Motorcycle safety training is essential for riders of all levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans. This post explores the importance of motorcycle safety training and the various types of training available to riders.
In this guide we discuss the critical importance of motorcycle safety training, offering insights into its diverse range of programs and benefits. Emphasizing how such training equips riders with essential skills, awareness, and confidence to navigate the inherent risks of motorcycle riding. From basic courses tailored for novices to advanced programs focusing on refining skills, riders have various options to choose from. Accredited programs like those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) ensure adherence to industry standards. We will also highlight the significance of ongoing learning and practice beyond initial training, advocating for a commitment to continuous improvement and staying informed about evolving safety guidelines and technologies. Ultimately, motorcycle safety training is not just a way to get your endorsement, but a foundational pillar for responsible riding, empowering riders to enjoy their passion while minimizing risks and promoting a culture of safety on the road.
Understanding the Crucial Role of Motorcycle Safety Training:
"The more I learn the more I realize that I don’t know what I’m doing."
-Dave Tolbert (MTA Founder)
"I was 17 years old when I joined the Army," Dave Tolbert remembers, founder of Motorcycle Training Academy (MTA). "When I was leaving Germany at 19 years old, some friends of mine were buying motorcycles, so peer pressure...I bought a motorcycle. I didn’t want to admit that I didn’t know how to ride a motorcycle."
He continues, "so when we got to Texas to pick up the motorcycle, we went to the dealership and I hopped on the bike and did a wheelie on my Harley and almost hit a wall. Luckily my friends were standing around and they caught the motorcycle and I was like 'oh no, I know what I’m doing. It was just a fluke.'"
Dave rode for another 10 years without a license and without any formal training. He was involved in several accidents, multiple close calls, and was "Lucky to be alive." When he was stationed at Ft Carson, Colorado in 2001, the Army finally caught up with him. They made him take a safety course. "So I took that class and realized I really didn’t know what I was doing." He says, "I’m lucky to be alive...I learned a lot in that class and when I was taking the class, they asked me did I want to become an instructor, so I became an instructor. Thought that I knew everything there was I needed to know...Then the Motorcycle Safety Foundation sent me to become an instructor trainer, so I could train instructors. I learned a whole bunch more that I didn’t even know was out there. Then I thought I knew everything...they sent me to a track course. I had never been on a track or a sports bike and realized how much more that I really didn’t know."
"The more I learn the more I realize that I don’t know what I’m doing," he explains. Dave went on to establish his own training company, MTA, and trained hundreds of instructors across the nation. During that time, he instilled in his employees and the instructors he trained the need to keep learning, keep practicing, keep training. And we in turn, pass that imperative to our students.
Motorcycle riding, while thrilling and liberating, is inherently a risky activity. Riders navigate through various road conditions, traffic scenarios, and unexpected challenges, making it imperative to possess the necessary skills and knowledge to handle any situation safely.
Safety training serves as the foundation upon which riders build their expertise, instilling essential techniques, awareness, and confidence. By undergoing formal training, riders not only mitigate the risks associated with riding but also foster a culture of responsibility and respect for the road.
Exploring the Spectrum of Motorcycle Safety Training Programs:
"This shit will save your life."
-Buck Lynn (Buck's FUNday founder)
Riders are presented with a wide selection of courses, ranging from introductory courses designed for beginners to advanced programs aimed at enhancing expertise. Accredited initiatives, such as those provided by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), guarantee compliance with industry benchmarks and state licensing requirements. Here are just a few of the courses offered to Colorado riders.
- Basic Rider Course (BRC) / 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course (3WBRC): This course is tailored for novice riders, the BRC introduces fundamental skills in a controlled environment. From mastering throttle control to executing precise turns, participants gain a solid understanding of the mechanics of riding. This is where the foundation is built for each rider. Not sure if riding is really for you? This is a great course to try your hand at riding without dropping several thousand dollars on a bike, only to learn that it's not for you. In most states (like in Colorado) this course counts as a license waiver course to get your motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license.
