Key U.S. Lawmaker Opposes Navy Takeover of California’s Johnson Valley Riding Area

PICKERINGTON, OH – April 19, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – In a blow to U.S. Navy efforts to expand a military base into the popular Johnson Valley off-highway vehicle riding area in Southern California, a key federal lawmaker is offering a proposal to block the effort, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.

The Department of the Navy wants to expand a Marine Corps base at Twentynine Palms, Calif., into Johnson Valley. But U.S. Rep. Paul Cook (R-Calif.), who represents the area, said on April 19 that he would offer a proposal to designate Johnson Valley as a national off-highway vehicle recreation area, protecting it from a Navy takeover.

The bill also would authorize limited military use of the area.

“The training of the U.S. Marine Corps is vital to the safety of the American people, and the exercises taking place on the Twentynine Palms base enable our Marine forces to defend our nation and its allies throughout the world,” Cook said. “However, I can’t support the expansion plan offered by the Marine Corps, which would hand them ownership of Johnson Valley. Marine Corps ownership would prevent many public-space activities, including big public off-highway events like King of the Hammers, from taking place. Off-roaders and other users of Johnson Valley make huge contributions to the economic well-being of the Morongo Valley, and losing that revenue during slow economic times would be devastating.

“Protecting the Marine Corps’ budget is extremely important to me, and I believe the funds set aside for purchasing this land for the Marine Corps could be put to better use,” Cook said.

“Instead, I’m authoring a plan that would create the Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area and keep the land in the hands of the Bureau of Land Management. Marine training could still take place at specific times, but only with agreement by the Bureau of Land Management and only at times that would not interfere with the many off-highway motor vehicle events in the area,” he said.

The military hopes to begin training on the Johnson Valley land next year. But it will be up to Congress to decide whether the base can expand.

A coalition of groups is working to stop the Navy takeover of Johnson Valley, including the California Motorized Recreation Council, which is a non-profit association that includes the leadership of the largest off-highway vehicle recreation organizations in California. CMRC membership includes the Off-Road Business Association, California Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs Inc., California Off-Road Vehicle Association, the AMA, American Sand Association, California-Nevada Snowmobile Association, AMA District 36 (Northern California, Northwestern Nevada) and AMA District 37 (Southern California) Off-Road.

In July 2012, the Navy released a final environmental impact statement for the expansion of the Marine Corps base. Under the Navy’s plan, it would allow public use of only about 40,000 acres of the 190,000-acre Johnson Valley off-highway vehicle area, and for only 10 months a year.

The Navy began the formal process several years ago to take over some 365,906 acres of public land near San Bernardino to use for live-fire training for the Marines, including Johnson Valley. At that time, the Navy filed an application with the U.S. Interior Department seeking control of the public land under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

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Military efforts to expand base into California’s Johnson Valley off-highway vehicle riding area hit snag

PICKERINGTON, OH – January 7, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -  The U.S. military can’t spend a dime on expanding a Marine base into the popular Johnson Valley off-highway vehicle riding area in California until the Navy files a report on off-highway riding with Congress, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.

On Jan. 2, President Obama signed into law the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (H.R. 4310), triggering a hold on spending and a 90-day deadline for the military to report to Congress on how its proposed expansion of a Marine base at Twentynine Palms, Calif., would affect off-highway riding at Johnson Valley.

The language was inserted into the bill by Rep. Roscoe Bartlett (R-Md.) with support from Sens. Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) and Mark Udall (D-Colo.).

“This requirement for a report to Congress is very important because it will force the Navy to explain to the people’s representatives why it wants to bar riders from one of the most popular riding areas in the country,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations who is a former congressman and U.S. senator from Colorado.

“Congress will have the final say on whether the military can proceed with its plans to expand the base into Johnson Valley,” Allard said. “But we don’t believe this expansion is necessary. The report will allow for some breathing room for off-highway-vehicle advocates and the military to talk to try to come up with a solution that meets the training needs of the military while maintaining access for motorized recreation.

“Also, the report should show members of Congress who may not be familiar with Johnson Valley how vitally important the area is for motorized recreation,” Allard said.

