Education

The GWRRA Rider Education Program (REP) is intended to make the motorcycle environment safer by reducing injuries and fatalities and increasing motorcyclist skills and awareness. The REP does not propose to have all the answers. However, our close-working relationship with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), as well as additional GWRRA programs and studies, has provided a wealth of information for use in establishing a comprehensive Rider Education Program. Through Commitment, Education and Preparedness, we can reduce our accident rate significantly. Listed below are several benefits of a fully implemented GWRRA Rider Education Program at the Chapter level:

• Increased rider knowledge
• Increased rider safety skills
• Prevention of accidents
• Reduced injuries
• Reduced fatalities
• Improved general public image of motorcyclists
• Enhanced enjoyment of motorcycle riding

The motorcycle community is already realizing many positive benefits from the GWRRA Rider Education Program. Through the efforts of the Rider Education Officers and participation of the membership and others, we will reach our goal of establishing the safest motorcycle environment possible.

The GWRRA levels program is comprised of four stages requiring a different level of commitment from the Rider and Co-Rider. All participants enter the program at Level I. It is the Rider and the Co-Rider's decision if they wish to advance to future levels. The following is a brief overview of the requirements for each level.

Level I - Safety by Commitment

Level I of the Rider Education Program is also referred to as Safe Miles. It represents the commitment of the Rider and/or Co-Rider to practise safe motorcycle operation whenever they are riding. Though there is no mileage requirement to enter Level I, the commitment to safe riding is tracked by the number of accident-free miles since joining GWRRA. These are accumulated in 5,000mile/8100km increments and may be updated at yearly intervals. Requirement: Verbal commitment to ride safely at all times. There is no cost to sign up.

Level II - Safety by Education

Level II of the REP is also referred to as Tour Rider. It represents a continuing commitment to be safer motorcyclists by completing approved motorcycle training at regular intervals in order to build and maintain optimum riding skills and awareness.

GWRRA has chosen several educational training programs for the Rider and Co-Rider such as MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) programs, the United Sidecar Association course, the CSC (Canadian Safety Council) programs, and the GWRRA's Advanced Riding courses. Completing these courses provides the foundation and skills to be a safe motorcycle rider. All recognized programs are taught by qualified and nationally certified instructors. For the Co-Rider we have provided an excellent seminar and "Two-Up" programs to assist in their role in the safety aspect of motorcycle riding. Requirement: Rider - a Certified Rider Course with 5000safe miles/8100 safe kms; Co-rider - certified Co-Rider Seminar or "Two-Up" Rider course. No cost to sign up.

Level III - Safety by Preparedness

Level III of the REP is also referred to as Certified Tour Rider/Co-Rider. It represents the commitment of the Rider and/or Co-Rider to be prepared to render aid in the event of an accident by becoming knowledgeable in First Aid or CPR and by carrying a first-aid kit on the motorcycle at all times. Requirement: Current in Level II and have taken either First Aid or CPR training. No cost to sign up.

Level IV - Safety by Enhanced Commitment and Preparedness

Level IV is often referred to as the Master Tour Rider/Co-Rider Level and represents the highest commitment towards safe riding and preparedness. This commitment is shown through a history of safe miles/kms and current certification in both First Aid and CPR. Requirement: Current in Level III for one year and have taken both First Aid and CPR; have 25,000Safe Miles/40,500kms; must be committed to riding with "Proper Riding Gear" at all times. Cost: $35.00American for each participant.

Participants of the levels program are required to maintain a valid accreditation for each of the courses that they require for the level that they are current in. That simply means that all seminars, approved rider courses, First Aid and CPR courses will need to be renewed every three (3) years or earlier. If you have taken a Canadian Red Cross CPR course, you will need to check the expiry on your card since they may need to be renewed every two (2) years or earlier.