In our first year, 8 training sites have been established, 8 instructors trained, 10 previously certified instructors were updated, 64 motorcycles obtained and 338 students trained in 52 classes. Program identity has been established (STAR - Skills Training Advantage for Riders), a Home Page created (http://www.sde.state.id.us/stars), a statewide promotional campaign implemented, a toll free automated registration system set up, Department of Transportation licensing tests and Motorcycle Operator's Manual were revised and awards program established.

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INTRODUCTION

The second regular session of the 52nd legislature of the state of Idaho passed Senate Bill 1450 which was signed by the Governor on March 30, 1994. In addition, the first regular session of the 53rd legislature passed Senate Bill 1215, which was signed by Governor Batt. These two pieces of legislation established the Idaho motorcycle safety program under Title 33, Chapter 49 and Title 49, Chapter 3 of the Idaho Code. The code reads as follows:

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Title 33, Chapter 49. Motorcycle Safety Program

[This chapter was numbered 48, but due to the existence of another chapter 48, it was re-numbered to chapter 49.]

33-4901.Cooperation between departments.
33-4902. Motorcycle safety program.
33-4903. Implementing authority.
33-4904. Motorcycle safety program fund.
33-4905. Advisory committee.
33-4906. Annual report on the program.

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33-4901. Cooperation between departments.

In conjunction with its supervision of traffic on public highways, the Idaho Transportation Department is directed to cooperate with the February 24, 1997 Department of Education in its establishment of a motorcycle rider safety program for the state of Idaho. (1994)

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33-4902. Motorcycle safety program.

(1) The Department of Education shall develop standards for, establish and administer the Idaho motorcycle safety program.

(2) The Department of Education shall establish standards for the motorcycle rider training course, including standards for course curriculum and student evaluation and testing, and shall meet or exceed established national standards for motorcycle rider training courses in effect as of September 2, 1994.

(3) The program shall include activities to increase motorcyclists' alcohol and drug effects awareness, motorcycle rider improvement efforts, program promotion activities, and other efforts to enhance motorcycle safety through education, including enhancement of public awareness of motorcycles.

(4) The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall appoint a program coordinator to oversee and direct the program.

(5) The Department of Education shall establish standards for the training and approval of motorcycle rider training instructors and skills examiners which shall meet or exceed established national standards for such instructors and skills examiners in effect as of September 1, 1994. (1994)

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33-4903. Implementing authority.

(1) The Department of Education shall adopt rules which are necessary to carry out the motorcycle safety program.

(2) The Department of Education may enter into contracts with public or private entities for course delivery and for the provision of services or materials necessary for administration and implementation of the program.

(3) The Department of Education may offer motorcycle rider training courses directly and may approve courses offered by public or private entities as authorized program courses if they are administered and taught in full compliance with standards established for the state program.

(4) The Department of Education may establish reasonable enrollment fees to be charged for persons who participate in a motorcycle rider training course.

(5) The Department of Education may utilize available program funds to defray expenses in offering motorcycle rider training courses and may reimburse entities which offer approved courses for the expenses incurred in offering the courses in order to minimize any course enrollment fee charged to the students. (1994)

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33-4904. Motorcycle safety program fund.

(1) The motorcycle safety program fund is established in the state treasury and appropriated on a continual basis to the Department of Education which shall administer the moneys. Money in the fund shall only be used for administration and implementation of the programs, including reimbursement of entities which offer approved motorcycle rider training courses.

(2) At the end of each fiscal year, moneys remaining in the motorcycle safety program fund shall be retained in said fund and shall not revert to any other general fund. The interest and income earned on money in the fund, after deducting any applicable charges, shall be credited to and remain in the motorcycle safety program fund.

(3) Revenue credited to the fund shall include thirteen dollars and fifty cents ($13.50) of each fee assessed for a motorcycle endorsement instruction permit and a motorcycle endorsement as provided in section 49-306, Idaho Code. (1994)

Coordinators Note: In 1995, Senate Bill 1215 amended section 49-306, Idaho Code, to revise certain fees and to distribute a portion of certain fees to the motorcycle safety fund; i.e., "One dollar ($1.00) for each fee for a class A, B, C, or D driver's license shall be deposited in the motorcycle safety program fund established in section 33-4904, Idaho Code." Due to an oversight, Section 33-4904(3) has not been amended to reflect this change.

