each year the Texas Motorcycle Safety Conference brings representatives from operator training sites, motorcycle instruction groups, the Legislature, Department of Public Safety, and other organizations and associations together.
The Motorcycle Safety Unit staff has developed an alternative range layout that could fit into a narrow parking lot. The range layout is currently undergoing evaluation through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation Research Laboratory.
During 2004, a Range Aide/Apprenticeship program was finalized. Through the six courses presented, we experienced a 94% pass rate.
Challenges
Converting to the BRC and ERC Skills Plus Courses, creating a compact range and successful candidates, and conducting sufficient numbers of courses keeps our minds open to new challenges and keeps our program growing so as to meet the needs of Texas motorcyclists.
Awards
The Texas DPS Motorcycle Safety Unit has been rewarded by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation with a 1991 State Program Award of Merit for Category III as well as the Outstanding State Program Award for Category III in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 2001, and recently 2004. Other awards have been presented by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators on both a regional and national level.
The Motorcycle Operator Training and Safety Program is decidedly unique in its operation and is constantly growing in scope to meet the needs of the Texas Motorcycling Public.
Status Update Survey Conducted Among State Administrators
In March 2005, State Administrators were given the opportunity to respond to a status update survey from the SMSA. Following is a summary of responses received:
Q: How many students did you train last calendar year?
A: Western Region – 8 states responded. The estimated number of students trained in those 8 states combined was 54,145.
Eastern Region – 8 states responded. The estimated number of students trained in those 8 states combined was 94,923.
Central Region – 9 states responded. The estimated number of students trained in those 9 states combined was 63,492.
Q: How many students do you project to train this calendar year?
A: Western Region – 8 states responded. Projected number of students to be trained this calendar year in those 8 states combined was 59,112.
Eastern Region – 8 states responded. Projected number of students to be trained this calendar year in those 8 states combined was 101,861.
Central Region – 9 states responded. Projected number of students to be trained this calendar year in those 9 states combined was 68,613.
Q: This is an . . . Increase, Decrease, Same as it was last year, year-to-date
A: Western Region – 8 states responded. Six states reported this was an increase. Two states reported it was same as it was last year, year-to-date.
Eastern Region – 8 states responded. Seven states reported this was an increase. One state reported it was same as it was last year, year-to-date.
Central Region – 9 states responded. All nine states reported this was an increase.
Q: Has your funding . . . Increased, Decreased, Remained the same
A: Western Region – 8 states responded. Two states reported an increase in funding. Five states reported their funding remained the same. One state reported their state does not fund training.
Eastern Region – 8 states responded. One state reported an increase in funding. Two states reported a decrease in funding. Five states reported their funding remained the same.
Central Region – 9 states responded. One state reported an increase in funding. One state reported a decrease in funding. Six states reported their funding remained the same. One state reported their funding fluctuates yearly based on motorcycle endorsement license renewals.
Q: What breakout topics would you like to see at the upcoming SMSA annual conference in August?
A: Western Region – 4 states responded. Some of the responses included; The impaired rider, The unlicensed and untrained rider, Motorists violating the right of way of the rider, Support for full helmet laws . . .
Eastern Region – 7 states responded. Some of the responses included; On-line student registrations, ERC Suite use/progress/enrollment, Quality assurance, Budgeting, Advertising, Utilizing committees, Motor skill development, Accelerated learning,
Central Region – 6 states responded. Some of the responses included; On-line and or credit card registration for rider courses, BRC – report state experiences, Coordinators only breakout, Schedule variations, Social marketing.
Q: What do you see as the role of SMSA?
A: Western Region – 8 states responded. Some of the responses included; Adopt policy positions on motorcycle safety issues, Provide guidance to RiderCoaches during annual conference, Share materials, ideas & expertise.
Eastern Region – 6 states responded. Some of the responses included; Interaction with state programs, Reciprocity with course completion cards between state programs, Strengthen and expand curricula and instructor certification process, Help with training bikes, loaners and price with manufacturers, National campaign on public awareness, Campaign against alcohol and motorcycles.
Central Region – 8 states responded. Some of the responses included; Serve as a collective representative for state programs in addressing concerns to national organizations, Assist in dissemination of information that would be useful to state programs, SMSA must take on the role of an accrediting organization and reciprocity clearinghouse, Provide assistance to states in dealing with legislators.
Q: Please briefly describe anything you want SMSA to be aware of or address
A: Western Region – 2 states responded. Comments included; The need for more funding. Our function is to administer state motorcycle safety programs that meet the needs of the motorcyclists/potential motorcyclists in our state. We should help each other be the very best we can be.
Eastern Region – 1 state responded. Comments included; NHTSA has grant money available to states but it seems that the money comes with such strict rules and obstacles that sometimes it’s not worth the effort.
Central Region – 4 states responded. Comments included; Indiana rider education may soon become very involved in license testing in the state – more later. I would love to see NHTSA fund a huge study on the effectiveness of training. The SMSA would be the appropriate entity to advocate for such a study. I would like the SMSA to investigate the common buying of motorcycles for training.
Motorcycle Awareness Materials on SMSA Website
The SMSA would like to invite you to review promotional materials currently contained on our website. Materials include; campaigns, posters, bumper stickers, ads, brochures, billboards and miscellaneous promotional materials.
In an effort to keep our site current, we would like to be advised of any materials currently reflected on our site that should be removed.
We would also like to encourage you to email the SMSA Business Office with any new materials you would like added to our site. Providing updated materials is an excellent way to communicate and share with fellow motorcycle safety enthusiasts.
The State of Nevada has recently added two new radio ads and a “Watch out for Motorcycles” billboard to our site. See “campaigns” and “billboards” to review.
Please take a moment to review these materials and provide your feedback.
http://www.smsa.org/motorcycle_awareness/promotional_materials/
Email recommendations to the SMSA Business Office.
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