In July, the Department of the Navy released a final environmental impact statement for the expansion of the Marine base. The preferred alternative would allow public use of only 40,000 acres of the 190,000-acre Johnson Valley OHV area, and for only 10 months a year. It’s all part of an effort by the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms to expand its land holdings to allow for more live-fire training. The Marine Corps is part of the Navy.

Several years ago, the Navy began the formal process to take over some 365,906 acres of public land near San Bernardino to use for live-fire training for the Marines. At that time, the Navy filed an application with the U.S. Interior Department seeking control of the public land, which is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.

The Marine Corps hopes to begin training on the land in 2014.

“The AMA, in partnership with the California Motorized Recreation Council and The Livingston Group in Washington, D.C., that was hired by the CMRC to move the legislation, worked long and hard to get this important report required before the base expansion can proceed,” Allard added. “This was truly a team effort involving many southern California motorized groups and their elected representatives in Washington, D.C., as well as other representatives in Congress.”

The California Motorized Recreation Council is a non-profit association comprised of the leadership of the largest off-highway vehicle recreation organizations in California. CMRC membership includes, the Off-Road Business Association, California Association of 4-Wheel Drive Clubs, California Off-Road Vehicle Association, AMA national, American Sand Association, California-Nevada Snowmobile Association, AMA District 36 (Northern California, Northwestern Nevada) and AMA District 37 (Southern California) Off-Road.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

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National Motorcycle Thefts Down 6 Percent

Despite Decline, One Stolen Every 11 Minutes

DES PLAINES, IL – October 8, 2012 -(Motor Sports Newswire) -  The National Insurance Crime Bureau today reported that in 2011, motorcycle thefts were down 6 percent from their 2010 total. There were 46,667 motorcycles reported stolen in 2011 compared with 49,791 in 2010—a decline of 6 percent. The theft rate averages out to one theft every 11 minutes. All data is from theft reports contained in the National Crime Information Center.

The top five makes stolen last year were: (1) Honda, 11,014; (2) Yamaha, 8,880; (3) Suzuki, 7,281; (4) Kawasaki, 5,009; and (5) Harley-Davidson, 3,120. Combined, these five brands accounted for 35,304 thefts in 2011, or 75.6 percent of the total.

For 2011, the top five states with the most motorcycle thefts were: (1) California, 5,927; (2) Texas, 3,950; (3) Florida, 3,927; (4) North Carolina, 2,466; and (5) Indiana, 2,114. These five states accounted for 18,384 thefts, or 39.3 percent of the total.

Of some significance is the fact that thefts were down in 2011 while motorcycle sales increased slightly from 2010. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, motorcycle sales increased in 2011 to 440,899 units—up 0.3 percent from 2010’s sales figure of 439,678 units.

As expected, the warm months of July and August logged the most thefts in 2011 at 5,544 and 5,397, respectively. On the other end of the scale, the cooler months of February and December saw the fewest thefts with 2,147 and 2,475, respectively.

While the most active day for thefts was Monday with 6,962, there was a relatively even spread across the week with the least active day, Sunday, posting 6,422 thefts.

The complete motorcycle theft report is available here.

Consumers can visit the NICB website and review our library of valuable theft and fraud awareness information, including tips on preventing motorcycle theft and fraud. It’s free, and it just might help prevent you from falling victim to theft or fraud scams.

About the National Insurance Crime Bureau:
Headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by more than 1,100 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote over $339 billion in insurance premiums in 2011, or approximately 80 percent of the nation’s property/casualty insurance. That includes more than 94 percent ($156 billion) of the nation’s personal auto insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org.

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California, Illinois enact motorcycle-only checkpoint laws

PICKERINGTON, Ohio – July 19, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – California and Illinois are the latest states to take stands against motorcycle-only checkpoints, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.

California’s governor signed a bill into law on July 13 to ban motorcycle-only checkpoints, while Illinois’ governor recently signed a bill into law that prohibits the use of federal funding for law enforcement to set up motorcycle-only traffic checkpoints.

Virginia and North Carolina also recently put laws on the books banning motorcycle-only checkpoints, and New Hampshire prohibits the use of federal dollars for them.

“Officials say they set up these motorcycle-only checkpoints to pull over motorcyclists to check for safety violations,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “But if officials are really concerned about motorcyclists’ safety, then they need to stop discriminating against motorcyclists with these checkpoints and start supporting programs that prevent motorcycle crashes, such as rider safety training and driver awareness programs.”

