 The Leading Edge - Spring 2007
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In this Issue...
Welcome to the Spring 2007 issue of The Leading Edge, the SMSA's official newsletter.
This issue is specifically dedicated to the upcoming 2007 National Motorcycle Safety Conference, to be held in Buffalo, New York.
Is there something you would like to see included in The Leading Edge? If so, send it our way: LeadingEdge@smsa.org.
We look forward to receiving your feedback!
2007 Professional Development Workshops Announced
As you know from prior communications, SMSA, in partnership with NHTSA, has been feverishly working on developing Professional Development Workshops (PDW) for both the Administrator and the RiderCoach/Instructor. These workshops will be presented during our annual conference being held this year in Buffalo, New York.
During the first full week of March, participants met again at the Traffic Safety Institute in Oklahoma City. Members of this team include representatives from SMSA, AMA, MSF, NHTSA, State Administrators, RiderCoach Trainers, and Chief Instructors. After a full week of work, we are looking forward to providing quality PDWs for the August Conference.
The subjects selected for the PDWs include:
For the Administrator
A Grassroots Effort to Reduce Drinking and Riding. This PDW is divided into four modules. Two of the modules discuss opportunities on how to obtain additional funds for your efforts. The other two modules demonstrate how to set up networks and encourage members of your community to come forward and help. This is a fun, hands-on, learning session that is meant to improve efforts to curb the incidence of drinking and riding.
For the RiderCoach/Instructor
This PDW focuses on four modules that will be presented as breakout sessions, starting on Friday afternoon. The RiderCoach/Instructor modules include:
- Adult Learning Principles
- Challenging Situations
- Coaching on the Range
- Did you SEA That Motorcycle?
The modules are also designed to be hands-on and informative.
Advanced sign-up is required to attend the RiderCoach/Instructor PDW breakout sessions. Make sure to sign-up on your conference registration form to have your space reserved.
Resister Early ~ Space is Limited!
I certainly hope all of you enjoy the PDWs.
See you in Buffalo!
 Ken Kiphart, SMSA Chair
Shuffle off to Buffalo!
August 17-19, 2007
 With the arrival of spring, it is the ideal time to make plans to attend the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators’ (SMSAs) annual conference coming this summer. As a safety professional, you cannot miss this premier national conference on motorcycle safety. While the conference is hosted by program administrators, it has something for everyone; RiderCoaches/Instructors, RiderCoach Trainers, Instructors, Chief Instructors, training site managers, rider advocates, government officials and anyone with an interest in motorcycle safety. Registration information and on-line registration can be found on the SMSA webpage.
This year’s conference is hosted by the SMSA and the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program, with the combined support of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Motorcycle Association of New York State, Inc. (MANYS).
The SMSA conference continues to improve each year and it has now outgrown its two-day format with the addition of professional development workshops (PDWs) beginning on Friday afternoon, August 17. Your plans should allow the extra time needed to attend these workshops. The RiderCoach/Instructor topics will cover: Adult Learning Principles, Challenging Situations, Coaching on the Range and Did you SEA That Motorcycle?. Pre-registration is required for the RiderCoach/Instructor PDW. Register early for the conference and make sure to sign-up for the PDW as space is limited to the first 240 registrations received.. The Administrators’ PDW will focus on impaired riding.
 Beyond the PDWs, the conference will include many more topics of interest driven by the comments and recommendations from prior SMSA conferences. The conference brings together motorcycle safety expertise from around the nation. Check for updates on the SMSA webpage as the conference nears and the agenda is finalized.
Along with professional development, the SMSA conference provides a great opportunity for attendees to network with their counterparts, to share experiences, successes and challenges, and to learn new approaches to our common goal: motorcycle safety. The evening events will allow plenty of time to socialize, beginning with a RiderCoach/Instructor Appreciation Reception on Friday, sponsored by U.S. Insurance Services and Philadelphia Insurance. On Saturday night, Harley-Davidson will be hosting dinner and tours at the nearby Naval & Military Park on Lake Erie. Visit the webpage at http://www.buffalonavalpark.org/ to get a preview to the Naval Park.
This might also be the one conference that you would bring the family, as the Buffalo-Niagara Region offers a variety of vacation options. Most notable is the natural wonder of Niagara Falls, a twenty minute ride from the conference site. For more information on area attractions visit: http://www.buffalocvb.org/ . The area also has some great places to ride, including the vineyards of western New York and the Finger Lakes Region.
If you haven’t made your plans yet, it is not too late to register and reserve your place at this year’s SMSA annual conference. Come join in the celebration of the 23rd anniversary of the SMSA. Arrive early, leave late, enjoy your stay and learn more about motorcycle safety and New York State.
2007 National Motorcycle Safety Conference Registration Information
The 2007 National Motorcycle Safety Conference is August 17, 18, and 19, 2007 in Buffalo, New York. Register now and receive the early bird discount!
Complete conference information is available on the SMSA website, including information on accommodations and transportation.
While you are there, register online using your credit card quickly and easily!
Your Regional Representatives
Eastern Region
Mr. Chad Burns
(Term expires 8/2007)
Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program
5036 Highway 85
Forest Park, Georgia 30297-2405
Phone: 404-669-2950
Fax: 404-669-2986
Email: cburns@dds.ga.gov
www.gadmvs.com
Mr. Louie Kyler
(Term expires 8/2008)
Florida Rider Training Program
Division of Driver Licenses
2900 Apalachee Parkway, B-211, MS88
Orlando, Florida 32399-0571
Phone: 407-719-5022
Fax: 850-488-2683
Email: Louie.Kyler@hsmv.state.fl.us
www.motorcycle.hsmv.state.fl.us
Central Region
Mr. Robert Secrest
(Term expires 8/2007)
Motorcycle Ohio
P.O. Box 182081
Columbus, OH 43218-2081
Phone: 614-466-4041
or 1-800-83-RIDER (800-837-4337)
Fax: 614-728-8330
E-mail: bsecrest@dps.state.oh.us
www.state.oh.us/odps/mo
Mr. Ronald Thompson
(Term expires 8/2008)
Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program
4802 Sheboygan Ave., Room 551
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7936
Phone: 608-266-7855
Fax: 608-267-0441
Email: ron.thompson@dot.state.wi.us
Western Region
Ms. Carol Thurn
(Term expires 8/2008)
North Dakota Department of Transportation
Office of Traffic Safety
608 E. Boulevard Ave.
Bismarck, North Dakota 58505
Phone: 701-328-4354
Fax: 701-328-2435
Email: cthurn@nd.gov
Ms. Michele Calvert
(Term expires 8/2007)
Montana Motorcycle Rider Safety
MSU-Northern
P.O. Box 7751
Havre, Montana 59501
Phone: 406-265-3565
1-800-922- BIKE
1-800-662-6132 ext. 3565
Fax: 406-265-3570
Email: mcalvert@msun.edu
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