Motorcycle Safety Foundation Programs Dedicated to Eliminating Motorcyclist Crashes, Injuries and Fatalities

New Report Supports Need for More Research, Rider Training and Driver Awareness Initiatives to Increase Motorcyclist Safety

IRVINE, CA – April 25, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – In response to a preliminary report released today by the Governors Highway Safety Association that indicates motorcyclist deaths are projected to increase in 2012, Tim Buche, president and chief executive officer of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, said, “The numbers released today are a somber reminder that motorcyclist safety should be everyone’s responsibility. Each of us must do our part in making good decisions on the road so we can eliminate these needless and tragic motorcycle fatalities. Every roadway user needs to be a trained, alert, and active participant in the traffic mix.”

For its part, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation continues its leadership role in initiating and enhancing programs dedicated to the goal of eliminating motorcyclist crashes, injuries and fatalities.

Rider Education & Training System
The MSF has invested $2.4 million since 2010 in research initiatives that support ongoing curriculum development and quality assurance programs for its world-renowned Rider Education & Training System and Basic RiderCourseSM motorcyclist training program.

“We continue to increase our understanding of rider and other roadway user behaviors to direct improvements in our curricula that lead to improved student outcomes and a safer riding environment overall,” said Dr. Ray Ochs, vice president of training systems for MSF. “We’ve just completed a significant update to our most popular course, the Basic RiderCourse, with new classroom content focused on rider behavior, risk awareness and risk management. And, we’ve added new range exercises that focus on earlier acquisition of fundamental skills with an emphasis on the traffic situations that students will encounter on the road.”

The enhancements to the Basic RiderCourse include:

• Approximately 40 percent increase in content on rider perception and seeking escape paths
• Approximately 15 percent increase in practice time for swerving and other collision-avoidance skills
• Approximately 30 percent more classroom and range content on negotiating curves and cornering skills
• Addition of an eCourse to reach even more current and prospective motorcyclists with the basic cognitive aspects of rider education

MSF and its partners have trained more than 6.7 million new or returning motorcyclists since it began rider training education in 1974.

iBooks: “Intersection” and “Rider Choices”
For those who have motorcyclists in their lives but are not riders themselves, MSF has expanded its distribution of motorcyclist safety educational materials online, with its recently published iBooks.

“Intersection“
“Intersection: Sharing the Road” aims to increase awareness of motorcyclists and scooters on the roadway with a unique message to drivers, commercial drivers, and others.

“Rider Choices”
“Rider Choices” is an interactive discussion tool to help a friend or family member have a serious conversation with a prospective motorcycle rider about a safe way forward. Both are available on iTunes.

Motorist Awareness and Research
The MSF also promotes safety awareness initiatives aimed at other motorists via www.forcardrivers.com. This targeted website provides safety tips, video instruction, and other resources for companies, individuals who drive a truck for a living, or just a concerned driver.

Engaging in its own research effort, the MSF recently partnered with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute on the innovative MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study. Video cameras and data acquisition sensors are being used to track the actions of 100 riders over the course a year to create a comprehensive assessment of the many factors contributing to both crashes and near-crashes. MSF seeks to use the results to improve its curricula and expand its other safety countermeasures.

National Motorcycle Safety Fund
Companies, clubs and individuals wishing to donate directly to motorcyclist safety initiatives can contact the National Motorcycle Safety Fund (NMSF), a charitable organization established in 1980 to augment the work of the MSF. The NMSF accepts tax-deductible contributions and applies them to motorcycle safety projects. In the past, the NMSF has provided helmets and alcohol awareness materials to training sites for use by beginning riders during the MSF Basic RiderCourse. NMSF is currently supporting the MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study. One hundred percent of contributions is dedicated to the National Motorcycle Safety Fund – none of the funds is used to cover administration costs. Visit msf-usa.org and click on “Donate” for more information.

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, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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Motorcycle Safety Foundation Announces 2013 Board of Trustees

Kawasaki’s Russ Brenan Elected Chair, KTM’s Robert Pearce Voted Vice Chair

IRVINE, CA – April 5, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s 2013 Board of Trustees elected new officers in its recent annual elections. Kawasaki Motors Corporation Senior Advisor of Government Relations and Public Affairs Russ Brenan is the newly elected chair, while KTM North America Vice President of Operations Robert Pearce takes over the role of vice chair. For the upcoming term, Brenan and Pearce are joined by Secretary/Treasurer Gary Higgins, representing American Honda Motor Corporation, and MSF President Tim Buche.