The AMA opposes motorcycle-only checkpoints and has been tracking the discriminatory practice since it first appeared in New York several years ago.

For more information on the issue, go to http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/motorcycleonlycheckpoints.aspx.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA honors the heroes and the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

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Porsche to Build West Coast Experience Center

New Southern California facility will be a center of excellence for vehicle and human performance education, from track experiences and driver training to car culture events

LOS ANGELES, CA – November 17, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) today announced it will build a second new Porsche Experience Center in North America, in Carson, California. The purpose-built 53-acre facility and road handling course will be one of only five such sites in the world, including the original Porsche Experience Center at the legendary Silverstone Circuit in Great Britain and Centers in Leipzig, Germany and Shanghai, China.  In May, Porsche announced North America’s first Porsche Experience Center, to be built as part of the company’s new U.S. headquarters complex in Atlanta, Georgia.

The new West Coast location will be situated near the intersection of two major Los Angeles area traffic arteries, the 405 and 110 Freeways, and is just minutes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).  Southern California is one of the largest Porsche markets in the United States.  Groundbreaking is anticipated for summer 2012.

“Helping enthusiasts feel and connect with their vehicle’s full potential through intelligent engineering has always been a part of the Porsche philosophy,” said Detlev von Platen, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. “Now, we are excited to turn dreams into reality for all driving enthusiasts by creating a safe, exhilarating environment for experiencing the pleasure of being in the driver’s seat.”

Given the Porsche Experience Center’s extensive lineup of facilities and programs, finding the perfect mix of education and enjoyment won’t be difficult, no matter the individual’s skill or interest level.  The centerpiece of the complex will be a world-class test track and handling course, including areas where special surfaces replicate rain, ice, and snow conditions.  These training sections include the Ice Hill, where a steep slope, computer-controlled water jets, and a low-friction surface will challenge even the most experienced drivers and help them improve their real-world skills.  A special off-road area will combine 45-degree declines and ascents – ideal terrain for unleashing a Porsche Cayenne.

Driving enthusiasts can sign up for sessions with highly trained Porsche driving consultants, while new drivers can enroll in programs that teach technique for navigating today’s challenging roadways.  The Porsche Driving Experience isn’t just for adults – special programs for kids will ensure that even young enthusiasts get an early start in the art of automobile appreciation.  Facilities, including track access, dining and conference spaces, will also be open to car clubs, corporate clients, and other special groups.

In addition to vehicle-based activities, the Porsche Experience Center will also offer programs focused on maximizing personal fitness, wellness, and athletic performance through its Porsche Human Performance Center.  This unique facility will feature a leading sports science laboratory and training programs, incorporating the latest techniques used in preparing Porsche race car drivers. Whether an individual’s competition vehicle of choice has four wheels or two – or consists of one’s own legs – the Porsche Human Performance Center offers customized experiences ranging from heat acclimation training and hydration strategies to individual wellness assessments.

Millions of residents and visitors will have easy access to the Porsche Experience Center: at LAX alone, over 59 million travelers passed through the airport in 2010.  Another 15 million consumers reside within a 50-mile radius from the facility, and even more are based within a few hours travel time by car, including Orange and San Diego counties, California and major markets to the North.

“Our mission is to help everyone who loves automobiles and car culture to experience the pure joy, the art, and the science of driving,” said James Taylor, general manager, Porsche Experience Center.  ”Whether you want to experience the latest Porsche models like the new seventh-generation Porsche 911, upgrade your personal performance as a racer or athlete, or host a car club event or a product launch, we look forward to working with customers to create a memorable program.”

The Porsche Experience Center will not just be for those who drive the track.  The facility is designed for the whole family, offering a Porsche Cafe and gift shop along with plenty of trackside viewing areas.  Additional fine dining facilities will be available for business meetings and events.

The Carson, California Porsche Experience Center will be designed by several of the world’s leading architectural partners.  Atlanta-based design firm Cooper Carry has been charged with creating the buildings’ eco-friendly footprints and structures, while two of the leading test track architects and engineers in the world, Giffels/IBI and Tilke Engineering, are designing the driving facilities.

