Mandatory Motorcycle Rider Education
Despite the indisputable value of a properly structured rider education program, the Association opposes legislation that would make such training mandatory.
The American Motorcyclist Association believes that rider training should be available as an incentive to increase licensure by permitting students to become licensed following the completion of an approved course. The AMA has always advocated a comprehensive motorcycle safety program as a means of preventing motorcycle accidents and reducing injuries and fatalities. In addition to the voluntary use of helmets, gloves, sturdy footwear and protective garments, the AMA has aggressively supported motorcycle rider training based on a curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that unlicensed or improperly licensed motorcycle operators are over represented in fatality statistics. Over 40 percent of motorcycle operator fatalities nationwide involve riders with no motorcycle license or no license at all. Riders who do not complete licensing requirements effectively avoid the only motorcycle skills evaluation provided by the traffic safety system. Mandating rider education for all riders provides a disincentive to this process and has the potential to exacerbate the problem of unlicensed riders.
With the support of the motorcycle rider community forty-seven states have now legislated funding rider education programs. However, rider training is affected by both the attitude of the rider and the learning environment. The learning process is greatly enhanced by the creation of a positive environment that relies on enrollment incentives such as license skill test waivers, low tuition, convenient access and insurance discounts, rather than legislative mandates.
Compulsory training for riders of all ages would require a state to dramatically increase the number of training sites, provide sufficient qualified instructors, and offer training schedules to meet increased demand. If training is not conveniently available to potential riders, or a student must wait longer than 30 days to take a course, the likely result will be to discourage new motorcyclists from going through the proper procedures to obtain a motorcycle endorsement. The effect would be to aggravate the problem of unlicensed riders.
Where rider education is now available, funding is typically derived from additional fees for annual vehicle registrations, increased license of endorsement fees, and course fees. The motorcycling community has been generally supportive of this method of funding. Requiring training for all first time motorcycle license applicants will demand significant increases in funding to support necessary expansion of the delivery system. It has been estimated that course registration fees in excess of $150 would not be unusual. Such exorbitant fees would provide further disincentives to licensing. Were a state government to impose mandatory training it would be incumbent on the legislature to appropriate revenue to support that requirement.
The AMA cannot support proposals for additional fees that will escalate the cost of entry level motorcycling and potentially threaten the economic viability of the market. Without convenient facilities, instructors and sufficient classes to meet increased demand, first time purchasers of motorcycles are likely to seek alternative purchases for their recreation dollars or elect to ride without being properly licensed.
Motorcycle rider training must remain available, convenient and affordable if it is to contribute to the continuing decline in motorcycle accidents and fatalities. Mandating training can only result in the reduced availability of quality training and lead to increased costs for new riders. In the final analysis, the AMA believes that mandating rider education for all cyclists will not enhance the safe operation of motorcycles and training emphasis should remain on the development of quality programs. As an organization we will continue to cooperate with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and state motorcycle safety administrators, as well as state and federal government, to provide a sound curriculum and quality training.