Dangerous Profits: Rider Education Goes to The Movies

A work of truth and satire, this video essay ponders why motorcycle riding training has suddenly become lethal.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Motorcycle
• Safety
• Foundation
• Training
• Bikes
• Corporations

[zpreston2006]

b/c they let new riders use them when learning to ride.

[jrico216]

Why was the Buell Blast dangerous?

TJ

[kayawildborn]

As a RiderCoach in Texas I've seen people on the street that need some "rider education". It is not (at this time) mandatory to get a license. I think that it should be!! BUT dealerships and manufacturers should not have control over the program. I'd like to see >>MANDATORY EDUCATION FOR NEW RIDERS<< and the education process should NOT be controlled by the dealers..

[oldwinger1950]

I guess I would have to say that it all depends on the integrity of the instructor. I have never in ND been asked by a dealership to pass a student so they could sell a bike.  They have had students call me from the dealerships to schedule a class because they were worried about the individuals ability to handle the bike they have already purchased. As I tell the students I neither fail nor pass them it is all up to them if they have the skills necessary to pass.

Jack

[PatrolmanDark]

I'm not sure if your statement about "if anybody dies during the entry level course" really stands up compared against the facts given: Before Harley - 1 death in 28 years versus With Harley - 5 deaths in only 4 years. 28:1 VS 4:5. That's bad. Going with people trained, it's 2 million trained to 1 death versus 1 million trained to 5 deaths. 2:1 VS 1:5. Those are hard numbers, and they're pretty bad.

[airynd]

I disagree with badjuju17ca; there's another option: That person did not receive adequate instruction before getting on the bike or while on it.

[badjuju17ca]

Having participated in the Harley Sponsered Rider course, i feel qualified to make a few observations. 1st, while part of the class is, admitedly, a sales pitch, can one really expect a business to not try to make money? 2nd, if anyone dies during the entry level course, that person is either not paying attention or doesn't have the mental capacity to be on a bike.

[claylubbers]

Very interesting. However as an adult with ADD that was kind of hard to watch/listen to. Kind of felt like Clockwork Orange. I'm not sure what's happeneing here in Michigan. Time to do some research. Harley sure has a brilliant marketing team- ya gotta give them that...

[dumplips]

I am an instructor who taught the old mrc curriculum. No doubt the brc is dumbed down. If a rider says "I`m going to buy a bike as soon as I get my license" then the manufacturers will take notice. I would like to see the license waiver go away. I have met moonrider, and while I do not agree with everything she has to say, I think the video speaks volumes.