There is a problem facing our country. Trained and endorsed motorcyclists are getting killed or seriously injured on our nations’ highways at alarming rates. See the most current NHTSA data (page 4) to get an idea of the trend. The disconnect lies somewhere between skills demonstrated in a parking lot and real-world operation. Motorcycle injuries and fatalities have a huge economic and emotional impact on our society and we believe we can reduce this impact through training.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has come a long way in its quest to provide excellent standardized training to almost all endorsed motorcyclists. The problem is that beyond the parking lot where the training takes place lies a demanding and dangerous operating environment where car culture is pervasive.
Automobile operators sit largely disengaged and distracted, moving to their destinations without consideration for the motorcyclists with which they must share the road.
Motorcyclists are second class citizens on our highways. Not by malicious intent, but by unintended lack of attention and understanding by other road and highway users. Motorists don’t expect motorcyclists and are generally unaware of the synergistic relationship needed to share the road. Changing this culture is almost impossible, but it is possible to change the way motorcyclists approach their riding environment and consequently, the way they use their cars.
Todayʼs motorcycle training is woefully inadequate in reducing tragic motorcycle accidents on our nationʼs roadways. The training is largely ineffective and does not produce measurable decreases in traffic injuries and fatality rates for motorcycle operators.
We think you’ll agree that we have a problem to fix. We have some ideas we want to implement at our school.