About Porsche Cars North America

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 194 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. At the core of this success is Porsche’s proud racing heritage that boasts some 30,000 motorsport wins to date.

Follow us: www.twitter.com/Porsche and www.facebook.com/Porsche.

SOURCE: Porsche Cars North America, Inc.

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California Jury Unanimously Rejects Plaintiff’s Claims Regarding Yamaha Rhino

CYPRESS, CA – April 15, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – A jury in Los Angeles County, Calif., today unanimously rejected the plaintiff’s claims and returned a defense verdict in McAnelly vs Yamaha, a case involving an accident on a Yamaha Rhino. This verdict in favor of Yamaha marks the fourth time in California and seventh time in a row that a jury has rejected plaintiffs’ claims regarding the Rhino’s design, finding no defect in the Rhino. In July 2010, a jury found for Yamaha in a Rhino trial in Santa Ana County, Calif., as did a jury in San Bernandino County in August 2010 and a jury in Orange County in April 2011.

The testimony and evidence presented during the trial showed that this unfortunate incident had nothing to do with the design of the product. The incident underscores the importance of following the safety recommendations on Yamaha’s products and in the owner’s manual, and to always operate the products in a safe and responsible manner. Rhinos are recommended for drivers age 16 or older with a valid driver’s license. Drivers and passengers should at all times wear helmets, protective gear including over-the-ankle footwear, and the vehicle’s three-point seat belts. The vehicle is designed for a maximum of two riders, sitting side-by-side in the vehicle’s front seats, and passengers should never ride in the vehicle’s cargo bed.

The Rhino is a safe and useful off-road vehicle when driven responsibly, and has won virtually every “first in class” award and top safety ratings in independent reviews since its introduction.

Yamaha stands firmly behind the Rhino and will continue to vigorously defend the product.

To learn more about the Yamaha Rhino, visit our website www.truthaboutrhino.com.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, offers the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding line of products also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1977, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

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Jury in California Rejects Plaintiff’s Claims Regarding Yamaha Rhino

Yamaha Statement on Swainston vs Yamaha Decision in Orange County, CA

CYPRESS, CA – April 5, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – A jury in Orange County, Calif., today rejected the plaintiffs’ claims and returned a defense verdict in Swainston vs Yamaha, a case involving an accident on a Yamaha Rhino. This verdict in favor of Yamaha marks the third time in California, sixth time in a row and seventh time overall that a jury has rejected plaintiffs’ claims regarding the Rhino’s design, finding no defect in the Rhino. In July 2010, a jury found for Yamaha in a Rhino trial in Santa Ana County, Calif., as did a jury in San Bernandino County, Calif., in August 2010.

The testimony and evidence presented during the three-month trial showed that this unfortunate incident had nothing to do with the design of the product. The incident underscores the importance of following the safety recommendations on our products and in the owner’s manual, and to always operate the products in a safe and responsible manner. Rhinos are designed for off-road use only, and the vehicle is only recommended for drivers age 16 or older with a valid driver’s license. Drivers and passengers should at all times wear helmets, protective gear including over-the-ankle footwear, and the vehicle’s three-point seat belts.

The Rhino is a safe and useful off-road vehicle when driven responsibly, and has won virtually every “first in class” award and top safety ratings in independent reviews since its introduction.

Yamaha stands firmly behind the Rhino and will continue to vigorously defend the product.

To learn more about the Yamaha Rhino, visit our website www.truthaboutrhino.com.

Note to Editor: This statement can be attributed to Van Holmes, ATV/SxS Public Relations Manager, Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.

About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. (YMUS), a leader in the motorsports market, offers the toughest, most capable and versatile ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles. The company’s ever-expanding line of products also include motorcycles, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, race kart engines, accessories, apparel and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of dealers in the United States.

Headquartered in Cypress, Calif., since its incorporation in 1977, Yamaha also has facilities in Wisconsin and Georgia, as well as factory operations in Tennessee and Georgia. For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamaha-motor.com.

