ALBANY, NY (01/22/2009)(readMedia)--

Commissioner David J. Swarts today announced that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has accepted a proposal from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to administer the statewide motorcycle safety program. The five-year contract in the amount of $6,325,000 will be used to manage a motorcycle safety program consisting of rider education, program promotion and public awareness. The program is funded solely by New York's motorcyclists from a portion of the motorcycle license and registration fees.

According to Commissioner Swarts, "The goal of the state's motorcycle safety program is to reduce the number of accidents, injuries and fatalities associated with motorcycling. The program developed by MSF will promote proper and prudent motorcycle operation while at the same time heightening awareness among the general public regarding sharing the road with motorcyclists."

Legislation proposed by the Department of Motor Vehicles and passed in 2008 allowed for a competitive bid process which resulted in the selection of MSF. This new contract was bid at a cost that is $157,000 less than the previous five-year contract with the Motorcycle Association of New York State (MANYS), which will expire on February 3, 2009.

DMV continues to offer incentives for motorcyclists to seek rider education by providing a waiver of the motorcycle road test for those who successfully complete the MSF's beginning rider course. More than 110,000 motorcyclists have enrolled in the beginning rider course since the program's inception in 1996. In 2008, approximately one-quarter of the motorcyclists licensed in New York earned their endorsement by successfully completing the MSF Basic RiderCourse.

The MSF is a not-for-profit foundation that is supported by motorcycle manufacturers. The rider education component of the program uses a nationally recognized curriculum developed by the Foundation. MSF, which is also currently conducting successful motorcycle training in a number of other states including Pennsylvania and California, is internationally recognized for developing a comprehensive, research-based, Rider Education and Training System and promotes lifelong-learning for motorcyclists and continuous professional development for certified RiderCoaches and other trainers. MSF also actively participates in government relations, safety research, public awareness campaigns and the provision of technical assistance to state training and licensing programs.

Interested motorcyclists can call MSF at a toll-free number, 1-800-446-9227 to find the nearest MSF course location.

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Posted Thursday January 22, 2009 at 09:58 am by New York State Department of Motor Vehicles