[bottoj]

a safety awareness group. Similar to the MSF, though geared towards informing people of the risks that come with riding and what preventative measures can be taken to minimize those risks. I know it sounds like a long-shot to get something off of the ground, but we need something to let people know that they need to "slow down".

My buddy Aaron (spicy) sent me this link a few minutes ago, and once again I am almost in tears because we have lost another friend.

After my accident over a month ago, in which I nearly lost my life, the things that matter really stick out. Questions such as "Why am I alive and not him" begin to arise, but only guilt ensues. I can either decide to ponder as to why it wasn't me instead, or use this opportunity that god has given me to continue living towards something beneficial.

I choose to take this second chance and create a foundation of sorts (any name suggestions -> maybe Rider Safety Awareness Association?) in which the sole goal would be to inform riders about how small preventative measure can make a big difference between life and death.

I for one know that gear saved my life, and I would eventually like to start taking donations once the foundation is up and running that would be used for advertising, bumper stickers, decals, and maybe even an accident recovery fund for those in need of help financially after an accident.

I know that to all of you reading, this may seem like a small dream, but everything big starts small with one idea, and this is mine.

So to everyone looking to help me pursue this, any help that you could offer would be greatly appreciated. First and foremost, I think a website is in order which would include start-up information. All I need is a good, professional web designer, willing to help me achieve this dream to help others.

On one last note, all who help now and in the future will be recognized in some way. We need to do something, seeing as this season has been crazy so far. Any thoughts or ideas is greatly appreciated.

[OreoGitorio]

cras4u 2k5: ay pete
OreoGaborio: hey dude
cras4u 2k5: http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...-starting.html
cras4u 2k5: please reply
OreoGaborio: ok







Seriously though, you've got a PM... and send a PM to Degsy (or maybe he'll see this). He, I, and a few others have recently become involved in something that you may be interested in being a part of.

[MissTwisties]

Ok, yes I got an idea. When I went to witness a MSF class a few weeks ago, I had asked the instructors if there was anyone offering their time to "chaperone" a new rider on the roads. As far as I know, no such thing is in place. The only thing you can ask, or hope for, is for another more experienced rider to accompany you on a few rides if they don't mind. I was lucky enough in the beginning to have Paige and ChR1s take me on a ride, show me around and give me pointers during the ride, I never forgot their gesture.

So my idea would be to set up some sort of group/database of more experienced riders available and willing to accompany new riders on their first ride, to make them feel a bit more confident and secure (many don't want to go riding alone at first, and understandably), show them a few nice roads and help them with some basic riding advices, how to ride responsibly, etc. nothing more.

Myself would like to volunteer some of my time. The only concern would be to make sure there is something in place to make new riders undersand they are FULLY responsible for themselves while out on the roads, the "chaperone" cannot be held responsible for them and cannot be held liable if something was to happen.

[spicy]

^ Agreed

Lately, with all the fellow riders I've been meeting up with at school, I've usually been trying to get a good feel for people's experience levels, and if anyone's under 2-3k mi, I usually try and stick behind them during a ride or two, just to watch their lines and braking/shifting/turning techniques. I usually try to offer some friendly, constructive advice from a slightly-more-experienced rider (only have 10k).

The conclusion I've drawn is that, if you wanna be stupid and wreckless, nothing's gonna change that, but a lot of well-intentioned newbies can benefit from a bit more experienced rider just going over the basics and lending helpful pointers. It's kind of like my own Big Brother Riding system .

[bottoj]

Wow that is an excellent idea! We could have a Buddy System database for new riders where they could look up experienced riders to show them the ropes! Excellent! I'm jotting that down...

[jimaug87]

I don't see the point in a 'motorcycles are dangerous, be careful' site. It's kinda like my girlfriend or mother telling me to ride safe. i know, and I will.

If I speed, or do anything that might not be seen as safe, I know the risks.

You could start a paypal account for concernd people to donate money to. Famies, especially children, of accident victims could benifit from some generous people.

I like the buddy database idea. one of the reasons i found this site was to meet riders in the area, hopefully ones that could help a new rider out.

[DucDave]

Originally Posted by jimaug87

I don't see the point in a 'motorcycles are dangerous, be careful' site. It's kinda like my girlfriend or mother telling me to ride safe. i know, and I will.

If I speed, or do anything that might not be seen as safe, I know the risks.

Well the point isnt to save everyone. The point is to create an opportunity to educate those who willing to learn.

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. I think the point is to create a community where those who are experienced can share that experience with those who are newer...and who are willing.

So...just because you see no point in the site doesn't mean it's without value...

and


+100 for hooking up with Degsy. Lets leverage each other to create a unified community...not a fragmented one.