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33-4905. Advisory committee.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall establish a program advisory committee consisting of five (5) persons representing various interests in motorcycle safety including, but not limited to, motorcycle riding enthusiasts, dealers and law enforcement personnel. Committee members shall advise the program coordinator in developing, establishing and maintaining the program. The committee shall monitor program implementation and report to the superintendent as necessary with recommendations. Members of the committee shall serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for their reasonable expenses while engaged in committee business. (1994)

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33-4906. Annual report on the program.

The Department of Education shall prepare a public report annually. The report shall be completed with the assistance of the program coordinator and the program advisory committee. The report shall include the number and location of various courses offered, the number of instructors approved, the number of students trained in various courses, other information about program implementation as deemed appropriate, and an assessment of the overall impact of the program on motorcycle safety in the state. The report shall also provide a complete accounting of revenue receipts of the motorcycle safety program fund and of all moneys expended under the program. (1994)

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Title 49, Chapter 3. Operator and Chauffeur Licenses

49-304. Motorcycle endorsement.

The department shall issue a motorcycle "M" endorsement on a driver's license to applicants who complete the requirements to operate a motorcycle.

(1) Any person who holds a valid Idaho driver's license on September 1, 1994, may operate a motorcycle without a motorcycle "M" endorsement until that driver's license expires.

(2) Any person who applies for a driver's license or renewal of a license after September 1, 1994, may also apply for a motorcycle "M" endorsement. Until September 1, 1998, the requirements for obtaining a motorcycle "M" endorsement are:

(a) The applicant shall be tested by written examination for his knowledge of safe motorcycle operating practices and traffic laws specific to the operation of motorcycles upon payment of the fee specified in section 49-306, Idaho Code.

(b) Upon successful completion of the knowledge test and upon payment of the fee required for an "M" endorsement, the applicant shall obtain a motorcycle "M" endorsement on his driver's license.

(3) After September 1, 1996, no person under the age of twenty-one (21) years may apply for or obtain a motorcycle "M" endorsement on his driver's license unless he has successfully completed a motorcycle rider training course approved under the provisions of chapter 48, title 33, Idaho Code, in addition to satisfying the requirements specified in subsection (2) of this section. The provisions of this subsection shall not be effective unless and until the motorcycle rider training course is fully implemented by the Department of Education.

(4) Any person who applies for a motorcycle endorsement on a driver's license after September 1, 1998, in addition to the requirements specified in subsection (2) of this section, may also be required to pass the motorcycle "M" skills test before he can obtain the motorcycle "M" endorsement. (1994)

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OVERVIEW

Although the legislation passed in 1994 provided for a program coordinator to oversee and direct the program, a coordinator was not hired until September 1, 1995. As a result, development and implementation of the program immediately started in high gear, as the mandatory training provision was to take effect September 1, 1996.

The courses offered are nationally recognized and certified by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They are generally scheduled on weekends from April through October. All classes normally start on Friday evening, and continue all day on Saturday and Sunday. Depending on weather and demand, the program could extend past October. The course requires a classroom for at least 15 people, and a training range (parking lot) that ideally is 200' x 300', clear of obstacles.

Long range goals for the motorcycle program were established and included:

Establishing the program framework to provide for a multi-level, diversified motorcycle safety education and awareness program that will reach all Idahoans.

Establishing a comprehensive on-going public relations campaign throughout the state.

Establishing motorcycle rider education training sites within reasonable distance of all Idahoans.

Implementing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's (MSF) Beginner RiderCourse:Riding and Street Skills (MRC:RSS), and the Experienced RiderCourse (ERC) statewide.

Implementing a comprehensive motorcycle licensing test system.

Establishing and conducting training programs for instructors and testers in education and licensing.

Implementing a viable quality control program.

A five-year plan was then developed, utilizing state demographics which included population breakdown, registered motor vehicles/motorcycles, licensed operators and penetration of motorcycle ownership per 100 people by county and city. It was estimated that there are 2.97 motorcycle riders per 100 people in the state. Since the national average is 1.47 per 100 people, Idaho is well above the national average. Population figures for each county and city were also included to determine the feasibility of each site selection, as well as expected coverage within a 25 and 50-mile radius.

