IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 9, 2009 – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has awarded a motorcycle license testing validation research study to Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation.  The validation study will compare the MSF’s Basic  RiderCourse SM knowledge and skill tests with those used in state motor vehicle testing.

“PIRE’s extensive experience in motorcycle research was evidenced in its exceptionally strong proposal,” said Al Hydeman, managing director for MSF.  “Obtaining independent third party evaluation is in keeping with MSF’s overarching philosophy to base our curricula decisions on empirically sound research.”

Given recent changes in state licensing requirements, MSF is implementing the one-year study to ensure student knowledge and skill testing in the Basic RiderCourse is equivalent and consistent with motor vehicle testing.  Results are expected before year-end.

“The ultimate objective is to enhance rider safety in real world situations,” said Dr. Sherry Williams, director of quality assurance and research for MSF.  “Ensuring that these tests are performing as intended is a major step toward that goal.”

Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs.  The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. 

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha.  For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.

"MSF values its long-term partnership with NHTSA in championing the safety of motorcyclists," said MSF President Tim Buche.  "NHTSA's continuing endorsement and funding of rider education and training research are crucial to furthering MSF's efforts to give riders the learning opportunities they need to enjoy a lifetime of motorcycling in a safe, responsible manner. The results of the MSF Discovery Project could very well chart the course of motorcycle rider education for decades, and most importantly, lead to further reductions in accident and fatality rates."

Scope of Work
The MSF RETS Discovery Project will take place at a designated training site where MSF will implement segments of its entire rider education and training system. MSF will track the progress of two groups of riders over a three-year period - documenting what they ride, how often they ride, where they ride, and monitoring their overall motorcycling experience. One group will consist of riders who successfully complete a Basic RiderCourse (BRC) and then go on to participate in other MSF training courses that comprise RETS.  As a comparison group, MSF will also track a demographically similar control population who have not completed training.  MSF will study both groups to determine the effectiveness of rider training and education on crash avoidance skills, risk management, riding habits, and safety characteristics. 

Anticipated results include the development of appropriate consumer information materials that will provide safe riding information to motorcyclists, as well as possible curricula revisions to ensure that the identified skills are adequately addressed in rider education and training.

Background
The origins of the Discovery Project can be traced back to 1997 when NHTSA partnered with MSF to develop the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, a strategic planning document that provides a consensus-based vision for future motorcycle safety efforts by incorporating input from a multi-disciplinary spectrum of stakeholders. Published in 2000, the National Agenda addresses 23 issues associated with motorcycle safety relating to the human, social, vehicle, and environmental factors that influence motorcycle safety, as well as associated research needs. According to the National Agenda, research identified braking, cornering, and swerving as crash avoidance skills often absent among crash-involved motorcyclists. 

The August 11, 2003 issue of NHTSA Now quoted NHTSA Administrator Dr. Jeff Runge as saying,  "The Motorcycle Safety Foundation was NHTSA's earliest partner in promoting motorcycle safety and remains an important friend in this effort. Our partnership with MSF has a tremendous impact on motorcycle safety and motorcycling."

As part of NHTSA's 2003 budget, the United States Congress directed the agency to improve motorcyclist crash avoidance skills and to enhance motorcyclist conspicuity.  Using the MSF Rider Education and Training SystemSM as the mechanism to address some of the recommendations outlined in the National Agenda, NHTSA and MSF squarely target this directive with the funding and implementation of the MSF Discovery Project.
 
About MSF
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® (MSF) is a national, not-for-profit organization promoting the safety of motorcyclists with programs in rider training, operator licensing, and public information. The MSF is sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Vengeance, Victory, and Yamaha motorcycles.