Motorcycle Safety Foundation Rider Coach

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® is the internationally recognized developer of the comprehensive, research-based, Rider Education and Training System (RETS). RETS curricula promotes lifelong-learning for motorcyclists and continuous professional development for certified RiderCoaches(SM) 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. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national, not-for-profit organization 

Become a Certified MSF RiderCoach℠

Since 1973, MSF has trained more than 400 Chief Instructors and RiderCoach Trainers who in turn have certified over 20,000 Instructors and RiderCoaches.

RiderCoaches are the backbone of the RiderCourse training system. Completing an intensive RiderCoach Preparation Course is one of the main requirements for becoming an MSFRiderCourse Certified RiderCoach.

During the RiderCoach Preparation Course you'll learn the nuts and bolts of teaching the MSF'sBasic RiderCourse (BRC). In some programs, your RiderCoach Preparation Course may include the details of teaching the Basic RiderCourse 2(BRC2, formerly ERC Suite). However, many programs prefer to provide your BRC2 update at a later time--after you've gained experience teaching the BRC.

Who teaches the RiderCoach Preparation Course?

MSF-certified RiderCoach Trainers teach the course. These specially trained RiderCoaches have completed the MSF's RiderCoach Trainer Preparation Course and are authorized to train candidates for MSF RiderCoach certification.

What qualifications do I need to enroll?

You must be a licensed motorcyclist, at least 18 years old, who currently rides on a frequent, routine basis. You should have several years of varied riding experience. As a teacher, you need good communication skills. As a RiderCoach, you'll be called upon to give your time to help teach RiderCourses. Although you may get paid, you won't become rich in this field. A sincere desire to help reduce motorcycle accidents, injuries, and deaths is the prime motivator of RiderCourse RiderCoach.

What does the course cover and what are the completion requirements?

The course is approximately 60 hours long. Course schedules will vary; you should plan on 7 to 10 days of intense training.

As a part of the course, you'll be required to pass a riding-skill test. It is the same test used in the MSF's Basic RiderCourse however, the standards are higher for RiderCoach candidates.

During the course, you'll learn how to teach the BRC curriculum. You'll practice teaching in the classroom. You'll learn how to manage the range exercises and how to evaluate and coach students as they develop their riding skills.

At the end of the training portion of the course, you'll be given a knowledge test. You must pass it to continue in the program.

The course culminates when you and your classmates teach a complete BRC to a group of new riders. The RiderCoach Trainers will evaluate your performance. Successfully completing student teaching is your final requirement to qualify for MSF RiderCourse RiderCoach certification.

As a RiderCoach candidate, you'll use the RiderCoach Guide for the BRC. You'll also receive many MSF materials, reports, and instructional handouts to start your own reference library. Depending on the sponsor, you may also receive RiderCoach Range & Classroom Cards for the ERC Suite and information on teaching this program.

Go to your local phone listings and find a local or regional MSF course provider. They are know as "Sponsors" Contact them and ask about becoming a rider coach. You can also go to teh MSF "COntact" page http://www.msf-usa.org/Contact.aspx and look up your state coordinator, follow the links of contact info to your state page and then find a MSF provider close to you to speak with.

Each state that has adopted the MSF curriculum for their basic rider education program will facilitate and administer the program differently. Speaking with a MSF rider coach in YOUR state is the best way to get a feel for what we do and how to get involved. Interested rider coach candidates in Texas are welcome to contact me (https://www.rallypoint.com/profiles/365577-sgm-erik-marquez ) and I'll do what I can to assist or get you to the TExas POC that can help.