Contacts

Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Van Holmes, 714-761-7370
van_holmes@yamaha-motor.com

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Edelweiss Ducati Laguna Seca MotoGP California Tour

FastDates.com presents the ultimate road trip through the Golden State July 16th – 27th 2011

WOODLAND HILLS, CA – February 22, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – “A motorcycle is the only way to see America.” Those are Peter Fonda’s words and he should know. The FastDates.com Calendars present the ultimate Edeweiss Ducati tour which will lead you through what is possibly the most beautiful state in America, California, to the ultimate motorcycle race, the U.S. MotoGP at Laguna Seca. There you’ll hang with Ducati fans in the Ducati Midway and Grandstand, possibly meet World Champions Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden, and watch breathtaking race action in the “Corkscrew”. You can choose to party with thousands of race fans on Monterey’s Cannery Row on Saturday night, and unwind in Clint Eastwood’s beautiful, quiet little town of Carmel on Sunday evening. The next morning we’ll head south on the Pacific Coast Highway One, a twisty ribbon of asphalt between the mountains and the ocean on what is called the most beautiful, thrilling road in the world!

The Tour will start and finish in Los Angeles at the legendary Queen Mary ghost ship in the Port of Long Beach. We’ll meet up on Saturday during the 20th anniversary celebration of the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show featuring the incredible custom bikes and beautiful models featured in the FastDates.com Motorcycle PinUp Calendars, including the official Ducati Corse Fast Dates World Superbike Calendar Kittens. You’ll meet some of America’s top custom bike builders featured in the Iron & Lace Calendar, check out the World Record Dyno Shootout, enjoy the Calendar Girl Music Festival, and the Calendar Bike Builder’s party in the Ship’s art deco Observation bar that night.

California has just about everything, and we will see most of it: mountains, desert, the Pacific Coast Highway, spectacular National Parks, beautiful cities like San Francisco and smaller towns like Carmel. California is a perfect country for riding the beautiful red bikes from Bologna. You’ll be able to choose between the legendary Ducati Monster or the critically acclaimed Multistrada -the world’s best sport touring bike, to take you through breathtaking landscapes including twisty mountain passes, spectacular ocean roads and fertile valleys. The lightweight bikes will easily bring you to all the Californian landmarks: Golden Gate Bridge, Sequoia and Yosemite National Park, Hearst Castle, Hollywood and the Queen Mary.

Los Angeles, San Francisco, Carmel and Santa Barbara have plenty of sightseeing and shopping opportunities. Sequoia and Yosemite National Park offer breathtaking scenery, waterfalls and giant trees, while the Sierra Nevada and the Pacific coastal mountains provide some of the best motorcycle roads in northern America. Just add the power, sound and feel of a Ducati motorcycles, meet beautiful California girls and World Champion racer boys – and here is your perfect vacation! Join FastDates.com and Edelweiss for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation and explore the Golden State, attend the LA Calendar Motorcycle Show and MotoGP race weekend.

Additional information:
http://www.edelweissbike.com/en/cont/def/home.html?partnerID=US-GDA

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Groundbreaking MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study Under Way

Multiple Age Groups, Various Riding Environments

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – February 18, 2011 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study is progressing on schedule, according to key milestone accomplishments:

• All study documents have been completed and are currently under review by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) internal Institutional Review Board;
• The three study locations have been selected: California, Virginia and Florida;
• VTTI engineers are testing instrumentation configurations with samples of the types of motorcycles that will be sought for the study;
• Riders will be recruited initially for Virginia starting in April 2011 with the other two locations to follow;
• Data collection will begin spring 2011.

 

In 2010, the MSF and its members partnered with VTTI on the world’s first large-scale, naturalistic motorcycle riding study: The MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study.

This landmark research initiative combines unobtrusive, continuous data collection with post-incident interviews to create a comprehensive picture of many factors contributing to both crashes and near-crashes. The study involves 100 motorcyclists in multiple age groups who ride one of three types of bikes – cruiser, sport and touring – in various riding environments: urban, rural and freeway. Other study factors include diverse weather conditions, traffic situations, and rider gear requirements.

Data will be collected on each rider for up to 12 months (depending on the riding season in each location) using small video recorders and multiple instrumentation devices mounted on the bikes. It is expected that the study will document and analyze approximately 400,000 to 500,000 miles ridden by the 100 motorcyclists. MSF’s initial funding for the study exceeds $1.6 million plus approximately 30 percent more through in-kind investments.