[OreoGitorio]

By the way, my offer goes for anyone that wish to be a part of this - http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...ke-deaths.html

Just shoot Degsy a PM for more info.

[MissTwisties]

Originally Posted by OreoGitorio

By the way, my offer goes for anyone that wish to be a part of this - http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...ke-deaths.html

Just shoot Degsy a PM for more info.

Well, the thread doesn't say much about the project, and it's aim at people under 30 only...Some of us old farts want to help too!

[schleppy]

I'd be down to help. Let me know what I can do.

[bottoj]

Jim, if something that I feel strongly about pursuing saves even one life, then it was all worth doing. The goal would be to get new or potential riders off to a good start, not to tell people just to be safe. I know personally that meeting up with great people helps a lot when starting the sport, but there is also a plethora of advice to be given - and those who don't want to sift through forums would find it in one convenient website: that is my goal.

Included in the website, thanks to MissTwisties and Aaron, will be a rider database similar to google maps but with little icons for where each experienced, volunteer rider is, and you could type in your zip code or place a marker somewhere and say "give me a radius of 10mi" or something like that and little dots would come up with name/user name/town/contact info type stuff. This way new riders could meet up with riders with certain criteria who wouldn't mind showing new folks the ropes.

Another goal is to set up an Injury Fund for those in need of medical assistance when not in good financial standing.

It may not help everyone, nothing ever does, but if I can touch the lives of just a handful of people, I can say I have accomplished my goal. If anyone wants to help me pursue this, by all means PM me/post ideas about how you can help. If you don't like the idea, feel free to criticize but please don't put me down. I'm just trying to do good.

[Crash Dummy Denno]

i couldnt make the meeting due to work but i did get a cool orange wristband that reads "ride responsible"

def talk to degs jeff

[bottoj]

Originally Posted by Denno

def talk to degs jeff

I plan to buddy, but I'm still going to pursue this. I believe that a system in which inexperienced riders could be mentored with knowledgeable people is worth a shot. I plan on registering a domain name shortly, any ideas?

[TBOX]

There is a group formed called "Riderdown". google it. They deal with MX racers who are involved in crashes. Most of their money comes from donations. They formed to attempt to offset the cost of medical bills and speed recovery. I like the idea of offering a mentorship database. Just becareful it doesn't turn into riding lessons and put the person with good intentions in a bad situation.

[KillBill]

Originally Posted by OreoGitorio

By the way, my offer goes for anyone that wish to be a part of this - http://www.nestreetriders.com/forum/...ke-deaths.html

Just shoot Degsy a PM for more info.

Thanks Pete -

Just sent Degsy a PM.
I am very interested in knowing what I can do to help out.

[wingerdor]

I agree with the "mentoring" idea. They say that the majority of crashes happen in a riders first 6-12 months of riding. Many a potential life time rider has been scared away from riding for good, due to a close call or mishap, that they do not understand. Having an open channel to talk to someone about it and as you've said "show them the ropes" would be awesome. As has been said, being a safety nazi does nothing but alienate people. The old adage of lead by example is where it's at. People will take what they want and leave the rest. Even if you are not involved in this directly, not riding like a knucklehead in traffic and being respectful still helps, because you help mold the public view of motorcyclists in a better light, making your day better and ours. Someone once said an interesting thing to me about drivers. "If a car cuts you off, you don't now hate all cars, just that driver. If a Sport bike or a Loud Cruiser cuts you off, you hate all those damn CrotchRockets or those Damn Harleys. In order to promote our sport I think it is our responsibility to show newer riders as much proper technique as possible. This includes proper gear and smart road behavior. We get alot of experienced riders that take an ERC with a riding buddy that is newer. This shows the commitment to learning. Like bringing a friend to a trackday. If you have a friend that isn't into the whole gear wearing thing, bringing them to a trackday will force them to buy some good gear and wear it. If the happen to see someone go down at the track and walk away with some scuffed leathers, it could make all the difference. (not wishing going down on anyone!)

My 2 cents.

[bottoj]

Site: www.bikerbuddy.org

1. Maps to locate experienced riders: a rider database similar to Google maps, but with little icons for where each experienced, volunteer rider is. You could type in your zip code, or place a marker somewhere and say "give me a radius of 10mi" or something like that and little dots would come up with name/user name/town/contact info type stuff. This way, new riders could meet up with riders with certain criteria who wouldn't mind showing new folks the ropes.
Riders who volunteer are classified by:
a) Miles, both Street and Track (sessions)
b) Type of Rider (aggressive, moderate, touring)
c) Years riding experience
d) Age

2. A Medical Fund for fellow riders with a bad financial standing, created by donations.

3. Forum for prospective and current riders
a) Donations would give you s special “Buddy” status on your account.
b) Swag such as decals, hats, and shirts would be available and count as donations towards the organization

4. Good riding routes, shown as maps with details such as level of aggressiveness, distance, time, and points in which a new rider should be cautious of.

