Smart Rider Commitments

At Idaho STAR, our goal is to prepare riders at every level of experience with the skills and knowledge for safe riding. In order to support riders and encourage safe choices, the Idaho STAR Program has created the Smart Rider Commitments. These are 13 commitments we encourage all riders to make to themselves, and they cover the most important choices we make: when, where, and how we ride.

Take a look and see which commitments (maybe all of them) are right for you, your family, and loved ones. To open and print the Smart Rider Commitment card PDF, simply click HERE.

General Information

Late Arrivals:

If you are late to your course, you will not be allowed to continue and will forfeit your seat and tuition.

Out of respect for all students and our site sponsors, we keep courses moving and start promptly at the designated time.

Arriving 15-20 minutes early is an easy way to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience.

Snacks and Beverages:

You may bring snacks and beverages. Water is provided.

Course End Times:

Course end times are approximate and may vary due to weather or other circumstances. Please allow extra time when scheduling work, childcare, or other commitments around your course.

The Smart Rider Commitments are based on three principles:

We are free to choose, but we cannot escape the necessity of choice.
We cannot wish facts out of existence.
In 'the moment of truth' it's too late to go back and make different choices.

SMART RIDER COMMITMENTS

I acknowledge that part of being a responsible rider is knowing and following the ‘rules of the road.’ I accept this fact and commit to learning and complying with state laws, rules, regulations and equipment requirements.I acknowledge that riding a motorcycle in a complex traffic and roadway environment is an activity involving risk and danger. I accept this fact and commit to managing those risks.I acknowledge that when riding a motorcycle, the only thing between me and the elements (hot, cold, rain, hail, bugs, the asphalt, other vehicles, etc.) is the gear I am wearing. I accept this fact and commit to getting and wearing riding gear that is right for me and my family.I acknowledge that a motorcycle requires more frequent inspection and maintenance than a car. I accept this fact and commit to learning how and when to perform a pre-ride check on my motorcycle.I acknowledge that an expert rider is one who uses expert judgment to avoid having to use expert skills. I accept this fact and commit to becoming an expert rider by practicing SIPDE (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute) skills, keeping my eyes up and scanning 20 seconds ahead.I acknowledge that motorcyclists running wide in turns is the most common fatal crash situation. I accept this fact and commit to practicing good cornering skills, and in particular LOOKING through the turn and PRESSING forward on the handgrip to cause the bike to lean/turn.I acknowledge that braking errors are very common in crash situations. I accept this fact and commit to regularly practicing quick stops, with an emphasis on smooth increasing pressure on the front brake and a light to lighter application of the rear brake.I acknowledge that many fatal motorcycle crashes involve riders who had been drinking. I accept this fact and commit to separate the use of alcohol (and other drugs) from riding a motorcycle. I commit to riding sober.I acknowledge that touring and long-distance riding demand physical endurance, mental stamina and preparation. I accept this fact and commit to building up slowly to longer distances and to being prepared for the challenges of long-distance riding.I acknowledge that an impaired rider in the group puts me at risk. I accept this fact and commit to avoiding riding with others who are impaired.I acknowledge that there are a wide variety of factors that can impair my ability to ride safely. I accept this fact and commit to minimizing factors that can negatively affect my riding ability and performance.I acknowledge that when I carry a passenger, I am responsible for their safety and comfort. I accept this fact and commit to waiting to carry passengers until I have well developed skills and significant experience as a solo rider.I acknowledge that group riding demands more skill and attention than riding solo. I accept this fact and commit to waiting to ride with a group until I have well developed skills and significant experience riding by myself or with just one other (and more experienced) rider.