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I. NUMBER AND LOCATION OF ALL TRAINING SITES

Based on the demographic breakout, six sites offering the greatest coverage were initially established (Meridian Middle School, Twin Falls High School, ISU in Pocatello, Bonneville High School in Idaho Falls, U of I in Moscow, and Coeur d'Alene High School). Two additional sites were added during the training season (Lewis and Clark College in Lewiston and Mt. Home A.F.B.). Mt. Home A.F.B. has contracted with the state to provide all their motorcycle training needs, however, the training site is not open to the public at this time. Additional potential sites have been located in Paul and Sandpoint, so that program expansion may occur as demand dictates. Only Hailey and McCall remain as two target areas in which suitable training facilities have not yet been located.

Currently, the eight operational sites provide over 90 percent of all Idahoans the availability of training within 50 miles of their home. When the program is fully operational, 97 percent of all Idahoans will be within 50 miles of a training site.

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Motorcycles

Forty-three franchised statewide motorcycle dealerships, through a special incentive program by the manufacturers, are eligible to loan training motorcycles to certified MSF training sites. Of those, 15 loaned the STAR program a total of 44 motorcycles. In addition, the STAR program has purchased an additional 19 motorcycles at 20 percent below dealer cost, thanks to a special subsidy from the manufacturer. We will continue to purchase motorcycles every year until all sites are fully stocked with 14 motorcycles each. Five 40 foot used storage containers were purchased and placed at the various training sites for motorcycle security and equipment storage.

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II. NUMBER OF INSTRUCTORS

Of the 18 existing Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified instructors throughout Idaho, 10 wished to continue teaching for the Idaho program. These 10 instructors were trained in a mandatory four-day update for Idaho certification.

In addition, a ten day, 95 hour Instructor Preparation class was conducted at Meridian Middle School training 12 Instructor Candidates (the maximum allowed). Eight of the 12 candidates successfully completed the course.

Nine of the 18 certified MSF/Idaho instructors reside in the Meridian area, while one resides in Idaho Falls, two in Pocatello, one in the Twin Falls area, one at Mountain Home, two in Lewiston, one in Moscow and one in Coeur d'Alene. Because each class requires two instructors, meeting our training commitments in 1996 was a challenge.

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III. NUMBER OF STUDENTS TRAINED

There are two courses offered by the program:

1. The novice course, the "Motorcycle RiderCourse:Riding and Street Skills" (MRC:RSS), is 15 core curriculum hours long; seven of which is in the classroom and eight hours involve practical motorcycle riding. Motorcycles and helmets are provided.

2. The experienced course, "The Experienced RiderCourse" (ERC), is eight core curriculum hours long; 3.5 of which is in the classroom, and 4.5 involve practical motorcycle riding on personally owned motorcycles.

The five year plan established for the STAR training program included training 450 students in the first year (1996), which is 1.3 percent of Idaho's registered motorcyclists; 650 the second year (1.9 percent); 900 the third year (2.7 percent); 1,300 the fourth year (3.9 percent), and 2,000 the fifth year (5.9 percent). This is an estimated 444 percent increase in students trained over four years. As a comparison, the average of all 45 states with legislated rider education is 2.8 percent, and some of these states have been training for over 15 years. We have established a very aggressive schedule, but feel it can be met. As a benchmark, a total of 28 novice students and 40 experienced students were trained statewide in 1995.

During our first year of operation, establishing the novice class (MRC:RSS) was our primary focus, while the experienced course (ERC) was taught on an as-needed bases. In our first year, 338 students were trained in 52 classes, or 75 percent of our goal. Seventy-five classes were originally scheduled; however, 23 classes (31 percent) were canceled due to insufficient students. A breakout of each site, by type of class follows:

Novice Classes

Experienced Rider Classes

In addition to the students trained above, one additional novice class with seven students and three experienced classes with a total of 14 students were trained at Mountain Home A.F.B. proir to the Air Force contracting with the state to provide their training.

