MICHIGAN MOTORCYCLE RIDER AND

SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Ron Wilson , State CoordinatorMotorcycle Rider and Safety Education ProgramMichigan Department of State

Effective October 2003, the Michigan Legislature transferred the administrative functions of the Motorcycle Rider and Safety Education Program from the Michigan Department of Education to the Michigan Department of State.

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land’s goal is to emphasize the importance of training and licensing in preventing motorcycle crashes, injuries and death.

Motorcycle Rider and Safety Education Program

Important component in our state’s traffic safety strategy.

Offered statewide through 18 public sponsor and 11 private enterprises.

Basic objective is to provide training to those riders that are required by law to complete a motorcycle safety course to be eligible to receive a motorcycle endorsement.

A University of Michigan report shows that crashes involving motorcycles climbed 20 percent from 1997 to 2002. More than 40 percent of those incidents involved riders who were not legally authorized to operate a motorcycle on Michigan roads.

Applicants less than 18 years of age, or applicants 18 years of age and older who have failed a skills test two or more times must pass a motorcycle safety course before being issuedan original motorcycle endorsement.

Offers a Basic Rider Course.

Performance Based Course, and Experienced Rider Course to enhance the skills of beginner riders through experienced cyclists.

Includes classroom and range training to explain motorcycle-related laws and to provide the ability to operate a motorcycle safely.

Motorcycle Rider and Safety Education Courses

Public courses are conducted by colleges, universities, intermediate or local school districts, law enforcement agencies, and other governmental agencies. Course sponsors are subsidized through grant funding cannot charge more than $25.00. Courses may also be

conducted by private business enterprises. Private business enterprises determine their own fees.

During 2005, the Michigan’s Motorcycle Safety Education Program graduated approximately 10,000 new motorcycle riders from the nearly 50 training sites around the state.

The Motorcycle Rider and Safety Education Program uses the safety standards of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Adhering to those principles promises more comprehensive and consistent training.

Motorcycle 10-Year TrendYear Endorse-

mentsAll

CrashesFatal

Crashes

1995

1996

432,647

430,846

2,651

2,468

80

61

1997

1998

1999

433,405

438,805

442,492

2,465

2,931

2,820

54

64

77

2000

2001

2002

448,693

457,001 465,786

3,180

3,228

3,030

78

90

82

2003

2004

477,423

487,999

3,187

3,276

76

81

The number of motorcycles involved in fatal crashes has fluctuated over the ten-year period with a high of 90 in 2001.

Michigan State Police and Michigan Secretary of State

2004 Motorcycle Crash Statistics by Age Category

Age

Motorcycle

Endorsements

# of Crash Involved Drivers

Fatal Crashes

Injury Crashes

16-24 13,626 577 13 459

25-65 441,155 2480 67 1828

65+ 33,218 64 1 54

Michigan State Police and Michigan Department of State

June 23, 2004, PA 163 of 2004 - Legislature enacted the new Motorcycle Registration Law. Motorcycle owner’s birth date now equals motorcycle registration expiration date.

February 1, 2005 - Department of State began processing original and renewal registrations using the owner’s birth date. Renewals can be processed through a Secretary of State Branch Office, by mail, phone, or fax.

Motorcycle Registration Law

Motorcycle Endorsement

2005/06 Initiatives

Participate in the Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Committee’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan.

Purchased new training motorcycles to be distributedamong the approved training sites.

Expand statewide motorcycle trainingavailability.

2005/06 Initiatives (continued)

Recognize a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Michigan Coach.

Create a Motorcycle Database.

Completed 2005 InitiativesParticipate in Governor’s Traffic Safety Advisory Commission and created a Motorcycle Action Team.

Revised the Michigan Motorcycle Operator’s Manual.

Created a 2005 Private Enterprise Application.

Promoted May Awareness Month.

Participated in the 2005 Motorcycle Safety Assessment and made recommendations to the final report.