 The Leading Edge - Winter 2008
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In this Issue...
Welcome to the Winter 2008 issue of The Leading Edge, the SMSA's official newsletter.
Along with a preview of Billings, Montana (host for the 2008 SMSA Annual Conference) we have some unfortunate news to share, in the passing of Past SMSA Chair Ron Shepard.
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!
In Memory of Ronald Shepard
As Chairperson of the SMSA, it is my sad duty to report to you that Ron Shepard, Director of the Idaho STAR Motorcycle Safety Program, passed away on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 as the result of a massive heart attack.
His 35 years in motorcycle safety included work for the Air Force, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), Chair of the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA), and recently as Director of the Idaho STAR Program. Ron was instrumental in arranging a meeting of State Motorcycle Safety Coordinators in Dillon, Colorado in 1984. The end result of that meeting became the State Motorcycle Safety Coordinating Council, which is now known as the SMSA. Ron built the Idaho STAR Program from the ground up and led the program successfully for 12 years.
His service has made a real difference in thousands of lives across the country and around the world. His work, accomplishments and legacy will not be forgotten. In Ron’s passing, we have lost a coach, a leader and most of all a friend.
Ron will be greatly missed!
Please send your thoughts and prayers out to his family at:
The Shepard Family
C/O Idaho STAR Program
1910 University Drive
Boise, Idaho 83725-2005
Send donations to:
Idaho STAR Program
Attention: Stacey Axmaker
1910 University Drive
Boise, Idaho 83725-2005
Message from the Chair
We continue to work with FHWA regarding the Motorcycle Advisory Council. We have published a brochure distributed to state transportation departments, asking them to consider road design and maintenance issues as they impact motorcycles. We are also designing a common road sign, depicting a motorcyclist that could be used nationwide to specifically warn riders of an upcoming road hazard unique to motorcyclists. Once designed, the sign will become part of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
We continue to work with NHTSA during their quarterly meetings with the motorcycle community. NHTSA is planning to develop one common message for motorcycle awareness campaigns.
The 2008 budget has been approved by the voting membership.
Miller Brewing has been granted corporate membership by the Executive Committee.
Call for papers for the August conference has been distributed. The cut-off date for the papers is February 29, 2008
The planning for the Billings conference is moving very well. The Executive Committee met in October, 2007 at the Billings Hotel. We feel that this hotel will give us all great service, with good prices.
The 2009 conference will be held in Madison Wisconsin. We have already selected a hotel after a tour of a few hotels in the area. We found that a preliminary on site tour, before signing any contracts, helps us make a better selection.
See you in August,
Ken Kiphart
Make your plans now to attend the 2008 SMSA Conference in
Billings, Montana - The "Magic City"
If your view of Montana is rustic cowboys battling Indians around small farming settlements and covered wagons, Montana may have a few things in store for you. Billings, the largest city in Montana, is full of sites and activities for every individual. These activities range from the scenic mountains and rivers to the Magic City’s cultural and historical attractions.
The National Parks and frosted mountain ranges gain the attention of those who have an eye for the outdoors. Pompey’s Pillar, one of the few physical signs of Lewis & Clark’s journey across the West as it is engraved with “W.Clark 1806”, as well as the Custer Battlefield which commemorates Custer’s Last Stand is just a short drive away. You can go play on the banks of the Yellowstone River, the longest undimmed river in the lower 48. Billings is also home to ZooMontana, the only zoo in the state and it is full of energy and great for photos. For those of you who have never been horseback riding, there are plenty of opportunities for you to fulfill the real Montana experience.
The Billings Symphony, The Alberta Blair Theater, The Yellowstone Art Museum, Western Heritage Center, and The Rimrock Opera Company offer indoor entertainment for those interested in the arts. Billings is also the home of the Moss Mansion, designed by the New York architect, Henry Janeway Hardenbergh, designer of the original Waldorf Astoria, Plaza Hotels, Williard Hotel, and Copely Hotels.
Shopping is another must-do on everyone’s list when they come to Montana. Don’t forget about all the souvenirs you have to buy all your friends and family back home! Billings offers many shopping centers as well as the Rimrock Mall, which can keep you occupied for hours! There is no need to feel guilty about excessive shopping, Montana has no sales tax!