- Experienced RiderCourse (BRC2): This course is a specialized training program tailored for seasoned riders looking to enhance their skills and knowledge. This course focuses on refining riding techniques, improving situational awareness, and honing hazard avoidance skills. The ERC curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including cornering, braking, swerving, and defensive riding strategies. Through hands-on practice and personalized feedback, riders gain confidence and proficiency in navigating complex road scenarios. By completing the Experienced RiderCourse, riders not only sharpen their abilities but also contribute to safer riding practices within the motorcycle community. In most states (like in Colorado) this course also counts as a license waiver course to get your motorcycle endorsement on your drivers license. There is a Skills Practice version that does not meet license waiver requirements.
- Basic Bike Bonding RiderCourse (BBBRC): is a foundational training program designed to enhance riders' control and confidence at low speeds. Led by certified instructors, participants engage in exercises focused on throttle control, balance, and maneuvering. This course aims to build a solid foundation for riders, fostering a strong connection with their motorcycles and improving safety on the road.
- Advanced Rider Course (ARC): Designed for riders seeking to refine their skills and elevate their proficiency, the ARC delves deeper into advanced riding techniques, curve management, body positioning and low speed maneuvers. Emphasizing precision, agility, and situational awareness, this course equips riders to navigate complex road conditions with confidence.
- Ultimate Bike Bonding RiderCourse (UBBRC): is an advanced training program designed to strengthen the connection between riders and their motorcycles. This course focuses on developing precise control, balance, and maneuvering skills essential for navigating tight spaces and challenging road conditions with confidence. Participants engage in a series of interactive exercises and drills aimed at enhancing low-speed handling, throttle control, and spatial awareness. The UBBRC promotes fostering a deeper understanding of motorcycle dynamics and control. This course is ideal for riders seeking to refine their technique and develop a strong bond with their motorcycles, ultimately enhancing their overall riding experience.
- Adventurebike RiderCourse (ADVRC): is tailored for riders seeking to master the skills required for off-road and adventure riding. Led by certified instructors, participants learn essential techniques such as navigating rough terrain, handling obstacles, and maintaining control on varied surfaces. This course emphasizes safety and proficiency in adventurous riding scenarios, empowering participants to confidently explore new horizons on their adventure bikes (Coming soon to the MTA course lineup).
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Courses: Renowned for their comprehensive curriculum and experienced instructors, MSF courses cater to riders of all skill levels. From the Basic Rider Course to specialized workshops focusing on specific aspects of riding, MSF offers a diverse range of training options to suit every rider's needs.
- ProRider and Ride Like a Pro courses: these courses are specialized training programs designed to improve motorcycle riders' skills in advanced riding techniques. Led by experienced instructors, participants learn advanced cornering, braking, and maneuvering skills to enhance their safety and control on the road. These courses focus on precision riding and hazard avoidance, empowering riders to navigate challenging road conditions with confidence and proficiency.
- Take it to the Track: Training on a track offers numerous benefits and a unique experience for motorcycle riders looking to enhance their skills and improve their riding techniques. Motorcycle training on a track offers riders a unique and invaluable opportunity to improve their riding techniques, and experience the thrill of high-speed riding in a safe and controlled environment. Whether you're a novice rider looking to build a strong foundation or an experienced rider aiming to master advanced techniques, track training provides a challenging, rewarding, and unforgettable learning experience that will elevate your riding skills and transform your riding journey. There is a time and place for everything and high-speed riding and racing belongs on the track, not only for your safety, but those we share the roads with. There are options for street racing or dirt racing on a track as well.
- Private Instruction: For riders craving personalized attention and tailored guidance, private instruction offers a unique opportunity for accelerated learning. Certified instructors work closely with riders to address individual challenges, hone specific skills, and cultivate a deeper understanding of safe riding practices.
- Buck's FUNday: There are informal instruction opportunities out there as well like Bucks FUNday Motorcycle Practice. It is a free and open semi-structured arena dedicated to the practice of the finer points of Slow Speed Motorcycle Skills Handling, braking, and evasive maneuvers. This is not a class, this is an optional avenue for all Riders to pursue, for free, a higher skill level of riding, at their own risk. Their goal is to create and provide a regular, social, safe, and mildly structured arena where people can meet up on a regular basis to enjoy practicing the finer points of slow speed Motorcycle handling, and have a great time doing it together. "This shit will save your life." (Description from Buck's FUNday Facebook group linked above).
