Have you ever noticed that in the GWRRA motto of Friends for "Fun, Safety, and Knowledge" the "Fun, Safety, and Knowledge" are in a connective triangle? There’s a good reason for that. All three of these concepts work hand in hand. Knowledge helps create a safer riding experience which, in turn, helps make riding more fun. It is for this very reason GWRRA brings various avenues to the rider as a way meet these "goals". You cannot have one, without having the other. And the Rider Education Program (REP) is one of those means.

The Rider Education Program is designed to help encourage GWRRA riders and co-riders to ride safely. The Co-Rider Seminar, Road Captains Course, Trailer and Trike Courses are just some of the programs REP helps provide the knowledge for a safer and fun ride. REP also encourages the rider to take other courses like those offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). MSF has the Basic Rider Course (BRC) and the Experience Rider Course (ERC) which is currently being updated and will provide a more challenging course for the experienced rider. At many GWRRA rallies, these courses are conducted by certified instructors.

So how does REP help encourage the rider and co-rider to take these courses? Through the different REP levels. Level 1 is simply a "Commitment to Safety". Level 2 requires a valid motorcycle license and 5,000 safe miles (after joining GWRRA) and is called "Safety by Education". Level 3 is "Safety by Preparedness". It requires that the qualifications of Levels 1 and 2 be met along with certification of either a CPR or 1st Aid course and an approved rider and/or co-rider course (yes, the co-rider can go to level 3 even though the rider may on be at level 2).

There are some changes as far as Level 4 is concerned. Currently Level 4 is being revised. As a result, no new applications are being accepted. Those that are already at this level are still considered current and may renew the level provided they still meet the requirements.

Last year Chapter M-2 had 100% participation in the REP. Let’s keep it up. I encourage each of you that are at Level 1, to take a step forward and move up to Levels 2 and 3 and eventually to Level 4. All levels must be renewed by Jan. 1st. Applications sent in after the beginning of October will be good for 1 year. All applications must go through the Chapter Educator. This will be the case when the new level 4 provisions are released.

Till next time - Ride Safe and Stay Visible.

Collen Campbell
Chapter M-2 Rider Educator