The table below provides a snapshot of the student demographics for the 264 novice students trained:

Student Demographics

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IV. PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

The following program highlights provide some insight into the development and scope of the program during its first year:

An Advisory Committee was established, a charter created and five meetings were conducted. Committee members have been active in advising the coordinator on the development and establishment of the program. They have monitored program implementation and have been instrumental in providing guidance and program direction.

Two federal highway safety grants totaling over $66,000 in "seed" money were requested from the Office of Highway Safety, received and utilized to help with program start-up costs. In addition, a third grant was awarded on Oct 1,1996 for an additional $20,000 to help with program promotion for 1997.

A statewide promotional campaign request for proposal (RFP) was developed, and a local public relations firm was hired to manage that campaign.

Thirty-five of the 43 franchised motorcycle dealers in the state were personally visited to discuss program impact, concerns, development and support.

Working with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), the motorcycle licensing tests were revised and updated, as was the Motorcycle Operator's Manual.

Staff traveled with ITD officials around the state to meet with all licensing examiners to explain the educational and licensing programs and address various other issues.

Staff traveled to three professional meetings of the National Association of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA) for professional development and to obtain the most current information on problems and issues in state programs.

Staff met with 16 motorcycle groups throughout the state to explain the program and offer educational support.

An automated statewide student registration system was designed and implemented with the establishment of a toll-free registration number (1-888-280-STAR).

A program Home Page was created on the Internet (http://www.sde.state.id.us/stars).

A program name and logo were created to give the program its own identity.

Seventy-thousand high quality brochures explaining the training program, endorsement requirements and current Idaho law for motorcyclists were produced. The brochures were distributed to every law enforcement agency, driver licensing office, driver education program, school superintendent, high school, college/university, motorcycle dealer, aftermarket shop, salvage yard and motorcycle club in the state. A coordinating easel card was also produced and designed to be displayed along with the brochures in stand-alone and/or wall-mounted plastic stands and are provided with most brochure mailings.

Two-thousand posters were produced to promote the program and training as well as attract attention to the brochure stand.

Two promotional 3'x10' program banners for each training site were produced not only to promote the program and the 888 registration number, but also to inform those passing by the training site as to what is happening in order to cut down class interruptions.

Neon Yellow Motorcycle hang tags were produced for motorcycle dealers to hang on the handlebars of the motorcycles in their showrooms. The hang tags were designed to be eye catching and program promoting, as well as beneficial to the dealers by encouraging the customer to purchase the proper protective equipment along with the motorcycle.

Reflectorized helmet decals with the STAR logo were produced. They were designed to be passed out to students who attend the STAR program in order to increase visibility and recognition of the training program, as well as encourage them to wear their helmets.

T-Shirts promoting the program and training were produced and are given to every course attendee. These shirts are highly regarded and coveted, and help advertise the program.

A motorcycle rally to the capitol, sponsored by the Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety (ICMS), was held on May 4, 1996 to formally kick off the program and to declare May "Motorcycle Awareness Month." Over 600 motorcyclists from around the state attended the event held on May 4th, 1996. The highlight of the event was a proclamation signed by Governor Batt and read by State Superintendent Anne Fox. A speech by the program coordinator rounded off the festivities, which concluded with a cookout in a local park.

Dozens of statewide press releases have been issued during the past year, with strong TV and radio coverage as a result.

The STAR program was recognized with a four-color centerfold article titled "A Star is Born" by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation in their national magazine, "Safe Cycling."

The STAR program was also given top billing in the fall issue of the Idaho Traffic Safety Education Journal and the March, 1996 issue of News & Reports, the Idaho State Department of Education publication.

Program promotional items such as coffee cups, drink mugs, key chains, patches, pins, stickers and instructor shirts and hats were produced as incentives to help keep the program visible and to recognize individuals for their involvement and participation in the program.

Yellow page ads have been designed and are being placed in all phone books statewide.

A special training class was conducted at the Peace Officers Standards & Training Academy (P.O.S.T.) for all motorcycle police officers in the state to enhance their skills and to acquaint them with the training program.

Gift certificates were created to increase public awareness and class attendance in the STAR program. They are provided to participating motorcycle dealerships, instructors, and various motorcycle clubs.

