The BMW Motorcycle Owners of America, through its educational arm, the BMW MOA Foundation, presented a seminar dealing with the effects of aging on motorcyclists. The average age of a BMW rider is about 53 years. Those years bring an abundance of experience but those years also bring the effects of aging. Safe motorcycle riding requires concentration, coordination, balance and the ability to make quick, effective, decisions. The effects of aging may influence safety; therefore, it’s important that seasoned riders correct or compensate for the changes that occur with age.
The goal of the Seasoned Rider Course is to make riders aware of the general effects of aging on those skills necessary to ride safely and to encourage those steps to become increasingly safe and responsible motorcyclists. The SeasonedRider course is a training module prepared by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The course provides opportunities to discuss the affects of aging on riding skills to include how aging may result in both positive and detrimental effects on personal judgment and performance; its affect on vision, cognitive functions and motor skills; the effect of medications; and provided participants an opportunity to share some real-life situations and experiences.
The goal of the BMW MOA Foundation is to provide rider training and support for motorcycle safety and awareness programs. This goal is accomplished through the development of programs for riders, with an emphasis on youth, women and families. It is also sstablishing a clearinghouse for information related to the proper maintenance and safe motorcycle operation. It also supporst educational and personal growth programs related to safe and enjoyable motorcycle use.