There truly is not a "one size fits all" option when it comes to motorcycle safety training. With so many choices for new riders to experienced riders to choose from, there really is no good excuse to not take formal training. Your bike and your life may depend on it someday.
Navigating the Maze - Choosing the Right Training Program:
You don't know what you don't know.
Choosing a good motorcycle training program is crucial for developing safe riding skills and building confidence on the road. Several factors should be considered when selecting a training program:
Accreditation: Ensure that the program is accredited by recognized motorcycle safety organizations, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Accredited programs adhere to established safety standards and curriculum. Accreditation also ensures that you will receive a similar experience from one company and location to the next. Additionally, those taking a course to earn their motorcycle license/endorsement, accreditation is important to know if your state will accept the course for license waiver purposes. In Colorado, the MSF Basic RiderCourse and Experienced RiderCourse are accepted as valid license waiver courses.
Students listen intently as their RiderCoach, Kent, facilitates discussion following an exercise.
Instructors: Experienced and certified instructors are essential. Check the qualifications, certifications, and teaching experience of the instructors to ensure they can effectively impart their knowledge and skills. Many companies will have a page dedicated to their employees so that you know who to expect to see out there in the training course. MTA's most visited page on our website is the "Our Team" page. Taking a motorcycle training course can be a highly stressful event and knowing who will be guiding you through this experience can relieve some of that stress.
Curriculum: A comprehensive and well-structured curriculum should cover essential riding skills, safety techniques, traffic rules, and emergency maneuvers. Programs that offer both classroom instruction and hands-on riding practice generally cater to more than just one learning style. Similarly with accreditation, having a structured curriculum ensures that you will get a comparable experience from one company to the next and different locations.
Facilities and Equipment: The training facility should have appropriate training areas, such as practice tracks or courses, and well-maintained motorcycles suitable for training. Safety gear like helmets, gloves, and protective clothing should be provided or available for use.
Student-to-Instructor Ratio: A lower student-to-instructor ratio allows for more personalized instruction and feedback, ensuring that students receive adequate attention and can progress at their own pace. Private or one-on-one instruction will ensure the lowest student-to-instructor ratio possible, but will not allow the student to interact with other riders within a course setting.
Reviews and Reputation: Research online reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from previous students to gauge the program's effectiveness, quality of instruction, and overall reputation.
I don’t even know how to drive a stick shift and booked a class as a Mother’s Day present to myself. I was scared, anxious and awkward. I took the class for a confidence boost and to challenge myself. I’ve only ever been a passenger. I almost gave up. Tony was a perfect instructor. I explained to him my learning style and he tailored how he coached me to what I needed. When I had my give up moment he spoke to me how I needed to to be spoken to and I finished the day. Came back day two and left with that card. I still can’t believe I did it. If you’re scared and unsure just do it! I did it all by myself almost no one knew I was taking this class and I just booked it. This crew will do all they can to teach you. Thank you MTA!
-Samantha Zelenka (MTA Customer)
Cost and Value: While cost is a consideration, it's essential to focus on the value offered by the program. Compare the cost with the quality of instruction, curriculum comprehensiveness, and training duration to determine the overall value. Keep in mind that quality instruction can get expensive in general, however the value that you receive from the training can be priceless.
Continuing Education and Advanced Courses: Look for programs that offer continuing education and advanced courses for riders who want to further improve their skills and knowledge after completing the basic training. Riders should always continue to practice and refine their skills on a daily basis. Sometimes that is not enough and in order to police any bad habits picked up along the way and hone your skills above and beyond what practice will do alone, a structured continuing education course like the Ultimate Bike Bonding RiderCourse can be invaluable.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose a motorcycle training program that best suits your learning needs, ensures your safety, and helps you become a skilled and responsible rider. As they say, "you don't know what you don't know". Your ultimate goal should be to become the best, safest rider possible while out there on the roads. A motorcycle safety training course can add more riding "tools" to your toolbox allowing you to focus on what is important, enjoying the ride and the freedom that comes with it.
