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What exactly is the Rider
Education Program?
A brief introduction follows. The
GWRRA Rider Education Program is intended to make the
motorcycle environment safer by reducing injuries and
fatalities and increasing motorcyclist skills and
awareness. Through Commitment, Education,
and Application we can reduce our accident rate
significantly. There are four
levels of the Rider Education Program:
1.) Level I – Safety by
Commitment. The only requirement for Level 1 is the
expressed commitment of the Rider and / or Co- Rider
to being a safe rider. Identification includes a
“Safe Miles” patch, Rider or Co-Rider rocker and a
safe
miles pin. Additional pins can be obtained in 5000
mile increments. Initial fee for
level one is $6.00. There is no renewal fee unless you
wish to apply for additional mileage pins. Higher
mileage pins require a $2.00 fee and a new
application.
2.) Level II – Safety by
Education. This level requires a M/C endorsement on
your driver’s license, an approved riders course
within 2 years, and at least 5000 safe miles.
Co-Riders can qualify by attending a safe rider course
or a Co-Rider
seminar. (Many of our Co-Riders have qualified for
this level by attending a
seminar in the past few months.) Initial fee is $5.00
per person and includes a
patch. Renewals are $2.00. You must include proof that
requirements have been
met (copies of certificates, etc.) You must be
enrolled in Level I to qualify for
Level II
3.) Level III – Safety by
Preparedness. To qualify for this level you must be
registered in Level I and II. Additional requirements
are a current CPR, First
Aid or Medic First Aid certificate. CPR and First Aid
classes are offered by the American Red Cross. MFA is
offered by the GWRRA. You must also carry a first
aid kit in your bike and wear protective clothing
while riding. Registration fee is
$4.00. Renewals are $2.00. Once again, qualifying
documents must be provided.
4.) Level IV – Master
Tour Rider. This level requires the Level III
certification
for at least one year. It also requires the applicant
to be current in both CPR and
First Aid and to have accumulated at least 25,000 safe
miles. First application
fee is $35.00 and renewals are $10.00 and, of course,
documentation is required.
Qualifying might not be as
difficult as you think. Level 1 just requires a
commitment to safe riding and many of the courses
required for the upper levels
will be offered by our chapter in the near future.
However, commitment to
participate in some of the classes
may require an application in the
near future. So make a commitment to safety
and participation in chapter education, now. Tomorrow
may be to late to get the
classes and the neat patches. Or worse yet, it may be
to late, period.
See you next month. Until
then, drive smart and return home safe.
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