NEWS RELEASE: Love motorcycles? Share your passion with others!

Media Release from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

-- For immediate release --

Love motorcycles? Share your passion with others!

Motorcycle Safety 2016 May 2

Instructors needed for Michigan’s motorcycle safety classes

 

Michigan is looking for men and women, who love motorcycles and working with people, to teach others how to ride.

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, who oversees the state’s Michigan Rider Education Program, says that becoming a motorcycle safety class instructor, or “RiderCoach,” provides benefits beyond the pay.

“Safe motorcycling requires that you learn how to use good judgment and the information on the road to assess risks and react appropriately,” Johnson said. “It’s a complex skill set that’s important to practice every time you ride. As instructors, there is nothing more satisfying than working with a class of students to develop that habit, knowing that you are helping them take an important step to becoming safe, life-long riders.”

The pay rate for RiderCoaches varies from $24 - $35 per hour, depending on location. RiderCoach applicants must be experienced motorcyclists who enjoy working with people and possess good riding and communications skills.

To become a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Have passed a Basic Rider Course (beginning motorcycle class) within the last year
  • Have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least one year
  • Possess a good driving record
  • Pass a criminal background check
  • Obtain a sponsorship with an approved public or private motorcycle safety course provider (providers are located throughout the state)
  • Successfully complete the RiderCoach Prep Course

The fee for a RiderCoach Prep Course is $75 and includes the materials required for the course. RiderCoach candidates will spend approximately 80 hours in the classroom and on the motorcycle riding range. Participants must attend every session, pass a riding-skills test and a knowledge test. They will learn how to effectively instruct and evaluate students in the classroom and on the range and will be required to teach a basic motorcycle safety class under the tutelage of an experienced instructor.

Two RiderCoach Prep Courses are being offered in August.

  • August 13-16 at Macomb Community College – South Campus
  • August 17-19 at Schoolcraft College – Radcliff Campus
  • August 20 at Schoolcraft College – Livonia Campus

This eight-day course will be led by RiderCoach Trainer Vince Consiglio. For more information, contact Renee Waraksa at waraksar@macomb.edu.

  • August 9-12 and August 16-19 at the west campus of Lansing Community College in Lansing. For more information about this eight-day course, contact RiderCoach Trainer Steve Lick at Steve.Lick@gmail.com.

In 2017, nearly 11,500 people enrolled in a Michigan motorcycle safety class. In addition to the Basic Rider Course, the state offers a Returning Rider Basic Rider Course, an Advance Rider Course and a 3-Wheel Basic Rider Course.

“We have a great need for motorcycle RiderCoaches,” Johnson said. “The pay is good, the work is rewarding, and you get to mingle with like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts. What more could you ask for?”

For more information about the Michigan Rider Education Program, visit www.michigan.gov/mi-rep. For a list of public and private motorcycle safety sponsors, go to www.michigan.gov/motorcycling.


For media questions, please call Fred Woodhams at 517-373-2520.


Accessing Secretary of State Services:

Don’t come into a Secretary of State office if you don’t have to. We’re betting you’d rather be anywhere else. 
Save time by taking advantage of our handy alternatives to waiting in line, including renewing by mail. Many customers don’t need to visit an office in person so remember to hop online, not in line, at ExpressSOS.com, now with Print 'n Go. It's painless.
You now can make an appointment or hold your spot in line at Secretary of State MI-TIME Line participating offices by using your phone or the Web. 
Customers may call the Department of State Information Center to speak to a customer-service representative at 888-SOS-MICH (767-6424).