Motorcycle Safety

GEARING UP - CANADA'S MOTORCYCLE SKILLS COURSE
MOTORCYCLING!

Why we ride: excitement, efficiency, enjoyment - the thrill of motorcycling is hard to describe.

Now you have one more reason to learn! "Gearing up" Canada's Motorcycle Skills Course. This new state-of-the-art program was developed BY motorcyclist FOR motorcyclists. No matter why you ride, for sport or transportation, you'll need to be prepared with the skills and knowledge for safe and enjoyable riding. "Gearing up" is available across Canada at over 100 locations ready to help you.

RIDE SAFELY
Whatever the motivation, you have to be concerned about the statistics and motorcycle collisions. There's no question that you're running a greater risk riding in traffic without a car body and seat belts to protect you. Safety Services' "Gearing up" will teach you how to ride safely.

RIDE PREPARED
Experienced riders will tell you that protective clothing and a good helmet are essential.They know how to check their machines before every ride and they have acquired the skills to ride safely. "Gearing up" will teach you what to wear, how to check your motorcycle, how to avoid collisions, and much more.

RIDE OUR WAY
Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting up, you have something to learn. Here are some of the topics covered:

Before you start
Riding tactics for the urban motorcyclist
Traction and control
The open road
Balance and braking
Starting the engine
Slower speed control
Higher speed control
Basic traffic behaviour
Emergency techniques

Safey Services Newfoundland Labrador provides all bikes. Our instructors are highly experienced riders and qualified trainers in motorcycle safety and have current certification in WHMIS and First Aid.

THE PROGRAM
Safety Services' Motorcycle Training Program has been in operation since 1974. It's offered through a national network of provincial organizations, and is the only program recognized by the motorcycle industry, federal and provincial governments, the insurance industry and private organizations across Canada. Upon successful completion of the program you will receive your course certificate, which you can take to Motor Vehicle Registration. Upon passing your written and vision tests you will receive your beginners permit, which allows you to ride (accompanied by a person who has had a motorcycle licence for at least 4 years) for a minimum of 30 days. (Graduate Licencing Program conditions apply - check your Road User's Guide). After at least 30 days you have the option of being road tested either by our instructors and using one of our bikes or you can take your own bike to Motor Vehicle Registration.

PLEASE NOTE: This course can be physically demanding with 14 hours of riding during the course and it may not be suitable for all students. If you have any medical problems that will prevent you from pushing a motorcycle, please call for further information.

REGISTRATION
Safety Services Newfoundland Labrador offers "Gearing Up" in St. John's, Carbonear, Clarenville, Grand Falls, Gander, Corner Brook and Stephenville. The weekend course starts on either Thursday or Friday night (depending on center) and will continue all day Saturday and Sunday. We also offer evening courses starting Thursday or Friday evening and riding sessions take place the following evenings. Check individual centers for details. For information or to register call 754-0210 or toll free at 877-754-0210.

Course cost is $440.00. You may either register in person at Safety Services' office at Regatta Plaza on Elizabeth Avenue in St. John's, online or over the phone by using either Visa or MasterCard.

The course placement is done on a first come first serve basis.

CANCELLATION
A $ 75 administration fee will be charged for cancellation. If a student cancels less than 48 hours before the start of the course, and no replacement is available, no refund will be issued. Individuals who register and fail to attend or fail to complete the program will not be eligible for any refund. All refunds must be requested and picked up before October 31st of the current year. No refunds will be issued after this date.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Appropriate safety equipment, such as eye protection, gloves, proper clothing, a helmet and boots, is required. For more details, please refer to page 76 of the Road Users Guide. Students are requested to wear/bring their riding to the in-class session on Thursday (depending on center schedule) for a quick check by the instructors. Under no circumstances will anyone be permitted to ride the cycles without proper riding equipment.

MOTORCYCLE HELMETS
According to the NL Regulations under the Highway Traffic Act there are currently only 2 kinds of motorcycle helmets, the Snell and BSI prescribes as conforming to standards in the province. However, DOT (US) helmets are widely sold by local dealers as well and purchasers often do not realize that they are non-conforming. Experts and non-experts are arguing about the effectiveness of one helmet over the other and there is no consensus. DOT helmets are accepted by regulators in the US and most of the other provinces.

We were advised in a letter of March 24, 2009 by the Minister of Government Services, the Honourable Kevin O'Brien, that his senior officials were in the process of reviewing the helmet standards outlined in the legislation. He anticipated that the review would be completed shortly and that we would be advised as soon as possible if amendments to the regulations were anticipated.

While Government's decision is pending, we will accept students with DOT helmets on our motorcycle training program provided those students sign our waiver form.

MOTORCYCLE ADVANCED RIDERS COURSE (MARC)

Experienced Riders Course for experienced motorcyclists

Developed for Newfoundland and Labrador riders, this course is designed for licensed riders and is presented by specifically qualified Safety Services' Motorcycle Training Program instructors. Our 8 hour course includeds classroom and riding sessions in a controlled area. You will develop skills and strategies that will help you enjoy motorcycling with confidence for years to come.

This course covers risk management, mental defensive riding strategies and defensive riding skills. It allows you the opportunity to improve your riding abilities and will enable you to react promptly to the challenges encountered in city and highway riding.

Cost for MARC is $ 110.00

Please call 709-754-0210 to register.