 The Leading Edge - Summer 2007
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In this Issue...
Welcome to the Summer 2007 issue of The Leading Edge, the SMSA's official newsletter.
We hope you have been safely enjoying this summer on your bike. This issue of The Leading Edge covers a lot of ground itself, starting with an overview of some of the SMSA's inter-agency participation, and ending with a recently-released Position Statement.
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!
SMSA participates in Federal Motorcycle Advisory Council meetings
As many of you are aware, SMSA continues to be more involved with motorcycle issues on the national front. SMSA is a member of FHWA’s Motorcycle Advisory Council. There have been two meetings so far. The meetings are attended by members of SMSA, MRF, MSF, and various state DOT representatives. The meetings have been enlightening to all involved. Engineers did not have a firm grasp on issues that motorcyclists’ considered hazards, and us as motorcyclists did not understand the issues that engineers encounter.
Our meetings have been very fruitful so far, and I look forward to more interaction with this group, representing SMSA.
A powerpoint presentation is available here  from FHWA, as well as minutes from the first meeting  .
 Ken Kiphart, SMSA Chair
Profile: Nebraska Motorcycle Rider Education Program
In 1986, the Nebraska Motorcycle Safety Education Act was created by the Legislature. The responsibility for the administration of the Act was given to the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety, a division of the Department of Motor Vehicles. This legislative provision also transferred the motorcycle safety rider training program responsibility to the Highway Safety Office from the Nebraska Department of Education.
The activities to implement the Motorcycle Safety Act, including the Rider Training Program, are supported by motorcycle license fees and motorcycle registration fees. Three dollars from each annual motorcycle registration and $3.50 from each motorcycle new or renewal license endorsement is redirected from traditional fund deposits to the Motorcycle Safety Education Fund.
The agency is required to establish minimum requirements for both basic and an advanced motorcycle safety courses. Currently, the agency recognizes the Motorcycle Safety Foundation courses for it’s basic and advanced motorcycle rider courses.
The Nebraska Rider Training Program utilizes third party providers that must meet the state requirements to be a course provider. There are a total of seven approved course providers. Three are “for profit” companies, three are community colleges, and one is a “not-for-profit” organization. These course providers utilize a total of ten range sites in the state. These course providers are eligible for a $75.00 subsidy for each qualified Nebraska resident applicant in the approved basic course.
The State of Nebraska currently has a pool of 81 certified instructors and two certified Rider Coach Trainers. It is the responsibility of the Office of Highway Safety to provide instructor courses and instructor updates as needed.
In 2006, Nebraska had 68,838 vehicle operators with a motorcycle endorsement. The annual rider course applications have increased from two percent of the licensed population in 2002 to three percent in 2006. In 2006, there were 1,804 applicants for the basic course, with 1,627 successfully completing the course.
Of the 1,804 applicants, 597 (33%) were female and 173 (2%) were age 20 and younger. While 65% of the rider course applicants are males ages 21 and older, Nebraska is experiencing an increasing number of female applicants.
For more information about the Nebraska Motorcycle Rider Training Program, contact Traffic Safety Specialist, Bob Corner at 402-471-2516 or Bob.Corner@dmv.ne.gov
Profile: Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program
The Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program was established in 1991 by the Nevada Legislature and placed within the Department of Public Safety and the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety. The purpose of this program is to conduct quality rider training throughout Nevada and educate the other users of the road to the unique aspects of motorcycles and motorcycling. The program works closely with the Department’s drivers license division, motorcycle clubs and groups, law enforcement, the media, the community college system, (which primarily conducts the rider training classes) and traffic safety professionals statewide. These groups work cooperatively to reduce the incidence of motorcycle crashes and fatalities.
The program staff consists of an administrator and a program assistant. They coordinate the activities of the program, schedule the rural training activities, answer questions from the public and conduct most of the rural training. They are also responsible for keeping the rider coach/instructor training records up-to-date. This information is provided to the Motorcycle Safety foundation so that the rider coaches/instructors are recertified in a timely manner. Nevada currently has 91 state licensed rider coaches/instructors to teach 5000+ students annually.
