MICHIGAN MOTORCYCLE RIDER AND SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMRon 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 Lands 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 states 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 issued an 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 Michigans 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 TrendThe 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 CategoryMichigan State Police and Michigan Department of State

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

February 1, 2005 - Department of State began processing original and renewal registrations using the owners 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 InitiativesParticipate in the Governors Traffic Safety Advisory Committees Strategic Highway Safety Plan. Purchased new training motorcycles to be distributed among the approved training sites. Expand statewide motorcycle training availability.

2005/06 Initiatives (continued) Recognize a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Michigan Coach. Create a Motorcycle Database.

Completed 2005 InitiativesParticipate in Governors Traffic Safety Advisory Commission and created a Motorcycle Action Team.Revised the Michigan Motorcycle Operators 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.

In 2003, 3,661 motorcyclists were killed nationwide. Motorcycles made up 2 percent of all registered vehicles and 9 percent of the total traffic fatalities.