Safety and Knowledge...

 

                      

 

Rider Education Levels

Merlin & Beverly Mayon, Chapter Educators

The following is an overview of the four levels in the Rider Education Program (REP) and how to qualify for each level.  For a more complete understanding of the requirements for qualification at each level, contact Merlin Mayon, Chapter H Educator.  If you are currently participating in the program, please make sure your information is updated by submitting this form to Merlin.  To view a sample of the filled in form, click here.

Level I: Safety by Commitment - The first big step to success

Safety is a state of mind, which can only be attained through total commitment. Every successful accomplishment began with a commitment to reach the intended objective and a promise to learn for the sake of you, your Co-Rider, your friends and family and others on the road.

Level I is perhaps the most important part of the REP structure. Regardless of your training and skill level, it is basically worthless if you are not committed to utilize your training and skill to their fullest. This commitment not only affects you and your Co-Rider but others on the road. You will be registered with the GWRRA across the country and your promise never has to be renewed as it truly is a commitment for life.

Level II: Safety by Education

GWRRA has chosen several educational training programs for the Riders and Co-Riders such as the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) programs, the United Sidecar Association course, the CSC (Canadian Safety Council) programs, and the GWRRA's riding courses and parking lot programs.

We say "Go see the experts" for your "On Bike Training". Completing these courses provide the foundation and skills for your quest to be a safe motorcycle rider. All recognized programs are taught by qualified and nationally certified instructors.

For the Co-Rider, we have provided an excellent seminar and "Two Up" programs to assist in your role in the safety aspect of motorcycle riding.

Motorcycle education goes "Hand in Hand" with commitment, and the "On Bike" education by MSF, USCA, CSC and GWRRA for the Rider and Co-Rider and the "off bike" education specifically for the Co-Rider provides a very effective approach to Motorcycle safety. This is truly when a Rider begins to understand what his or her Level I commitment means and sees the value in the program

Level III: Safety by Preparedness

It would be great if we could achieve the coveted goal of zero accidents, however, we know realistically this is hard to attain. Since accidents will and do occur, it is important that we be fully prepared to lend aid to unfortunate accident victims. We should always be prepared to save a life.

The Level III of the Rider Education Program was developed to deal with such circumstances by recognizing and encouraging proper First Aid or CPR training. CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), a level III requirement has been used to save many lives. Being trained to render CPR or give First Aid is a tremendous asset.

Level IV: Master Tour Rider

Level IV of the REP was designed for those special individuals who desire to "be all they can be" with regards to motorcycle safety. The requirements are more stringent than Level III and require a greater commitment on your part. These Riders and Co-Riders are caring, trained and prepared with the experience to back them up. We realize Level IV is not for everyone, but for those who desire to be of greater service to their fellow man, it is the correct prescription. Why desire to be a Level IV? It's a worthy goal. Being prepared to save a life is a high calling indeed! You are shining examples to the rest of our membership. Others aspire to practice the same commitment as you have displayed. For that reason, because you are our ambassadors to the members at all levels, we provide a special gathering to celebrate your commitment each year at Wing Ding.

So there you have the program structure.

Level I - Safety By Commitment (Safe Miles)                       

 

Level II - Safety By Education

 

 

 

 

Level III - Safety By Preparedness (Certified Tour Rider/Co-Rider)

 

           

 

Level IV - Safety By Enhanced Commitment and Preparedness                       

                      

                   June '08 Safety

   Gary & Mary Lynn Reynaud, Asst. Chapter Educators

Traveling on our bikes is what we do!  It’s when we stop and others walk up to appreciate our bikes that makes us feel proud.  And you know just what they are thinking. ($$$)

But when we look at our bikes or when we are cleaning or polishing them, we look at them differently. (♥♥♥♥)

Tonight I wanted to point out two articles in February’s Wing World.

#1 There is an article titled “Know when to stop Riding”.  This is a personal article anyone having questions about one’s ability to continue riding should read.

#2 This second article is located near the center of the issue titled “Ride Better”.  It covered the subject of organized straight stops.  I have found that sometimes when I come to a stop I have a tendency to drift right or left when stopping.  Now I know why!  Its all in the direction you are looking when you come to a stop.

Our next subject is based on looks!  Would it matter what a Chapter Educator looked like for you to pay attention to what he has to say?  Well, it shouldn’t!  When it comes to safety, anyone who can help you becomes a friend.  I have found that if you ride with other riders, no matter what they ride, they may be able to pass on a tad bit of safety you can use.  Whether they have long hair, tattoos or ride choppers.  So with that in mind I’m going to change my appearance. (see photo top right) 

Tonight I wanted to cover a few things we should all keep in mind.  There are several basic things a rider should be aware of: 

1.    Checking your bike before you ride – oil, tire pressure and lights.

2.    Minding the speed limit.

3.    When city riding, having both feet on your pegs, not on the highway pegs.  (Ed gave us that lesson)

4.    Anywhere there are intersections always cover your brakes. (2/3 of all motorcycle accidents and 1/2 of all motorcycle deaths happen at intersections)

5.    Not following close behind large vehicles (left turners).

6.    Not following too close behind cars (sudden stops).

7.    Not stopping too close behind automobiles at a red light (leave yourself an out), and keep the bike in gear.

8.    When passing through neighborhoods, drive slow enough to stop if a child runs out or a car comes out of a driveway.

9.    Watch for cars parked on the shoulder that may pull out and observe all conditions ahead of you; keep your eyes moving to take in as much as possible.

10.  Be looking 12 seconds ahead, not just gazing down the road. (12 sec. ahead is equal to about 700 feet, if you can’t see that far ahead, slow down) give yourself time to respond to hazards.

11.  Be aware of left turners.

12. Look where you want to go, your head has a great deal to  do with the direction the bike goes in.

13. Practice quick stops and swerving because in an emergency situation, you will do what you practice. 

On the lighter side...

In the jungle, the animals all got together and had a meeting.  They decided to stop eating each other and become vegetarians, and everyone present agreed.  Several days later a rabbit and a squirrel were together talking.  At the same time, they both looked up and saw a large Lion charging at them.  The rabbit broke into a run and the squirrel said "Where are you going?  He’s not going to hurt us, we have an agreement."  And the rabbit looked back and said "That’s right, but the Lion wasn’t at the meeting!"

And the moral of the story is...

Attend the meetings!  It could save your life!

In closing, I would like for all of you to think about how much money you have invested in your bike and who is on there each and every time you ride.   Think about all the close calls you have had or have heard about from others and get your head in the ride before you pull out of the driveway.  And remember how many people love you, care about you, need you, and want you to ride safely.  

       by Gary "Clown" Reynaud 

 

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