“I am honored to be elected and excited to serve as chair of MSF,” said Brenan. “It is a pleasure to work with my fellow board members and the fine MSF staff, all of whom are committed to the goal of promoting rider safety. Along with the highly dedicated RiderCoaches all across the country, MSF will continue as the premier motorcycle rider training source with 400,000 motorcyclists trained annually. The coming year will bring exciting new offerings through the use of the latest technology to make MSF training and education programs even more accessible to the growing population of motorcyclists.”

Added newly elected MSF Vice Chair Pearce: “I’m very grateful for this opportunity to serve as MSF vice chair. I have been a trustee since 2007 and, like all of the trustees and board members, I’m committed to helping support MSF’s mission of making motorcycling safer and more enjoyable by offering current and prospective riders the highest-quality education and training available. Going into 2013, I look forward to working closely with everyone on the board and the MSF staff in this new capacity.”

In addition to Brenan, Pearce, Higgins and Buche, MSF’s 2013 Board of Trustees includes Bob Alsip (American Suzuki Motor Corp.), Gary Gray (Victory Motorcycles), Joe Dagley (Yamaha Motor Corporation) and Steve Piehl (Harley-Davidson Motor Company), as well as Board Members Sergio Carvajal (BMW Motorcycles USA), Isabelle Bouchard (BRP USA), Melissa MacCaull (Piaggio Group Americas) and Matt Sheahan (Triumph Motorcycles North America).

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, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Newest iBook Designed to Help Increase Motorcyclist Awareness

MSF’s “Intersection: Sharing the Road” Available on Apple’s iBooks and iTunes

IRVINE, CA – March 28, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – In its latest effort to reach current and prospective motorcyclists and all other roadway users, and to promote an overall safer traffic mix, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has launched its newest iBook, “Intersection: Sharing the Road.” Available exclusively for iPads, the 32-page iBook costs just 99 cents and is accessible to users in 32 countries.

Created with the iBooks Author application, “Intersection: Sharing the Road” is a beautifully designed, multi-touch book filled with interactive diagrams, photos, and videos. Readers simply tap the images to dive into captions, pinch and zoom through photo galleries and watch full-screen videos. Additionally, readers can swipe over text to make highlights, add their own notes and utilize the built-in dictionary. The iBook wirelessly syncs any bookmarks, highlights and notes with other devices and automatically remembers where readers left off when they return later.

“We are very proud of ‘Intersection: Sharing the Road,’ ” said MSF President Tim Buche. “Our goal is to reduce motorcyclist-involved crashes. Intersection speaks to car drivers and other roadway users who are at fault in over 35% of crashes involving motorcycles.  It’s intended to help increase awareness of motorcyclists, in that it illustrates potentially hazardous situations through the eyes of different types of motorists and shows why certain situations can be more dangerous than others. But the main theme is that all motorists, regardless of their driving experience or the type of vehicle they drive, need to be aware of motorcyclists and understand the importance of sharing the road with them.”

“Intersection: Sharing the Road” is the MSF’s second iBook and is intended as a follow-up to its online publication titled “Intersection: Leader’s Guide.” This guide is for those interested in facilitating group discussions where the focus is making automobile and truck drivers more aware of motorcycles. The MSF is currently in the process of making many of its programs, conferences, lectures, and other motorcyclist safety content available for download.  Click here to view the “Intersection: Sharing the Road” iBook.

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, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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Motorcycle Safety Foundation to Host Training Professionals in 2013

International Rider Education Training System Conference to be Held in Days Leading Up to Indianapolis MotoGP

IRVINE, CA – March 6, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Against the backdrop of the Red Bull Indianapolis GP, a round of the MotoGP World Championship motorcycle races, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation will conduct its Third Annual International Rider Education Training System conference on August 15 and 16. The two prior IRETS events have drawn hundreds of rider education professionals interested in providing motorcyclists, particularly new riders, with the most effective skills and behaviors MSF has incorporated into its RiderCourses.  This affords the safety-training professionals a unique opportunity to participate in a great weekend of racing and motorcycling events.

IRETS is one of two international motorcycle safety conferences that MSF will host in 2013. IRETS is designed to appeal to those currently using or interested in using MSF internationally.  Plenary and breakout sessions will cover MSF curriculum delivery, quality assurance, and program administration at the state and international level, and provide MSF RiderCoaches and RiderCoach Trainers with knowledge to better bring the MSF curricula to life for their students.

The ifz/MSF International Motorcycle Safety Conference, scheduled in conjunction with the inaugural American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo) in Orlando, Florida, will focus on the latest research from across the globe.  Practical responses to research will be emphasized in riding exercises and other hands-on demonstrations.