An awards program was developed to recognize the efforts, contributions and dedication of the instructors. A professional development seminar for Idaho certified instructors was conducted in November, followed by a banquet and awards ceremony. STAR award categories and 1996 recipients are: Shining Star award (Harry Kindelberger), Veteran Instructor of the Year (Arnold Hagmann), Rookie Instructor of the Year (Mike Canavan) and Outstanding Site Manager award (Tom Hammond).

One hundred forty-two helmets were donated to the program by Harley-Davidson Corp., Honda Motor Corp., and Shoei Helmets, Inc. These helmets are loaned to students while taking the rider education classes.

Anonymous course critiques, required of all students, indicated that 99.9 percent of all students would recommend the course to a friend, and the overall average rating of course content was 9.3, on a scale of 1 (Unsatisfactory) - 10 (Outstanding).

One hundred fifty-four handwritten comments were provided voluntarily on the critiques by the students. The following selected comments are representative of the statements received:

I really enjoyed the class. I feel I have learned a new and exciting skill that I can't wait to tell people about. I'm so excited to try out what I learned. If it weren't so cold, I would have enjoyed it more.

I had never ever ridden a motorcycle prior to this class and I can't believe I can leave this class "riding." I know I need hours of practice to achieve a better skill level; this class provided the basics to practice. Excellent instructors and class material. It was fun and interesting.

It was "JFE" - Just Fantastically Excellent.

The course was even better than I expected! Excellent! I feel much more well prepared to begin riding and sharpening the skills I learned. The instructor's enthusiasm was helpful in making this intensive course more enjoyable.

It was a very friendly atmosphere and useful info. I was very bitter about the fact that I "had" to take this course to ride my bike, but after taking it I'm very glad that I did. It drives home the point of who's responsible on the bike. Good job . . . Thanks.

This class was one I would highly recommend to anybody who likes to ride. Great class as well as fun and educational. Well done Guys. Thanks for a great time.

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V. OVERALL IMPACT OF THE PROGRAM

It is too early to tell if the program has made an impact. If the comments made by the students are any indication, then an impact has been made on each of them. The promotional program success is evidenced by the fact that word of mouth referrals account for seven out of nine students.

The California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) recently concluded a landmark nine year research project to determine the effectiveness of rider education. The program has trained over 93,000 motorcyclists since its implementation in 1987. The following excerpts highlight the findings of that report:

Over the nine years the CMSP has been in operation, fatal motorcycle accidents in California have dropped by 69 percent, falling from 840 fatal accidents in 1986 to 263 fatal accidents in 1995. At the same time, total motorcycle accidents have fallen from 29,742 in 1986 to 9,710 in 1995, a drop of 67 percent.

The decline in accident rates has been even more dramatic for those under 18, who are required by law to take the course. Accidents among this group has dropped 88 percent, while accidents among riders over 18 have dropped 61 percent.

Using conservative estimates of the costs of accidents and fatalities, a savings of 2,374 accidents and 117 fatalities per year represents an annual savings of $173 million, more than one hundred times the cost of the program itself.

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VI. REVENUE

The following figures represent the total revenues for the program for 1995 and 1996.

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VII. EXPENDITURES

The following figures represent total expenditures for the program for 1995 and 1996.

PROGRAM BALANCE AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 ---------- $228,915

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VIII. SUMMARY

The STAR program expects to increase the number of motorcyclists trained annually by providing increased training courses on a statewide bases. During 1997, we expect to train 650 students, a 92 percent increase over 1996. In addition, the program will include a public awareness campaign designed to make motorcyclists aware of the need and availability of training courses. This element of the program will also be aimed at increasing the awareness of the motorcyclists and motorists of the need to safely coexist in the transportation system.

We feel that the initial steps taken ensure that we have the potential to evolve into one of the finest motorcyclist safety programs in the country.

Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability in any educational programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. (Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Diablilities Act of 1990.) It is the policy of the Idaho State Department of Education not to discriminate in any educaitonal programs or activities or in employment practices. Inquires regarding compliance with this nondiscriminatory policymay be directed to Dr. Anne C. Fox, State Superintendent of Public instruction, P.O. Box 83720. Boise, Idaho 83720-0027, (208) 332-6800, or to the Director of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C.

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Last Modified: July 24, 1998