Rider Perspectives

Here are some actual quotes from riders about their experiences in motorcycle training class. It proves that no matter your experience level or skill level, taking a class makes riding safer and more enjoyable. If you'd like to share your rider-training experiences, please e-mail us.

Colonel Mark Trostel, Colorado State Patrol

Bruce Downs

Jay Van Loenen

Shannon Boyles, PR director, Rocky Mountain Rollergirls

Ken Clark, Fox 31 News – Good Day Colorado

Officer Kim Steen, City of Littleton Police Department

Jamie S. Madsen, Senior Sales Manager – Colorado Progressive Insurance Company

Nicole Alley, Allstate Insurance Company

Colonel Mark Trostel, Colorado State Patrol:

As chief of the Colorado State Patrol and a motorcycle rider for the past 14 years, I know there is nothing like the freedom and exhilaration of riding a motorcycle in our beautiful state. But with that freedom comes responsibility and certainly some danger. Every year for the past nine years, the number of motorcyclists killed on our nation’s highways has increased. And sadly, motorcycle fatalities in Colorado are on the rise--from 45 fatalities in 1995, doubling to 90 deaths in 2007. The majority of last year’s deaths occurred between May and October. That’s an average of about 12 riders dying each month, or three each week.

Some of these fatalities can be attributed to drinking and riding. In fact, alcohol was a factor in 40% of the fatal motorcycle crashes in Colorado last year. National statistics show that the percentage of legally intoxicated motorcycle riders in fatal crashes is greater than the percentages of legally intoxicated drivers of passenger cars, SUV’s or pick-up trucks. That’s why the Colorado State Patrol is urging all motorcyclists to always ride smart and sober. In every state, it is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of .08 or higher. Still, about 1,500 motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes each year are over the legal limit. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), twenty-seven percent all motorcycle riders who died in traffic crashes in 2006 had BAC levels of .08 or higher. Far too many people die or suffer debilitating injuries as a result of impaired riding, particularly among middle-aged riders and baby boomers. Of all age groups, motorcycle riders between 30 to 49 years old have the highest rates of alcohol involvement in fatal motorcycle crashes. It is extremely dangerous to drive any vehicle while impaired, especially a motorcycle, which requires a great deal of balance and coordination. But no matter what you drive, it is a crime to do it under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you choose to commit this crime, you will be caught and arrested. People do things they regret when they’re drunk, but riding a motorcycle or a vehicle should never be one of them. I encourage you to ride sober and to make sure you get proper training so that you can continue to enjoy riding Colorado roadways. You can find additional information about motorcycle safety and training at www.comotorcyclesafety.com .

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Bruce Downs:

It was a beautiful summer’s day in Ouray, CO, when things went bad in a hurry. I was riding with my wife on a two-lane road and was in the lead. Traffic was moderately heavy, but moving along nonetheless. I was following a motor home with adequate distance between us. I guess I looked away for just a second. When I looked back, the motor home in front of me was braking hard. I braked hard too but realized it wasn’t hard enough to avoid a crash. Instead, I released the brakes, swerved to the left and split the lanes of traffic down the yellow line. I was riding between the traffic stopped in my lane and three very large motor homes going the other way. As I passed the third vehicle, I noticed the driver was about to make a left turn in front of me. I screamed. He heard me and stopped. After safely passing all of the vehicles, I pulled over to the side of the road to catch my breath…and change certain articles of clothing.

Being a MOST motorcycle safety instructor, I am not very proud of what happened. Just as I teach in my MOST training class, things can happen in the blink of an eye. My experience, along with proper training and skills practice, was all that saved me from being in a serious crash. I also know that if I had been even slightly impaired, I could not have executed this maneuver in a timely manner.

I don’t care how long you have been riding I encourage everyone to take a class and practice your skills. You will have fun, probably learn something, and it may save your life.

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Jay Van Loenen:

With gas prices where they are and a wedding on the horizon, my wife and I decided that two SUVs and a jeep were a bit over the top. To pare down expenses, we came to the decision that we should sell one SUV and get me a motorcycle.

In order for me to get on a motorcycle with my wife’s blessing, I was going to have to do more than simply buy a cycle and start riding.  The full story can be found here .

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Shannon Boyles:

“The skills I learned in a motorcycle safety class were both priceless and lifesaving. Just this past weekend, I attended an experienced riders course that I learned about through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). The training was conducted by a MOST-certified training organization. It was a great refresher and reinforced some critical riding skills. I took the class with my 64-year-old Dad Peter Boyles and was shocked to hear he learned so much from the course. I tell people, if I can take this class, anyone can.
  
Safety is key - being alert and always ready for a quick stop or the ability to swerve out of trouble is so important!  Looking a few seconds ahead of the bike and planning a course of action will keep you alive and enjoying riding bikes for the rest of your life. Thanks for a wonderful Sunday out on the course - If I were to give this course a 1-10 rating, it would come in at 857!"

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Ken Clark:

“The class was wonderful. The instructors were incredibly knowledgeable about riding and knew how to teach an old dog. The class not only built on the foundation of the beginner class, but also took it to another level with the ability to practice/learn on my motorcycle. Within minutes, they pointed out a bad habit that could lead to problems in an emergency.

This class takes the book learning to the street. For me, having all the instruction on the bike I ride daily, is the best part; it helps to have the instruction with your own bike. Like the old saying goes, ‘devil in the details,' and in this class they teach the details that can save your life. Well worth the time!!”

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Officer Kim Steen:

“I realized that I had to undo a lot of bad habits when I took a motorcycle safety class. It was amazing to me how much I learned. It really made me a much better, safer, more alert rider. I'm not only a better rider, I enjoy riding much more. I recommend training for everyone, no matter what your skill level is or how long you've been riding.”

Jamie S. Madsen:

"At Progressive Insurance, we believe taking the proper safety precautions when riding your bike is important.  That is why we have made our motorcycle product to not only address a rider's coverage needs, but benefit those who take these precautions. CDOT's Motorcycle Safety Program is a great program to not only educate riders on how to ride safer, but also save money!"

Nicole Alley:

“Our company doesn't just want to protect Colorado bikes – we want to help protect Colorado riders, too. Allstate is excited to partner with CDOT and raise awareness for the important, life saving benefits of taking a motorcycle safety course.”

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