UNDATED, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) is reporting a need for more motorcycle safety instructors statewide.
According to the organization, in 2019, nearly 11,000 people enrolled in a Michigan motorcycle rider education class. There are about 200 RiderCoaches in the state.
Instructors, or “RiderCoaches,” can earn between $24 – $35 per hour working for local training sponsors.
The areas that require the most immediate need for new instructors is at the Grand Rapids Community College and Schoolcraft College/Detroit Metro Consortium.
Applicants who are interested in becoming a certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach in Michigan must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have passed a Basic RiderCourse (BRC), the beginning motorcycle class within the last year.
- Have held a motorcycle endorsement for at least one year.
- Have a good driving record.
- Pass a criminal background check.
- Obtain a sponsorship with an approved public or private motorcycle safety course provider (providers are located throughout the state).
- Successfully complete the RiderCoach Prep Course.
A RiderCoach Prep Course will cost applicants $75, which includes the materials required for the course. Participants will then spend a minimum of 80 hours in the classroom and on the motorcycle riding range.
In order to pass the prep course, participants must attend every session, pass a riding-skills test, and pass a knowledge test. They will learn how to properly evaluate new students and will teach a basic motorcycle safety class under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
More information on how to become a RiderCoach can be found online at www.Michigan.gov/Motorcycling.