Embracing Lifelong Learning and Continuous Improvement:
Lifelong learning and continuous practice are integral to becoming a safe and responsible motorcycle rider.
Motorcycle safety, as in riding, is not about the destination but about the journey—a journey characterized by ongoing learning, practice, and refinement. Beyond initial training, riders should actively seek opportunities for growth and development. Lifelong learning and continuous practice are fundamental principles for becoming and remaining a safe motorcycle rider. Here's why these aspects are crucial:
Skill Development: Motorcycle riding requires a combination of physical skills, mental alertness, and strategic decision-making. Continuously practicing and learning allows riders to refine their riding techniques, improve their control over the motorcycle, and enhance their ability to handle various riding scenarios effectively. Solid riding skills will vastly improve your ride and enjoyment while riding. This translates to less worrying about the handling of your motorcycle and more time enjoying the ride and watching out for hazards on the road.
So many things out there that riders have to divide their attention for, why not remove some with solid skill development.
Adaptability: The road and traffic conditions are constantly changing, requiring riders to adapt quickly and make split-second decisions. Lifelong learning ensures that riders stay updated with the latest safety practices, traffic rules, and technological advancements in motorcycle design and safety features, enabling them to adapt to new challenges and environments confidently. Training on your own motorcycle will increase your familiarity with these design features of your machine.
Risk Management: Riding a motorcycle comes with inherent risks due to factors like road conditions, weather, and other motorists' actions. Continuous learning emphasizes risk management strategies, hazard awareness, and defensive riding techniques, equipping riders with the knowledge and skills to anticipate potential dangers and minimize risks on the road. Your risk can increase instantaneously on the road, practice and formal training can increase your skills so that you are up for the challenge when "mayhem" strikes.
Confidence Building: As riders gain more experience and knowledge through continuous practice and learning, their confidence in their riding abilities and decision-making skills grows. Confidence is essential for maintaining composure in challenging situations, reducing anxiety, and ensuring smoother and safer rides. Confidence in your ability and the motorcycle's capabilities can only be achieved through practice and continuing education. It is one of the single most important "skills" a rider can possess.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Traffic laws, regulations, and safety standards evolve over time. Lifelong learning ensures that riders stay informed about the latest legal requirements, licensing procedures, and safety regulations, avoiding legal issues and ensuring compliance with current standards.
MTA Alumni can connect with other students and our coaches to support each other and share their experiences through our Motorcycle Training Academy Alumni Facebook group.
Community and Support: Engaging in continuous learning and practice allows riders to connect with a community of fellow enthusiasts and experienced riders. Sharing experiences, knowledge, and learning from others' insights fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment, enhancing the overall riding experience and promoting a culture of safety and responsibility within the riding community. Formal training environments are perfect places to meet like minded riders and learn from others.
Lifelong learning and continuous practice are integral to becoming a safe and responsible motorcycle rider. By committing to ongoing education, skill development, and practice, riders can enhance their riding abilities, reduce risks, build confidence, and enjoy the thrill of riding while prioritizing safety and responsible riding behavior on the road.
Motorcycle safety training is of paramount importance for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts.
Motorcycle safety training is of paramount importance for riders of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. Proper training equips riders with essential skills, knowledge, and techniques to navigate the challenges of the road safely, enhance their riding confidence, and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. By prioritizing safety and investing in continuous learning and practice, riders not only protect themselves but also contribute to fostering a culture of responsible and respectful riding within the motorcycle community.
Embracing motorcycle safety training as an integral part of the riding experience ensures a safer, more enjoyable, and fulfilling journey on two wheels, emphasizing the value of lifelong learning, skill development, and responsible riding behavior on the road. Motorcycle safety training is not merely a box to check but a cornerstone of responsible riding. By investing in quality training, embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, and prioritizing safety at every turn, riders can embark on their two (or three)-wheeled adventures with confidence, skill, and an emotional commitment to safety.
Post by: GARRETT LARSON, MTA RiderCoach
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