Motorcycle Safety Foundation's Learn-to-Ride Basic RiderCourse Launched in Hawaii

IRVINE, Calif.--The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic RiderCourse^SM is now available to the citizens of Hawaii. First classes were held January 4 - 6, 2008, at Leeward Community College. Although classes for the new course are already filled through March on Oahu, prospective students can obtain upcoming class and scheduling information for Oahu and the neighbor islands by calling (808) 455-0479, or visiting http://www.lcc.hawaii.edu/ocewd/Programs/HMSEP/HMSEP.htm

The MSF Basic RiderCourse has long been available to the military personnel in Hawaii, but until now military graduates have been required to take a second course offered by the Hawaii Department of Transportation to receive their motorcycle endorsement.

Key leaders of Street Bikers United of Hawaii, with support of its membership, originally brought this issue to the attention of HDOT on behalf of the military personnel and riders in Hawaii. The MSF worked with SBU and key legislators, HDOT Deputy Director Dr. Brennon Morioka, and Highway Safety Specialist Marjorie Kazama, in achieving approval of the Basic RiderCourse for Hawaii residents.

Leeward Community College, the school that delivers the training in the state of Hawaii, has transitioned the Hawaii Motorcycle Safety Education Program to the MSF Basic RiderCourse. Working with the MSF and HDOT to oversee the transition is William Labby, Interim Motorcycle Safety Education Program Coordinator at Leeward.

“Providing the MSF’s Basic RiderCourse in Hawaii is a real benefit to service personnel in Hawaii who will no longer be required to take an additional, outdated course to obtain their license waiver from the state,” Labby said. “Beyond that, the entire community of riders will benefit by now having access to the latest MSF learn-to-ride course.”

Since 1973, the MSF 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 may 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 RiderCourse^SM locations, call (800) 446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.