Motorcycle Safety Foundation
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Founder: Motorcycle Industry Council
Type: Educational
Founded: 1973
Headquarters: Irvine, California
Key people: Julie Chichlowski (Chair of the Board), Tim Buche (President)
Area served: United States
Product: Rider Education and Training System (MSF RETS)
Mission: Motorcycle rider training, licensing and public education
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) is a United States national, not for profit organization, founded in 1973, and sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles. MSF maintains rider training curricula used in most states for novice and experienced riders.
MSF is a developer of comprehensive, research based rider education and training curricula designed to develop or advance motorcyclists' riding skills. The MSF fosters a ''ride safe'' attitude, and promotes lifelong learning for motorcyclists. It also participates in government relations, motorcycle safety research, public awareness campaigns, and technical assistance to state training and licensing programs.
MSF administers courses directly in New Mexico, California, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and New York. However, in most states courses are administered by state agencies or universities that use MSF's curricula. Individual training sites may be public, as through technical colleges, or private organizations. Thirty one states use the MSF tests for licensing, and 41 states use the MSF motorcycle operator manual. In 48 states, these local training sites are certified by MSF. Idaho and Oregon states use state developed curricula rather than MSF's. All fifty states have rider training programs.
An MSF instructor demonstrates an exercise for students in Wisconsin MSF is recognized by most state departments of transportation in the U.S. Successful completion of MSF's Basic ''RiderCourse'' usually replaces a state's riding exam, and may also replace the written exam, to receive a motorcycle operator's endorsement or license. Some insurance companies also offer discounts to those who have passed an MSF course. All Military personnel are required to graduate from an MSF course to ride a motorcycle either on or off base.
In addition to the Basic ''Rider Course'' the MSF has designed an Experienced ''RiderCourse'' and various other curricula related to subjects of concern to motorcyclists, such as group riding and issues faced by more experienced riders. MSF's courses are taught by instructors, or called ''RiderCoaches'', certified by MSF and who, in turn, are trained by ''RiderCoach'' Trainers certified by the MSF directly. Certification of experienced motorcyclists as coaches is handled by state Motorcycle Safety Administrators.