“The IRETS common theme is the use of MSF’s Rider Education and Training System (RETS). The event brings trainer, administrators and other stakeholders together with MSF National Staff to network and share their best practices, tools and techniques,” said MSF Vice President Robert Gladden. “This year, our goal is for IRETS to again create an atmosphere where rider education professionals can strengthen partnerships and foster collaboration among their peers. As always, we celebrate the universal goal of positive student outcomes, of eliminating crashes, fatalities and injuries.”

Slated for August 15 and 16 at the Sheraton Indianapolis at Keystone Crossing, registration for IRETS will open in May. A block of rooms with special pricing has been set aside at the host hotel and covered secure motorcycle parking will be available. IRETS participants will have the opportunity to purchase specially priced packages for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP weekend that include tickets to the race, behind the scenes tours and other great benefits.

The heart of this year’s IRETS will be sessions offering information on the updated Basic RiderCourse, which now includes an eCourse component. Not only will attendees have access to this much-needed information, they’ll also get details on how program providers can implement the BRC update. Additionally, MSFRiderCourse range activities will be available.

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, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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Motorcycle Safety Foundation Releases “Motorcycle Pilot” Video

New Public Service Announcement Compares Piloting an Airplane to Riding a Motorcycle

IRVINE, CA – February 28, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – What do airplanes and motorcycles have in common? More than you may think, according to instructor pilot and motorcyclist Major James Boddy. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® has released a new public service announcement featuring Major Boddy, in which he cites the many parallels between taking to the air and taking to the road. Some of the common themes mentioned are the importance of training, pre-flight/pre-ride inspection, wearing the proper safety gear, and maintaining awareness of one’s surroundings.

“Major Boddy trains fighter pilots and is also an avid motorcyclist,” said Ken Glaser, MSF’s director of special projects. “He understands that it takes the right preparation and mindset to make every flight and every ride safe and trouble-free.”

This 30-second video is now airing on MSF’s homepage and YouTube channel. High-definition versions, including one which can be co-branded by a sponsor, are available free for use on broadcast or cable television. For more details, contact MSF Media Relations at (949) 727-3227, ext. 3131.

To help ensure that every ride is safe and enjoyable, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a few simple rules for motorcyclists:

1. Get properly trained and licensed – Take an MSF RiderCourseSM and obtain the appropriate motorcycle license endorsement from your state.
2. Wear all the gear, all the time – Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and eye protection, as well as over-the-ankle boots, gloves, riding jacket and pants.
3. Ride unimpaired by alcohol or drugs – Riding under the influence dramatically decreases a rider’s necessary skills, especially vision and judgment.
4. Ride within your own skill limits and obey traffic laws – Every rider should know their personal limits, and never ride faster or farther than their abilities can handle.
5. Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher RiderCourses – Riding skills are perishable, so take an occasional refresher course. No matter how often or how long you’ve been riding, there is always room to learn something new.

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, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

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New Powersports Blog, On The Road, Addresses All Aspects of Riding

 

• Heavy emphasis on motorcycle rider education and training, and motorist awareness
• Authored and curated by longtime industry CEO
• Launched with guest post by David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator

IRVINE, CA – February 1, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) -  In the spirit of sharing all things motorcycling, a new powersports blog, On The Road, provides an interactive space where contributors can discuss motorcycle- and powersports-related experiences, opinions, and ideas.

Hosted in conjunction with a number of powersports industry associations, “On the Road” has launched with a guest post by David Strickland, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration administrator, who penned a thoughtful recollection of his experience in learning to ride. The blog, located at www.timbuche.com, also includes powersports industry-related news, links and more.

“I often hear thought-provoking discussions that inspire me to write or that I believe many other people would benefit from, and so the idea came about to create this blog,” said On The Road author and curator, Tim Buche. “As the site develops, I see it more as a lending library because often these experiences deserve a wider audience and further discussion.”

Buche is the president and chief executive officer of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and other related associations.

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, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

 

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Motorcycle Safety Foundation Celebrates Milestone Anniversary

Commemorating 40 Years of Leadership in Motorcyclist Safety

IRVINE, CA – January 16, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – This year, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation celebrates 40 years of providing motorcyclists with rider training and education in its mission to create and support motorcyclists of good riding character and to save lives. Further, the Foundation initiates programs in public information and education, as well as public policy, with a goal of creating a safer riding environment.

Established in 1973 when few formal, research-based motorcyclist training programs existed, the not-for-profit MSF created an education training program that has evolved from a single learn-to-ride program into a comprehensive training system with the breadth and depth to address a variety of riders’ needs and interests and promote lifelong learning.

