Motorcycle Safety Resources & Links

February 26 2011

NOTE:

inclusion of a link below is for informational purposes only, and does not infer any endorsement of specific organisation, publication, etc by the BMW MOA Foundation; the Foundation also derives no financial benefits in providing these links
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Online Articles

"Ten tips for a safe motorcycle ride" • from Global Toronto's web site

"Constable Hugh Smith of the Toronto Police Service spent 12 years as a police vehicle operations instructor, teaching officers how to safely ride motorcycles and other vehicles.

Here are Constable Smith’s top ten motorcycle safety tips:

1. Take a course: It’s important for you to learn how to safely drive a motorcycle and to be evaluated by an instructor. “What we’re looking for is that they control the motorcycle, the motorcycle doesn’t control them,” says Const. Smith.

2. Make sure you have proper riding gear: A helmet is required by law, but riders should also have long sleeves, long pants, ankle boots and a jacket, even when it’s hot outside. “The sun just drains you,” he says. Also – think about road rash.

3. Make yourself visible: Many collisions are caused by a car turning into a motorcycle. So, you want drivers to see you. Wear a reflective vest or contrasting colours and make eye contact with drivers to be sure that they’re aware of you.

4. Slow down: Most fatal accidents are caused by excessive speed. Motorcycles are unstable vehicles, says Const. Smith, and they have a limited grip on the road. You don’t want to lose control around a turn.

5. Don’t ride impaired: You shouldn’t ride after drinking or consuming drugs, but you also shouldn’t ride when you’re tired, says Const. Smith. “You need 100 per cent of your attention.”

6. Ride with a buddy: Riding with friends allows you to occupy a full lane, makes you more visible and you can keep an eye on each other if something goes wrong.

7. Make sure your motorcycle is properly maintained: Check your vehicle frequently for problems. Tire pressure is especially important, says Const. Smith. A section of your tires about the size of a footprint is all that keeps you on the road, and any problems with tire pressure can be dangerous.

8. Communicate with other drivers: Make eye contact with drivers and make sure they’re aware of your movements. Consider using hand signals while turning, as indicator lights on motorcycles are very small. And if you’re comfortable with a specific group of cars, stay with them.

9. Scan the road: Many accidents are caused when cars turn into motorcycles or come out of driveways. If you’re aware of what’s happening around you, you can avoid dangerous situations. “Your head should constantly be moving on a motorcycle,” says Const. Smith.

10. Refresh your skills: No matter how long you have been riding, you will still be rusty after a few months off. Take a refresher course if it’s been a while or if you have a new machine. “Ask yourself, can I improve? Am I the best and safest driver?” says Const. Smith. He points out that police officers, including himself, have to re-qualify every year to keep riding."

http://www.globaltoronto.com/tips+safe+motorcycle+ride/4886783/story.html

Websites

Motorcycle Safety Foundation • www.msf-usa.org • (800) 446-9227.

Industry-supported research and curriculum-provider for RiderCourses, Host-an-Event workshops, state-licensing test-templates, RiderCoach training and certification, simulator-training. Provides beginner through advanced curricula to state programs, sponsors and others. Website has riding tips, safety and research information. Call to locate a RiderCourse near you anywhere in the US.

BMWPerformance CenterMotorcycle Training • www.bmwusa.com • (888) 345-4269

“Calling all riders. If you thrive on two wheels, with the wind in your face, then the BMW Performance Center Motorcycle Training is Heaven on Earth. Classes for both on-road and off-road enthusiasts focus on safety and performance, resulting in minimal time in the classroom and maximum time on the course.”On-road and off-road motorcycle training courses, 3-day training tours. Located at the BMW Performance Driving Center, Greer SC.

Kevin Schwantz School • www.schwantzschool.com • (866) 223-5649

Now affiliated with the MSF and Motorcycle Industry Council, operated by 1993 World Champion Kevin Schwantz; “While the racetrack is our classroom, the Schwantz School is not a racing school. I like to think of it as 2.38 miles of asphalt without cars and other distractions. We have a full fleet of Honda and Suzukis for students to ride, or you can bring your own Honda or Suzuki. My ultimate goal is to create more confident, safer riders. The school is divided into two groups, to allow for more personal attention. Both groups are taught the basics of visual skills and body positioning, which sounds elementary, but if you approach my two-day program with the right mindset for even the basic things that we teach, you'll become a much better rider.” Located at Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham AL, with a program at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Stayin’ Safe Advanced Rider Training • www.stayinsafe.com • (724) 771-2269)

Founded by ‘Mr. Safety,’ the late Larry Grodsky, Stayin’ Safe Motorcycle Training pioneered on-street rider training in the US and was developed to teach advanced "road reading" techniques in real-world environments. Refined over more than two decades, the Stayin’ Safe method combines proven street strategies with real-time coaching techniques for an incomparable learning experience. One-way, real-time radio coaching, 2- and 3-day ‘safety-and-training’ tours, luxury accommodations and meals. On-road, and on-and-off-road tours. Maximum 1:3 Instructor/Riders ratio. Training tours in selected US locations and Europe.

Advanced Street Skills – Puget Sound Safety • www.smartcornering.com • www.pugetsoundsafety.com • (888) 539-7545 • (253) 770-8888

Advanced Street Skills for riders looking to better their skills on the road and improve performance and technique. Puget Sound Safety provides a safe, controlled and educational environment. This is not just a day at the track, rather a structured event where you can hone cornering skills needed to be a safe and skilled rider at real world speeds. Offers Lee Parks’ Total Control curriculum to students. Pacific Northwest.