5. A group ride section where you can start rides, showing route, distance, and time. Members can “add” themselves to the group (skill levels/experience of riders are displayed). Also, there would be a feature to “report back” a successful ride without any mishaps.

[Ken C]

Good motives here. I'm all for new blood trying to "spread the good word".

A bit of background:
I've been dedicating the last 12 years of my life to rider education. I've been an MSF instructor that whole time and write the monthly Safety and Skills column for Motorcycle Consumer News . I also devote a ton of time as an instructor for Tony's track Days. I tell you this not to toot my horn, but to give some perspective on what I'm about to say.

It is hard to reach the riders who need the message the most. Those who come to MSF courses, subscribe to MCN, and attend Tony's Track Days are the choir, for the most part. They hear the good word and nod their heads. They are serious about riding and are eager to learn.

I gave a talk at Motomarket a few years ago on Risk. I was shocked when about 60 people showed up, but what was most shocking was that I recognized a lot of the faces. They were already knowledgable about riding. I joked that I should have advertised it as a wet t-shirt contest with free beer and then maybe I would have gotten the riders who really needed to hear the message. Of course I would have had to lock the doors and been inside a wire cage for protection (think Blues Brothers) as I talked about responsible riding.

I know that I do a lot of good reaching thousands of riders each month, but it frustrates me that I can't share what I know to those who need it most. Yes, I'm sure I do reach many who fall under this catagory, but hearing about the guy who died in Conway (where I ride every day) reminds me that even with my wide reach, I can't reach those that might be (literally) in my back yard.

So, my message is: go for it, but know what audience you're after and focus your attention on ways to spread the word, but not turn them off. Good luck with that. If there is anything I can do that will help, let me know.

[OreoGitorio]

Ken, that's exactly the sort of thing we discussed in that meeting with Degsy and the rep from the RMV last Saturday - reaching the audience that needs it the most.

It's gonna be a TRICKY task... but I'm hoping we can get it done.

[KillBill]

Originally Posted by cras4u

Site: [b]www.bikerbuddy.org

So I guess you liked the name I came up with?

Glad it worked!

[wingerdor]

I'm not sure what it will take to reach them, but I know it will need to be something untraditional. (We should look more into this wet t-shirt idea of Ken's...lol) We need to make smart riding look cool! One example of succesful safety gear is the racing leather jackets that match your gixxer or ninja or cbr, that look just like the leathers that the champs that ride "your" bike wear. Nothing better than style to help people wear good gear. Even ICON (admittedly not the greatest gear out there) has people wearing jacket/pants/gloves/helmet that all match the color scheme of their bike, that otherwise would be wearing t-shirt and jeans. Again...The gear looks cool so people can wear it in the name of fashion but have some protection!

Let's face it. Most of these people won't cough up the kind of dough needed for a good quality set of gear, but they will spend $700 on a RR helmet.

How about something like harley owners do? Motorcycle rodeos. Parking lot skill contests on sportbikes(other than the one wheel kind). Contests, best looking gear, best matching 2up gear... Just some random thoughts I had

[DucDave]

Originally Posted by OreoGitorio

Ken, that's exactly the sort of thing we discussed in that meeting with Degsy and the rep from the RMV last Saturday - reaching the audience that needs it the most.

It's gonna be a TRICKY task... but I'm hoping we can get it done.

As an old dog let me give you some hope. What you are doing WILL reach some of those who will benefit. But, to be trite, it's going to be a journey for all of you...not a destination. You won't ever 'get it done'...you will be continuosly refiing and reinventing the message and the channel.

And it will be worth every second. As other teachers here probably know, you will receive as much as you give. Thats just the way it works...

Good on all of you ...work together...and if there is anything of practical value I can add please call on me!

[Ken C]

Dave is quite right that one of the big benefits to sharing what you know with others is how your riding becomes better and how motorcycling becomes much more than simply riding.

One other thing I'll throw out there: It's not one bold stroke that makes people change behavior, rather it takes constant delivery of a message (backed up by being a good example) that eventually soaks in and makes change happen.

[Doc]

Great stuff in this thread. I started a bike night in my area to try and Mentor people.

I have a good core of about 12 guys now that wear the gear and talk the talk. Getting them to track days and such. Hopefully 12 will turn into more but it is a start.

Start small in your area and be prepared to reach out to others that have done the same.

I have alot of ideas and get alot from all of you. There is a wealth of info here when we aren't busting each others balls.

BTW there is a group up here that offers to ride with new riders... I'll find the website.