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The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is calling on riders everywhere to keep learning and stay safe with the help of online information, most of it available for free.
“The MSF has a wide variety of digital content that can help motorcyclists while many training sites and RiderCoaches are unavailable during this pandemic,” said Robert Gladden, MSF vice president of training operations. “Many riders are still on the road, getting where they need to go, and we want them, and all motorists, to be as safe as possible.”
Anyone visiting the MSF’s online library will find useful educational materials from downloadable booklets to videos and quick tips.
Among these library items, the MSF’s Rider Perception Challenge is a fun and free way for motorcyclists to test themselves.
On the MSF's YouTube channel, also free, motorcyclists can take a dozen virtual street rides with Dr. Ray Ochs, MSF vice president of training systems, as he talks about real-world traffic while two-wheeling around Southern California.
For iPhone and iPad users, there are four free MSF courses on iTunes U, addressing various aspects of motorcycling theory, skills, tips, and strategies.
Beginning and veteran riders can purchase the MSF Basic eCourse, an interactive, three-hour, online introduction to motorcycling. It was designed as a key component of the hands-on MSF Basic RiderCourse, but taking the eCourse alone can help someone decide if motorcycling is right for them. It can also be beneficial for those who intend to take a hands-on course not using MSF curriculum. And the eCourse is strongly recommended for riders who have been away from motorcycling for some time.
For currently active and experienced riders, the MSF Street Strategies eCourse is an option. It focuses on all of the street strategies sections that are found in the Basic eCourse.
“We advocate lifelong learning for all riders, and right now these digital assets are playing a bigger role than ever,” Gladden said. “While we want everyday riders to stay sharp, we’re expecting the same from MSF RiderCoaches around the world, which is why we are hosting twice-weekly professional development webinars. Hundreds of RiderCoaches have already been participating. We want our coaches primed and ready, so when we are past these lock-down days, they can get back out onto ranges everywhere, doing the professional, hands-on rider training they do so well.”
“Our phone lines are up, our email is up, and we are keeping our spirits up,” Gladden said. “We are sharing best practices, participating in video conferences, sometimes just being there for our friends in the safety community, lending a sympathetic ear. We are determined that we will ride it out, together.”
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 endorsed by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; BMW Motorrad USA; BRP, Inc.; Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.; Indian Motorcycle; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; KTM North America, Inc.; Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.; Triumph Motorcycles America; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For safety information or to enroll in an MSF Basic RiderCourse near you, or to learn more about the many other MSF course offerings, visit MSF-USA.org or call (800) 446-9227.
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