Safe Group Riding: Part 2: Uniform Rider Education

By Ben Harper, ISRA #12795

In my last article, I discussed the need for the use of the "two-second rule" in group riding. Most of us now understand the fundamentals of group riding based upon this principle. However, many among our members have started their riding experiences under less than ideal conditions, training-wise, so this article will underscore the need for a basic rider-education program for all members as a baseline for your safety program.

While most of us who have survived riding on the roads of America for any length of time will attest, there is some validity to the old saying, "There are two kinds of riders--those that have gone down and those that will go down." For those of us who have been riding longer than most rider-education programs have existed, some credit must be accorded these brave souls who have managed to survive without the benefit of any real training, in most cases.

Most experts in the field of traffic safety would agree that driver education saves many lives among the most lethal of drivers, the dreaded teenager. NTSA statistics also clearly demonstrate that motorcyclists who ride without a valid license account for up to 90% of fatal accident victims (NTSA report for 1998, California). So, clearly, driver education and proper licensing are key ingredients to successful survival of our sport.

Logically then, doesn't it make sense to encourage ALL of our members to take at least a basic rider-education class? The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, or MSF, has demonstrated through its rider-education program that the rate of accidents among new riders can be dramatically reduced through rider-training programs. The comparison is clear: Riders properly trained have a far greater survival rate than untrained riders.

Furthermore, even the most experienced rider can benefit from a "refresher course" like one of the advanced rider-education programs currently available. These classes are usually one day and are presented from the perspective that you already are a survivor and are therefore knowledgeable about the basic rules of the road and the basic skills related to piloting a motorcycle.

Your ISRA Constellation will also benefit greatly from universal training in that everyone will start from basically the same reference point when it comes to developing your rider leadership team. Once everyone has passed a rider education class, your rides become a venue for leadership development, not rehashing your basic ride rules. Your members will also benefit from insurance-premium discounts upon proof of passing the class, because most insurance companies offer reductions in rates upon graduation of a rider-education class.

Finally, as most of you know, there are programs available to train your constellation in the art of group riding. The MSF, among others, has made available a video training program to assist your efforts to ride in a formation. However, without good basic riding skills on the part of EVERYONE involved, no amount of advanced training can be productive.

As a footnote, remember that the friends and family you ride with (and most of you consider your fellow riders "family") will also benefit from your continued education. Certainly, we all want to make sure our brothers and sisters get home safely, and your further training improves your chances of having a safe, successful ride.

So, in conclusion, this should be a simple decision. With everyone in your ride group a rider education graduate, you have uniform training of new members, a baseline from which to develop your advanced group riding skills and abilities, and the possibility of reduced insurance premiums. In other words, what are you waiting for?