Introduction

The RMMT program adheres and follows the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course entitled Basic Riding Course (BRC). RMMT has been reviewed and approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and Motorcycle Operations Safety Training (MOST), a division of the State of Colorado Department of Transportation. The following is a summary of this program.

MSF is a national, not-for-profit organization that promotes the safety of motorcyclists with programs in rider training, operator licensing, and public information. A primary goal of MSF is to reduce motorcycle crashes and injury by utilizing quality rider education and training programs.

In 1974, the first course, Beginning Rider Course (BRC) was developed by staff and expert consultants to teach beginning rider necessary elements. While this curriculum was in use, MSF contracted with The National Public Services Research Institute (NPSRI) to develop specifications for a Motorcycle Task Force Analysis. NPSRI researched and recommended necessary education skills required for safe motorcycling. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) contracted with the NPSRI for development of specifications for a course curriculum. These two documents serve as the guide for the creation of the Motorcycle Rider Course (MRC) published in 1976.

In 1977, The NHTSA contracted with Applied Science Associates to conduct a field test of the MRC which was completed in 1978. The results showed MRC was instructionally effective, administratively feasible and well accepted by students, instructors, school administrators, and parents. In 1979, the curriculum was modified to incorporate suggested revisions; and since that time, the MRC has been in use throughout the world and is considered a very effective rider-training program.

The primary goal of the Basic Rider Course is to provide an introduction to the fundamentals of safe, responsible motorcycle operation. This includes the knowledge and skill that lead to licensing and motorcycle operation on streets and highways. Certified MSF instructors provide a safe, positive learning environment. This course is designed to prepare riders for entry into traffic. It consists of classroom and on-motorcycle instruction plus a variety of learning activities. Classroom experience consists of seven hours rider, coach-led discussions, interactive multimedia, plus on-motorcycle instruction on paved areas away from street traffic. This program has proven to be successful in developing skills for riding in traffic. It provides basic entry-level skills for a new rider to begin to practice and develop mental and motor skills important for safe street operation.

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Instruction

As mentioned, the Basic Rider Course (BRC) has approximately seven hours of classroom instruction and approximately twelve hours of on-motorcycle instruction, inclusive of break time. An MSF approved Participant Handbook is provided for the classroom portion of the curriculum and eleven training aids are used to enhance learning. The "riding portion" of the curriculum includes 17 on-motorcycle exercises. Evaluation of the BRC consists of a written, multiple choice knowledge test and an end-of-course skill test.

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Motorcycles/Scooters

Motorcycles/Scooters are provided by the Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Training (RMMT) Program. They consist of several manufacturers, i.e. Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Schwinn etc., ranging in engine sizes from 125cc - 250cc. However, most are 250cc (see representative samples below). Motorcycles/Scooters, whether manufacturer program owned or owned by RMMT, will be in safe operating condition.

NOTE:
All motorcycles/scooters will be provided by Rocky Mountain Motorcycle Training.

No personal motorcycles/scooters will be allowed in the BRC (BasicRider Course).

The training motorcycles in our program are as follows:

Suzuki: GZ-250

Suzuki: DR-200

Kawasaki: Eliminator

Kawasaki: Ninja-250

Honda: Rebel

Honda: Nighthawk

Yamaha: Virago

Yamaha: TW-200

Instruction: Level I & II

Level 1 instruction (which includes classroom units I, II, III, and range exercises 1-9) contains the foundational knowledge and skill required for entry-level motorcyclists. It provides competencies for handling a motorcycle in a slower speed, non-public traffic areas.

Level II instruction (which includes classroom units IV, V, and range exercises 10-17) adds finesse and confidence that can prepare new riders for their initial experience on the street.

Successful completion of levels I & II, as demonstrated in assessment of basic knowledge and skill acquisition, indicate that a rider has acquired the minimal skills and strategies to begin developing his/her motorcycle in-traffic skills.

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(A) Classroom

There are five classroom units. Total instructional time, including breaks is approximately twelve hours. Several training units are utilized.

Classroom Units

Unit #1 Course Introduction
Unit #2 Introduction to Motorcycling
Unit #3 Preparing to Ride
Unit #4 Street Strategies
Unit #5 Wrap-Up

(B) Training Aids - Video Units

The eleven training aids used for classroom facilitation are noted below:

#1 Welcome to the Ride
#2 The Ride and the Risk
#3 Ready to Ride
#4 Controls
#5 Visibility and Rider Radar
#6 Search, Evaluate, Execute (SEE)
#7 Common Situations
#8 Interactive Scenarios (6 Scenes)
#9 Maximum Braking and Swerving
#10 Surfaces and Cargo
#11 Under the Influence

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(C) Range Exercises

There are seventeen range exercises plus a skill assessment. Total instructional time, including breaks is approximately twelve hours.

Range Exercises - Day Two

Exercise # and Title:

1 Motorcycle Familiarization
2 Using the Friction Zone
3 Starting and Stopping Drill
4 Shifting and Stopping
5 Adjusting Speed & Turning
6 Control-Skills Practice
7 Cornering
8 Matching Gears to Speed
9 Stopping Quickly

Range Exercises - Day Three

Exercise # and Title:

10 Limited-Space Maneuvers
11 Pressing to Initiate Lean
12 Cornering Judgment
13 Negotiating Curves
14 Stopping Quickly in a Curve
15 Obstacles & Lane Changes
16 Avoiding Hazards
17 Skills Practice
18 Skills Test

Upon completion and successful passage of the course, students will be eligible to obtain a motorcycle endorsement at the State of Colorado Motor Vehicle Department for a nominal fee. No further written or driving exams are required by the DMV.

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