“We’re extremely excited now that the groundwork has been laid and the study is moving into the data collection stage,” said MSF President Tim Buche. “Each level of analysis – from observing rider’s gross and fine motor skills to determining crash avoidance and near-crash avoidance – will be fed back into the work of the MSF’s Rider Education and Training System. The insights we gain will ultimately provide riders with tools and techniques to optimize their success on the road by helping them to develop and improve both skills and judgment.”

Instrumentation to be utilized in the data collection process includes five video views (forward, sides/rider’s hands, rider’s face, and rearward), accelerometers, gyros, global position system, vehicle speed, brake use, machine vision-based lane tracker, and a forward radar.

“Naturalistic observations provide inputs that are difficult or practically impossible to get through traditional research methodology,” said VTTI director Tom Dingus. “Most importantly, it is done in such a subtle way that the subjects quickly forget they’re being observed, so the study reflects their true riding character – how they ride when they think no one is watching.”

A departure from traditional crash-causation research, the naturalistic method and technology developed by VTTI was successfully used in a 100-car study in 2005 that included 69 crashes and more than 750 near-crashes. The method is presently in use by researchers across the globe to target nearly every type of roadway user, with the exception of two-wheeled vehicles. “The MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study will greatly advance the understanding of interactions among rider, motorcycle, roadway, other roadway users and the environment,” said Dr. Sherry Williams, MSF director of quality assurance and research.

Among other things, the MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study will provide information on:

• The rider’s behavior over a relatively long period of time in the rider’s everyday environment;
• What happens to a rider’s skills and decision-making over time – in the minutes, days, weeks, and months prior to the crash, not just at the moment of critical impact;
• The sequence of events and factors in the instants prior to the crash;
• Differences between successful and unsuccessful evasive maneuvers;
• How the rider interacts with adjacent vehicles;
• Various aspects of the bike’s movement.

 

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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California toughens motorcycle license for teens

By Tony Bizjak

SACRAMENTO, CA – December 27, 2010 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – In California, a 15 1/2-year-old can legally hit the streets on a motorcycle simply by taking a written exam? No training necessary. No skills test required.

Plenty of state lawmakers didn’t know that until some Fair Oaks teens brought it to their attention.

The result: Starting Jan. 1, beginning riders under age 21 must attend a 15-hour motorcycle skills and safety course first before they can get a learner’s permit and ride on the streets.

As is often the case, the law was born in tragedy. It happened three years ago on a suburban Fair Oaks cul-de-sac.

Teen Jarrad Cole had passed the DMV written exam for a motorcycle learner’s permit. He and his dad, Evan Cole, bought a Suzuki RS. His dad, an experienced rider, drove it home and then set up orange practice cones on the street for his son.

Jarrad, in helmet and gloves, was doing well, his dad said. But as Cole stepped into the garage for more cones, his son, he says, crossed a threshold of his own – from life to death.

Cole heard the engine rev. He heard the thud. What exactly happened, he doesn’t know. Cole knelt at his 18-year-old’s side in a neighbor’s front yard. Jarrad tried to get up, but couldn’t. A chest artery was severed.

“A doctor said it wouldn’t matter if the hospital were across the street, they weren’t going to save him,” Cole said.

Jarrad’s younger brother Sawyer and a friend, Michael Kelleher, launched a high school senior project: Change state law. They enlisted then-Assemblyman Roger Niello and lobbyist Michael Hawkins.

The new law requires teenagers to take the state’s 15-hour California Motorcyclist Safety Program.

The course, which costs $150 for teens, is administered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and authorized by the California Highway Patrol. Information is online at ca-msp.org

For Niello, the law is obvious: “My question was, how did we let that happen in the first place?”

Once a teen has passed the course, he or she qualifies for a learner’s permit.

The permit allows the teen to ride on streets, but not at night, not on freeways and not with passengers.

After six months, the teen qualifies for a motorcycle license. Teens under age 18, though, still cannot drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., and can’t have passengers under age 20.

Niello said he’s gotten some calls from people saying this is nanny government. Niello disagrees: “I would challenge anybody who makes those comments to justify why we should not have a standard of competency on the public roads.”

Jarrad Cole’s dad agrees. “The street is not a right, it is a privilege,” he said. “Riding a motorcycle takes skill and practice.”

He still feels the pain. This week, though: “I’m ecstatic.”

SOURCE: Sacbee.com

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