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Rider Education

by Terry and Susan Toye
Chapter Educators

 

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Gold Wing Road Riders Association - Texas Chapter G



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The Chapter Educator

Must have the following:

Be a current member of the GWRRA and an Experienced Motorcycle rider.

Be current level II of the Rider Education Program.

Be dedicated to the Safe operation of motorcycles and exhibit a sincere desire to promote safe motorcycle operations through the Rider Education Program.

Be fully knowledgeable of the Rider Education Program and its goals.

Possess sufficient communications skills, both verbal and written, in order to be an effective representative of the Rider Education Program.

Have the ability to work effectively in a harmonious relationship with the District Educator, Chapter Director, and the Chapter members.

Duties of the Chapter Educator:

Report activities each month to the District Educator.

Promote and implement the Rider Education Program at the Chapter level.

Promote and participate in such activities that will expand the Rider Education program. These should include speaking at Chapter meetings and publishing articles in the Chapter newsletter.

Keep such records as necessary to facilitate keeping Chapter members current in the Rider Education program.

Promote and/or arrange CPR/First Aid training at the Chapter level.

Assist member in obtaining Riding Courses.

Objectively observe and critique Chapter riding habits in a manner which will produce positive results.

Attend your District Rally when possible and assist in the Rider Education Booth.

Liaison with the District Educators, supply input and share ideas which will assist in making the RE program universally accepted by your Chapter.


 

Don’t Learn Safety by Accident

Due to some recent inquiries from Chapter Directors, I want to take this opportunity to repeat some points from an article I wrote for the Texas District newsletter last November 1997 and possibly address some of these more recent questions concerning a CE’s duties.

The ‘97 article began as a reminder to all concerning the often forgotten officer in your Chapter. Too often in 1997 the newsletters I received each month listed the CE as a staff position rather than an officer of the Chapter. Although this has improved greatly in 1998, there are still chapters listing the Safety Coordinators, Safety Ride Directors and other erroneous titles. Please check with your newsletter Editors and let them know that the proper Chapter Officer title is: Chapter Educator.

A Chapter without an Educator is at a definite disadvantage. This can also apply to a chapter with an Educator that is not performing their duties. The duties of a Chapter Educator fall directly to the Chapter Director, if there is no appointed CE.

It seems like some GWRRA members still think we are the "safety police", but this is not the function of an Educator. An Educator should lead by example, not by criticism. Providing continuing safety awareness is our goal and leading by example is the best way. As John Haifley states in his letter of congratulations to a newly appointed Chapter Educator, "We are not policemen and cannot demand or require the member to correct riding habits. We are the Educators who administer a program for the member to choose if they so desire." John also states, "You are now a GWRRA Officer and as such are expected to set an example in your interface with the members." So as you can see, the Educator position is not to be taken lightly. A dedicated Chapter Educator is essential to the cornerstones of GWRRA Fun, Safety & Knowledge.

All of the Texas Chapter Educators were given a copy of the GWRRA Road Captain Course: A guide for group riding. These guidelines were created to help aid in training a group to ride safely as a team. These guidelines are intended to be used in conjunction with the GWRRA Team Riding Manual. I encourage the CEs to participate in this well thought out course for safe group riding. By using your Chapter’s more experienced riders to help with this course, the less experienced riders will learn a lot more. The classroom portion can be finished in a couple of hours. Then by dividing into small manageable groups a short ride can be used to practice what has been discussed in the classroom.

be finished in a couple of hours. Then by dividing into small manageable groups a short ride can be used to practice what has been discussed in the classroom.

 

Walt & Phoebe Smith, 
"former" TXDE


HELMET USE LAWS
as of
April 2004

 

MAXIMUM POSTED SPEED LIMITS FOR PASSENGER VEHICLES
as of April 2006
DUI/DWI LAWS
as of May 2006

 

 

 


 

Rider Education Program


An important part of any riders resources is the knowledge of things that can happen and knowing what to do if something does happen. This knowledge can come from personal experiences, which might be hard lessons or can be from training, which teaches us from the experiences of others and is much easier on us.

The Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) is concerned about the rider's safety and has a Rider Education Program (REP) to encourage training in areas that can reduce accidents and also save lives. There are four levels to the REP and each one is a distinct step for the rider and the co-rider. Level One only requires you to make a commitment to be a safe rider.   Level Two requires that we be enrolled at Level One and the rider must have taken a riding course such as an Motorcycle Safety Foundation course within 2 years or for the co-rider, a riding course or Co-Rider Seminar within 2 years and ride at least 5,000 accident free miles. The Level Three requires the first two steps and also the rider or co-rider must take a CPR or First Aid course and carry a First Aid Kit on the bike as well as wear protective gear while riding.  Level Four or the Master level is the most difficult because you must have reached the first three levels, be qualified for First Aid and CPR, ride with proper protective clothing and have ridden a minimum of 25,000 accident free miles.

There are pins and patches for the levels of the REP but the real reward is the knowledge and security from taking the training. This makes us better riders and also gives us training that could save a family member's life.

If you are interested in the REP, contact your Educator and more information will be provided to you. Ride safe and please do consider the REP.