Since its inception, MSF curricula have been used to train approximately 6.5 million motorcyclists and are expected to exceed seven million riders later this year. A factor for this increased training pace can be partially attributed to MSF’s relatively recent emphasis on adult learning principles, the practice of placing greater responsibility on the student, and overall learner-centered facilitation as opposed to instructor-centered instruction.

“So much has been learned about safety and learning methods over the last four decades,” said Dr. Ray Ochs, MSF vice president of training systems and lead developer of the groundbreaking MSF Basic RiderCourse. “MSF looks at recent research and contemporary literature to ensure the best outcomes for riders. Program success results from being firmly rooted in substantive underpinnings, which include motorcycle-related research and experience, general and traffic-related safety principles, a focus on adult and accelerated learning principles, and motor skills development principles.”

MSF is supported by 11 original equipment manufacturer industry members. With 2,625 recognized training facilities in 48 states and 14 countries, MSF trained a little over 400,000 motorcyclists in 2012 alone. Furthermore, these motorcyclists were trained by approximately 9,500 MSF-certified RiderCoaches, who are, in turn, trained by 250 RiderCoach trainers.

“Over the last several decades, MSF has raised the bar in motorcyclist safety training and education,” said MSF President Tim Buche. “We started out addressing only minimal skill and knowledge level content and progressed by adding the behavioral components of riding, which includes the social and emotional demands of riding in the complex world of traffic and technology. MSF’s formula for rider safety promotes fundamental skills, perceptual skills, collision avoidance skills, and the behavioral aspects of riding that emphasize hazard perception and the brain’s executive functions. MSF sets the highest standards for its Rider Education and Training System programs.”

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, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

 

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Motorcycle Safety Foundation Calls for Papers for 2013 ifz/MSF International Motorcycle Safety Conference in Florida

Variety of Motorcycle Safety Presentations to be Considered for October Event

IRVINE, CA – January 16, 2013 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, along with its co-sponsor, the ifz (Institute for Motorcycle Safety), located in Essen, Germany, has issued an official call for papers to be considered for presentation at the upcoming International Motorcycle Safety Conference, titled “The Human Element: The Way Forward.” The U.S.-based safety conference will be held Oct. 16 – 17, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., in conjunction with the debut of the American International Motorcycle Expo.

Interested presenters should submit abstracts of their papers to Ken Glaser, Special Assistant to MSF President, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, 2 Jenner, #150, Irvine, CA 92618, kglaser@msf-usa.org, no later than March 31, 2013.

Abstracts should be 500 words or less (one single-spaced typed page using a font no smaller than 12 point) and include the author/authors, affiliation, final title, starting point for investigation, methods, results, as well as impact, effects and/or consequences. In addition to the abstract, a maximum of five pages of supporting documents (i.e., charts, tables, diagrams, references) will be accepted to aid in the selection of papers. Papers to be considered for presentation should address one or more of the following topics:

• Research and Studies (Naturalistic Studies; Motorcyclist Crash Analysis; Injury and Fatality Statistics; Impaired Rider Research)
• Human Factors (Motorcyclist Safety Attitudes on Training/Education; Impaired Riding, Conspicuity or Protective Gear; Visual/Hazard Perception; Roadway Characteristics, ITS and other Technology; Rider Demographics/Characteristics; Sociological/Cultural Aspects of Rider Safety)
• Countermeasures (Motorcyclist Training and Education Evaluations; Motorcyclist Training Program Administration; Protective Gear; Conspicuity; Impaired Riding Programs; Motorcyclist Licensing and Testing; Public Information and Education; Law Enforcement)

To determine acceptability for presentation, abstracts will be reviewed by the conference steering committee, chaired by MSF President and CEO Tim Buche. Papers should use research methodology commonly accepted in their referenced discipline and be authored between 2010 and 2013. Priority will be given to more recent research.

The 2013 ifz/MSF International Motorcycle Safety Conference marks the first time since 2006 that MSF has hosted such an event in the United States. At the ’06 conference, approximately 350 participants representing 18 countries and 32 states attended. For additional information, please contact Dr. Sherry Williams, Director of Quality Assurance and Research, at (949) 727-4211 or email swilliams@msf-usa.org.

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, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

The ifz (Institute for Motorcycle Safety), located in Essen, Germany, dedicates its work to any improvement of the situation of powered two-wheelers, supports ideas on road traffic safety and puts them into practice, informs about the particularities of motorcycle riding and asks for mutual understanding among all road traffic participants.  As a member of the German Verkehrssicherheitsrat (DVR, a German Association working on behalf of Road Traffic Safety) the ifz actively co-operates in the development and realization of road safety programs for motorized two-wheelers, from motor-assisted bicycles to high engine capacity motorcycles. Simultaneously, the ifz supports projects carried out by BASt (Bundesanstalt für Straßenwesen, German Federal Highway Research Institute) on the same topic.  In addition to local research, the ifz organizes international motorcycle conferences, in co-operation with the U.S.-based Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), which are attended by scientists from all over the world.