Lee Parks Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic • www.totalcontroltraining.net • (800) 943-5638

Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic (Total Control ARC) has a solution for those experienced riders "caught in the middle" between parking-lot based courses and high-speed instruction on closed courses, as well as those track-day junkies and racers who want to be able to further enhance their skills in a controlled environment with expert instruction. Promises ‘measureable results,’ offers several levels. Available in selected locations in the US.

Keith Code’s California Superbike School • www.superbikeschool.com • (323) 224-2734

One- and two-day on-track courses specializing in cornering techniques, several different levels, use of special-use bikes for student-learning, semi-private training available. Southern California, Australia, Europe.

Reg Pridmore’s CLASS Motorcycle School • www.classrides.com • (805)933-9936

Operated for 34 years by three-time AMA Superbike Champ and Hall of Fame member Reg Pridmore, who has been conveying his concepts in a straightforward manner, so they are easy to understand and put to use. Whether you're an experienced track rider, or looking to get on the track for the first time, CLASS will help you ride more smoothly and confidently. California, Virginia. Military discounts available.

Riders Edge • www.ridersedge.com

Go to website for local information. Operated at selected Harley-Davidson retailers, the Riders Edge rider-training program is open to riders and prospective riders of all makes. Offers new-rider, skilled-rider, group-riding and ‘About The Bikes’ curriculum. Riders Edge uses MSF-based riding and classroom curriculum for the New Rider and Skilled Rider courses, customized for H-D products. New Rider course uses Buell Blast training motorcycles. Riders Edge classes include a ‘Dealer Tour’ that showcases new and used motorcycles, accessories, apparel, and the service and parts departments.

Penguin Road Racing School • www.penguinracing.com • (978) 297-1800

The Penguin Roadracing School,now in it's 34th year is The Oldest Motorcycle Roadracing School in the Country. We are dedicated to helping the new rider learn the basic skills necessary for a successful racing career, as well as to tutoring the experienced racer who needs the competitive edge to get to the front of the pack. We also welcome the street riding enthusiast who would like to improve their everyday riding skills and experience the race track in a non-racing environment.” Classes in New England and Florida.

Streetmasters Motorcycle Workshops • www.streetmasters.info • (805) 464-0544

“Here's what you've been waiting for. The Streetmasters Precision Cornering Motorcycle Workshop. Designed specifically for touring, sport-touring, cruiser, and sport bike riders. Personalized motorcycle training to take your skills to the next level. You'll be smoother, more confident, relaxed — ready to take on the curves and have fun doing it. No racing, just proven techniques from expert motorcycle instructors on your own personal highway.” Corona/Willow Springs CA.

Atlanta Motorcycle Schools • www.jkminc.com • (770) 573-9902

“The premier source for private, professional street and off-road motorcycle training. Atlanta Motorcycle Schools provides the finest private motorcycle instruction available for beginning, intermediate, and experienced riders. Our one-to-one student/instructor ratio greatly accelerates each rider's learning curve because our classes are tailored to the individual rider's skill level. In fact, many of our graduates are amazed by their progress after only a few hours of training.” Atlanta, GAarea.

The Riders Workshop • www.ridersworkshop.com • (866) 767-6900

“The Rider’s Workshop is designed for riders who are curious and want more. These riders find riding the same roads to the same destinations no longer satisfying. Their experience may also indicate that their riding skills under-utilize the capability of their motorcycle.

Curiosity fuels a rider’s desire to further explore the riding experience. The purpose of the Rider’s Workshop is to help you become the accomplished rider you aspire to be. If you want to dig deeper and immerse yourself in the riding experience, working toward mastery, the Rider’s Workshop is for you.

The classroom is on the “invisible roads” of the Appalachian Mountains. Except for locals on tractors or in pickup trucks, these roads are virtually unknown, yet offer challenging riding conditions, great beauty, and wild, natural surprises. They run along remote ridgelines and stretch along shaded creeks of clear splashing water.

Participants in The Rider’s Workshop will learn the technique for discovering invisible roads and master the special skills to expertly ride them.

Finally, and most importantly, the Rider’s Workshop is dedicated to teaching safe motorcycling.

Like Zen—the art of riding smooth is a state of mind.” Midwest, Mississippi Valley, West Virginia.

SkipBarber Superbike School • www.skipbarbersuperbikeschool.com • (888) 757-4620

“Riders will be put through a variety of exercises designed to help you learn to control any motorcycle on the street and on the track. Demonstrations and drills on body position, throttle control (especially in a corner), shifting smoothly, braking (including trail braking), and changing direction quickly will help you learn how to keep the bike settled in all situations, helping you to be safe/fast and smooth at the same time. In addition, you will learn how to read the track, and where to put the motorcycle for optimum speed and the least effort. All exercises are explained in advance, and video feedback is used throughout the program to measure and check your progress.”Laguna Seca, CA

RawHyde Adventures • www.rawhyde-offroad.com • (213) 713 5652

“Adventure Riding:that is what exists beyond the end of the tarmac. Over 95% of the world's roads are unpaved, so if you don't like to (or can't) ride in the dirt, you'll find yourself confined to a mere 5% of the planet. RawHyde Adventures has something fun and exhilarating for any Adventure Rider, whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, our programs truly provide the definition of adventure.” Castaic,CA (Southern CA)

MotoMark1 LLC • www.motomark1.com • (919) 637-0947

MotoMark1 is North Carolina's premier provider of professional level motorcycle and ATV training to make riders of all levels safer and more proficient. Visit our "Classes" page for information on the quality training we provide for on/off road motorcyclists, ATV riders and law enforcement, EMS and military clients.

Publications