Your arrival in Billings also coincides with one of the great traditions left in the Western United States and that is a State Fair. The Montana Fair, located at the Metra Park, is full of fun and food and concludes with a rodeo in the Rimrock Auto Arena.
The Billings Hotel and Convention center also has many activities to make your stay eventful. This family friendly center houses two large waterslides for those who are daring and a steamy hot tub if relaxation is on your mind at the end of the day. For those night owls, the hotel features the R-Club Casino and Lounge which has Karaoke on Thursday and Saturday nights and Live Comedy on Friday nights.
Dining is always an interest; there are restaurants and fast food joints lining every street and avenue. If you are looking for some Famous Dave’s BBQ or the fantastic Italian aroma from Johnny Carrino’s to the quick and easy Arby’s or Taco Bell, Billings has it. How can you come to Montana without trying one of the fabulous steakhouses featuring Montana beef? The Acton Bar Cow Camp Steakhouse and Jake’s Restaurant are just two of the many places where you can have your fill of Montana beef.
We have the luxuries of a big city with the rolling plains and rugged mountains Montana is known for just a short drive away. Bring your family and enjoy Billings and the Big Sky State!
For more information on the State of Montana, please visit http://visitmt.com
The 2008 conference will be held at:
The Billings Hotel and Convention Center
http://www.billingshotel.com
A Different Kind of RiderCoach Workshop – New Jersey
The final Basic Rider Courses scheduled for the two state operated locations were held November 9-11, 2007. In additional to being the State Administrator, I am also a RiderCoach and was scheduled as a coach for the double class at the Sea Girt location where we have two full-size ranges. Looking at the schedule I noticed we were also fortunate enough to have two of the RiderCoach Trainers (RCTs) scheduled for the weekend classes.
The timing seemed perfect for an end of year wrap up and RiderCoach workshop. I discussed the concept with the two RCTs and they agreed we could work in mentoring and discussions of the hows and whys of each exercise without interfering with the student’s learning. The workshop was also intended to address instructor drift which can occur with having two locations that are 100 miles apart.
I issued an invitation to all the RiderCoaches who work with the state program that they could show up one or both days and a general statement about the purpose of the workshop. Several indicated they would take part in the workshop and some even split classes at the other state location so each RIDERCOACH could attend a portion of the workshop weekend.
When I opened the class on Friday night I explained to the class they would see extra coaches on the range and the coaches were there to assist and learn but not evaluate their performance. The class was very receptive to observing coach-coaching.
We had a good turnout of RiderCoaches for the workshop but rain and cold weather resulted in only six students on one range and seven students on the other range. The RiderCoach experience level ranged from those with several years who initially learned in the RSS days to RiderCoaches who recently finished the RCP. On one of the ranges, three RiderCoaches expressed a desire to ride the exercises as students. The RCT asked the class if that was acceptable to them. The class welcomed added experienced participants so they joined the class with exercise one. This workshop structure allowed RiderCoaches who do not typically work with one another to see new approaches to the presentation of the curriculum and have very brief discussions on each exercise and objective among themselves and the RCTs prior to each exercise. As a RiderCoach I got to hear individual perspectives from the coaches who had been through a recent Prep, had transitioned from the RSS to the BRC, and those who had taught varying numbers of BRCs annually. As the State Administrator I gained valuable insight on the importance of consistent, hands on workshops and the value of discussions on the curriculum presentation. Except for the two new RiderCoaches who were on hand to mentor for the weekend every RiderCoach present has taught several BRC classes this year. But at the end of the weekend every one of them also acknowledged they gained a new perspective on the exercises and were appreciative for the opportunity to refresh their skills.
Your Regional Representatives
Eastern Region
Mr. Andrew Krajewski, Secretary
(Term expires 8/2009)
Maryland Driver Education and Licensing
6601 Ritchie Highway NE
Blen Burnie, Maryland 21062
Phone: 410-424-3731
Fax: 410-787-7742
Email: akrajewski@mdot.state.md.us
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. John Bodeker
(Term expires 8/2009)
Indiana Department of Education
Division of School/Traffic Safety
Room 229, State House
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2798
Phone: 317-232-0893
Fax: 317-233-0858
E-mail: jbodeker@doe.state.in.us
www.ideanet.doe.state.in.us/safety/mre.html
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 8/2009)
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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