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Motorcycle operator training for fun and survival
Maverick - Mar 21, 2009
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Motorcycling accidents - injury and fatal - have been on the increase during the past ten years. In 2007, one out of every eight highway fatalities was a motorcyclists. Yet amazingly, many motorcyclists remain untrained!
Recognizing the need for more motorcyclists to be trained in safe operation of motorcycles, I signed up for a Black B.A.G. Rider Education & Safety School’s (Black B.A.G.), Experienced Rider Training Class.
The Black B.A.G. Experienced Rider Training Class begins in a classroom setting with participants introducing themselves to each other. Participants may be as young as 16, and as old as 92, with as much as 60+ years of experience, or just purchased a new bike. Rides include all brands of V-twins, sportbikes, cruisers, dual sport, scooters, and customs. While class members become acquainted with one another and performance anxieties are moderating, Bob Frank, Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCoach Trainer of the Year is making mental notes of participants’ strengths, needs, and potential contributions to the class.
The classroom portion of the motorcycle training focuses on review of motorcycling and handling essentials: e.g., ways to reduce risk, motorcycle only accidents, mechanics of motorcycle operation, pre-ride checklist, and questions specific to the participants in each class.
When all participant questions are answered, and a written test taken (not everyone passes), everyone moves to the range portion of the training. Here, participants are guided through sixteen skill and handling exercises while riding their own motorcycles (or one provided by Black B.A.G.), encouraged to practice to achieve a level of comfort and skill, and “coached” on ways to improve.
Motorcycle training is necessary
Consider this: it is estimated that only 20 percent of motorcyclists in the U.S. have taken a motorcycle training program leading to a motorcycle endorsement designation on their driver’s license.
According to the latest Annual Assessment of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in the United States, motorcyclist fatalities continued their 10-year increase, reaching 5,154 in 2007, the highest number since NHTSA started collecting fatality crash data in 1975. Motorcyclist fatalities now account for 13 percent of total highway fatalities. While the number of injury accidents involving automobiles and light trucks decreased between 2006 and 2007 by nearly 5 percent, motorcycle injury accidents increased by 17 percent.
According to Frank; “motorcyclists must have a mechanical aptitude, physical coordination, strength sufficient to balance a motorcycle, and positive mental attitude toward continuous learning, in order to be successful as a motorcycle operator. The Black B.A.G. motto is: “Your Safety is Our Business!”
Frank, owner of Black B.A.G., and RiderCoach Trainer, is an experienced (45+ years and over 700,000 miles), rider who loves motorcycles and began Black B.A.G. to “expose motorcyclists to a good and safe way to have fun.” Black B.A.G. trains 1500+ motorcyclists per year.
Black B.A.G., LLC is the only school owned and operated by an MSF Certified RiderCoach Trainer, (A Train-the-Trainer Instructor / RiderCoach), who is also a certified EMT-I, American Red Cross (ARC) Instructor, and Accident Scene Management (ASM) Lead Instructor.
The Black Bag Rider Education & Safety Training School offers: Basic Rider Course, Intermediate Rider Course, and Experienced Rider Course (ERC) Suite based on MSF developed and certified curricula.
Black B.A.G. also offers a 3-hour introductory course to motorcycle or scooter riding that includes: pre-ride safety check (personal gear and motorcycle / scooter), mounting/dismounting, posture/balance, clutch/throttle control, walking the motorcycle/scooter (under power), braking, and slow controlled turns.
Black B.A.G. demonstrates its superior versatility by offering Accident Scene Management certification classes, (A first responder class focused on the needs of a downed motorcyclist), and the American Red Cross, (CPR, First Aid, AED).
RiderCoach Frank encourages participants’ attention with his calm manner. Students don’t need to spend much time with him to appreciate his knowledge on the subject of motorcycle safety. While inviting questions on any related subject, his responses are knowledgeable, thoughtful, and presented in a manner that allows students to visualize and comprehend the application.
While some trainers make it clear that theirs is the last word, Frank listens to the nuances of students’ questions and comments. He tailors his responses accordingly. He responds as if he believes that no question is a dumb question. In other words, he creates a classroom and practicum environment that promotes a cycle of learning, practice, coaching, and reintegration of new motorcycle handling skills and behaviors.
Click here for more information about Black B.A.G. Rider Education and Safety School.
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