All motorcycle training sponsors in the State of Nevada use the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s curricula for motorcycle training. Nevada also uses the Evergreen Safety Council’s curricula for three-wheeled training (sidecar-trike classes). Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program offers six different training courses, they are:
- Basic Rider Course
- Skills Practice Course
- License Waiver Course
- Experienced Rider Course
- Sidecar/Trike Education Course
- Instructor Preparation Course
In the years 2005 and 2006 Nevada held a total of 954 rider courses. They were offered by the three community colleges and directly through the Department of Public Safety. Also private training providers were authorized to conduct training with state oversight. The Motorcycle Safety Program was able to reach over 10,700 students during this time.
The Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program continues to grow every year. With the dedication of the staff and rider coaches/instructors the program has received accreditation from the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators.
James Hedlund discussing the NAMS Implementation Guide |
Wisconsin Holds NAMS II Summit
By Ron Thompson, Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program Manager
With the release of the “National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety Implementation Guide”, the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program decided to sponsor a second “NAMS Summit” in Madison on Saturday, February 24, 2007. While a previous NAMS Summit was conducted in February 2004 and aimed at state level issues, this Summit was targeted towards the local issues and local motorcyclists. Over 40 people from motorcycle organizations, law enforcement, rider education, state government and the beverage industry were invited. Unfortunately a rather severe snowstorm was predicted to hit that day so only about 34 attendees braved the weather conditions.
Working group discussing local motorcycle issues. |
The agenda included opening comments by State Patrol Superintendent David Collins and Bureau of Transportation Safety Director Major Daniel Lonsdorf. There was then an overview of the state program and a review of 2006 motorcyclist fatality statistics. The keynote speaker was James Hedlund, author of the “NAMS Implementation Guide”. Jim covered why the guide was developed, how it was structured and what some of the promising practices were. He said, “because of recent trends, NHTSA is putting more time and money into motorcycle issues. The implementation guide should be thought of as a menu, not a recipe. Think in terms of goals, not actions.” A good discussion followed his presentation.
Following the comprehensive overview of the guide, attendees were divided into work groups. First they identified what they felt were the key local motorcycle safety issues and reported out. Then they discussed what could be done locally to address the issues. Finally each person was responsible for developing a work plan that would be implemented during the spring and summer riding season.
Some of the local work plans include a peer-to-peer alcohol outreach program by ABATE of Wisconsin, using the NHTSA “Detection on OWI Motorcyclists” video and cue cards at in-service by Madison Police Department, promoting NAMS information to GWRRA chapters, and writing new items regarding motorcycle safety for local media. A follow-up survey of the attendees will be conducted in September to see how successful they were.
Annual Conference early registration deadline is July 18th
2007 National Motorcycle Safety Conference
Paving the Way . . .
For safer motorcycling
August 17-19, 2007
Adam’s Mark Hotel
Buffalo/Niagara
REGISTER NOW!
Early Conference Registration Deadline is:
JULY 18, 2007
Don’t forget to sign-up for the Instructors/RiderCoaches Professional Development Workshop on your conference registration form. Space is limited and only those pre-registered will be able to attend these sessions. Registrations are first come, first serve. Once full, no additional registrations will be accepted.
An Administrators Professional Development Workshop will also be conducted on Friday, August 17th, no advanced sign-up required.
Click here for additional conference information
Click here for printable conference registration form to be submitted with payments via check, money order or invoice
Click link below for on-line conference registration for those wishing to pay with credit card
We look forward to seeing you in Buffalo!
SMSA Releases Position Statement
On June 18, 2007, SMSA released a position statement regarding an inquiry made by Mr. John Bodeker (IN) on May 16, 2007. Mr. Bodeker raised questions, which was the intent of the response sent by SMSA. This statement was authored by the Executive Committe:
SMSA Position Statement
The mission of SMSA is to serve the needs and interests of state motorcycle safety administrators and programs. SMSA advocates motorcycle safety by fostering and promoting the exchange of ideas and resources. Therefore, we support states in their mission to teach individuals how to ride motorcycles. We recognize that states may facilitate various systems. SMSA cannot comment upon issues of copyright, but continue to support all voting members in achieving their mission of rider education.
The SMSA Executive Committee has been asked and has accepted to become an active participant and leader in developing NHTSA standards for rider education curriculum and will continue to provide guidance in supporting state administrators with rider education. We continue to advocate for rider education and the promotion of all ideas for the betterment of the future vitality of motorcycling in the greater community.
This year’s conference will prove to be an exciting conference where ideas can be shared and discussed. We look forward to the exchange of information and comments on how we can promote rider education and motorcycle awareness. The SMSA respects that individual states may adopt an educational system that best suits their needs.
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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