MARCH 3, 2008

Otsego County educator ensures riders
offered high-quality courses

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today announced the selection of Tim McPherson of Gaylord as the newest of the state's RiderCoach Trainers, who ensure Michigan's motorcycle safety courses are the best available.

McPherson is a longtime motorcyclist, coach and an educator with more than 20 years of experience. He has worked as a RiderCoach teaching motorcycle safety courses and as the program manager for the Otsego County Sheriff Department's Training Program for the past seven years.

"I know Tim will make a great addition to our efforts to improve the skills and safety of Michigan riders," Land said. "The courses offer riders an excellent way to hone their skills as they enjoy their rides safely. Motorcycling is an exciting way to explore our state's natural beauty and a fun outing for families."

As a trainer, McPherson will develop future RiderCoaches and visit safety courses throughout the state to ensure they provide riders with a high-quality program. Now that he's been hired, he will travel to Kentucky for a two-week session to get his RiderCoach Trainer certification.

The position will be paid for from a grant from the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Fund, which supports training for RiderCourses throughout Michigan.

The skills course gives riders the opportunity to develop their safe riding ability. The course runs about 15 hours and includes classroom and riding skills practice time. A written test still must be taken at a Secretary of State office. Additionally, the course is required of all riders younger than 18 or those who have taken the motorcycle skills test twice and failed.

Since becoming Secretary of State, Land has made increasing motorcycle safety a priority. She has led an annual campaign to promote and spread awareness about motorcycle safety. She encourages all riders to take the safety course. Almost half of the more than 3,200 motorcycle crashes in 2006 involved no other vehicle except the motorcycle, suggesting that greater caution or training could have helped prevent some of the incidents.

Visit www.Michigan.gov/sos for more motorcycle training, endorsement or related information as well as for all programs and services offered by the Secretary of State's Office.