Looking for a Rider's Course Near You?


Texas Department of Public Safety
Motorcycle Safety Bureau
Motorcycle Operator Training Program Sites

 

Houston - North
North Harris County College
281-618-5600

Houston - South
Alvin Community College
281-388-4682

Houston - Southeast
San Jacinto College (Pasadena)
281-476-1838

Houston - West
Spring Branch ISD
713-365-5660




(The following reprinted from the District website)

        Gold Wing Road Riders Association
 has always promoted Safety through Education.

The following is an overview of the four levels in the REP and how to qualify for each level.
For a more complete understanding of the requirements for qualification at each level, contact your
local Chapter Educator, Asst. District Educator or the District Educator.

 


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 operators 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

Level II Safety by Education

Level III Safety by Preparedness

Level IV Safety by Enhanced Commitment and preparedness


The GWRRA is proud to present the Rider Education Program. We encourage you to think seriously about motorcycle safety and be a participant in the GWRRA Rider Education Program. You should also remember the old cliché, "an ounce of prevention IS worth a pound of cure." Always wear protective riding apparel!

LEVEL I - SAFETY BY COMMITMENT (SAFE MILES)


  1. A one time join level - After joining , you will be a Level I participant as long as you are a paid up GWRRA Member
  2. No renewal for Level I is necessary.
  3. To join, you must complete the GWRRA REP Level I form, have it validated by any GWRRA Officer, and mail it to the address indicated, along with a $6.00 fee for each registrant.
  4. You will receive a "Safe Miles" Patch, Rider or Co-Rider rocker, and mileage pin indicating how many safe miles you have ridden since joining GWRRA or since your last accident. If you have an accident of any type, whether you are at fault or not, your safe miles pin should begin at zero and count forward from that time. 
  5. You may receive additional Safe Mileage Pins as you accumulate safe miles by having your miles validated by a GWRRA Officer. Complete the Level I form (again) and send it with $2.00 to the address shown on form. You will receive your new mileage pin to display on your "Safe Miles" Patch. Rockers are available for increments of 100,000 miles to be displayed under your patch. Pins are available in 5,000 mile increments.
  6. Aside from the obvious benefit of being committed to safe operation of your motorcycle, you can receive a possible premium reduction in your GWRRA endorsed motorcycle insurance. Other insurance carriers may give similar reductions in price.
Congratulations, on taking your first important step in the GWRRA Rider Education Program



LEVEL II - SAFETY BY EDUCATION




 
 Level II Requirements:


 
 
  1. Rider or Co-Rider must be a current GWRRA member
  2. Rider or Co-Rider must be enrolled in Level I of the GWRRA Rider Education Program.
  3. Rider must have a current motorcycle license or endorsement (if required in your state).
  4. Co-Rider must have completed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation or GWRRA riding course or a Canadian Safety Council course within the last two years, or Co-Rider, as an option, must have attended a GWRRA Co-Rider Seminar within the last two(2) years. (This is in lieu of the riding course the rider must complete.)
  5. Rider or Co-Rider has 5,000 safe miles.
  6. Complete the GWRRA REP Level II form and have it validated by any GWRRA Officer and mail along with $5.00 for each participant, to address indicated.

Congratulations, on taking your second important step in the GWRRA Rider Education Program

Level III -- Safety by Preparedness

(CERTIFIED TOUR RIDER/CO-RIDER)



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 GWRRA Rider Education Program was developed to deal with such circumstances by recognizing and encouraging proper First Aid or CPR training. CPR, 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 III Requirements:
 
 

  1. Rider or Co-Rider must be current GWRRA member.
  2. Rider or Co-Rider must be enrolled in Level I and current in Level II.
  3. Rider or Co-Rider must have a current CPR or First Aid card. First Aid certifications are normally current for three (3) years. CPR certifications are normally current for one year. (Check card's expiration date.) Proof of this card must accompany application.
  4. Rider or Co-Rider must wear protective riding apparel.
  5. Rider must carry a First Aid kit on the motorcycle.

Congratulations, on taking your third important step in the GWRRA Rider Education program
 
 

Level IV Safety by Enhanced Commitment and Preparedness


 
 

Level IV Requirements:


  1. Rider or Co-Rider must be current GWRRA member.
  2. Completed Level III Certified Tour Rider/Co-Rider Program and have been current in Level III for one year minimum.
  3. Must have driven (ridden for Co-Riders) at least 25,000 Safe Miles.
  4. Must have a current CPR and First Aid cards.
  5. Must have completed a riding course (Rider) or Co-Rider Seminar (Co-Rider) within past 2 years. (Either MSF, USCC, CSC or GWRRA riding courses are acceptable.)
  6. Must wear protective riding apparel.
  7. Must carry First Aid kit on motorcycle.
  8. Obtain GWRRA Officer signature on Level IV application.

 

Congratulations!

You have now reached the highest level in GWRRA's Rider Education Program. Your accomplishments will help prepare you to be the safest rider you can be. Wear your special patch with pride! You've earned it! Be a positive example to others. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem!
 



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