 

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Motorcycle Safety Foundation to Unveil Groundbreaking Research Results at 2013 International Safety Conference in Florida

New ifz/MSF Safety Conference Pairs with Inaugural AIMExpo

IRVINE, CA – October 1,  2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – In its continuing effort to support and develop the global motorcycling safety community, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation will release preliminary results from its unprecedented MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study at the upcoming U.S.-based ifz/MSF International Motorcycle Safety Conference. Per the MSF Board of Trustees, the conference will be held in conjunction with the inaugural American International Motorcycle Expo, scheduled for Oct. 16 – 20, 2013, in Orlando, Fla.

Complementing five days of events at the AIMExpo, the ifz/MSF conference is expected to draw hundreds of attendees from multiple continents. It will have a decidedly scientific focus, with heavy emphasis on the successful delivery of safety education and training toward improved student outcomes. Not only will results from the MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic Study be shared, other presentations will include peer-reviewed papers on topics such as vehicles, motorcycles, human behavior and more.

“We are very excited about hosting an international safety conference on U.S. soil,” said MSF Vice President Robert Gladden. “We are also thrilled to be holding it in conjunction with the new AIMExpo; the two events are mutually beneficial, and the Expo adds a consumer-oriented dynamic. Between the two, we hope to better serve the riding community by creating a gathering of experts in the motorcycle safety field. We expect a range of attendees that includes federal and state policy makers, RiderCourseSM administers and sponsors, MSF-certified RiderCoaches and RiderCoach Trainers, and more. As always, it is MSF’s goal to create riders of good riding character who make wise choices in risk management and become advocates of life-long learning.”

Echoing the comments made by Gladden, Marketplace Events Trade Show Division President Mike Webster said he was thrilled to host the MSF Safety Conference at AIMExpo.  “From its very inception, AIMExpo has been designed to energize the motorcycle industry in the United States,” said Webster.  “Bringing together hundreds of individuals all focused on improving motorcycle safety is certainly part of that vision and we’re glad the MSF Board of Trustees chose our event for this prestigious gathering.”

Additionally, the MSF conference will offer professional development opportunities for those who administer or sponsor RiderCourses, as well as the chance to work with other user groups to increase the safety of the overall riding environment. Practical training demonstrations of exercises from the MSF’s 23 RiderCourses will be offered, as will information on the updated Basic RiderCourse, which now includes an eCourse component. Finally, attendees can get details on how the new Basic RiderCourse is being successfully implemented in participating states.

An official call for papers to be considered for presentation at the 2013 ifz/MSF International Motorcycle Safety Conference will follow shortly.

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, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.

The Institute of Contemporary History Institut für Zeitgeschichte (IfZ) located in Munich, Germany is a national research institution having the legal status of a publicly endowed foundation. Although independent of the university system, the Institute interacts significantly with the academic world, its own scholars sometimes holding appointments simultaneously at the universities Munich, Regensburg and Bonn. The Institute’s publications are works either produced by the Institute’s scholars, or works submitted from outside under the aegis or direct sponsorship of the Institute. The publications cover all themes of research current in contemporary history and are considered exemplary in the field of contemporary history throughout Germany.

 

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Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge trains 300,000th student

MILWAUKEE, WI – September 27, 2012 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Rider’s Edge, the Harley-Davidson Academy of Motorcycling is celebrating the milestone of training 300,000 motorcycle riders in the New Rider’s Course since its inception in 2000.

The Harley-Davidson Rider’s Edge program lets beginners to learn to ride or helps experienced riders enhance their skills. Conducted at select Harley-Davidson dealerships around the country, the Rider’s Edge New Rider Course trains new riders in the classroom and with instruction on the motorcycles, while the Skilled Rider Course provides additional riding instruction and practice on specific skills.

Rider’s Edge is currently available in 43 states and uses a proven curriculum of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course. Upon completion, students receive an MSF Completion Card, which may help with getting a motorcycle license in most states, as well as possible insurance discounts.

To enroll in Rider’s Edge, students need appropriate riding gear and the ability to ride a bicycle. More information is available at www.harley-davidson.com/learntoride or at local dealerships.

The Rider’s Edge New Rider Course attracts significant numbers of new rider groups as 91 percent are new to the sport, 36 percent are students under the age of 35, and 35 percent are women.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.harley-davidson.com.

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