Gregoire to kill WA. Motorcycle Safety Program

[james1300]

Gregoire to kill WA. Motorcycle Safety Program

To arms! To arms! Gregoire to kill WA. Motorcycle Safety Program

Legislative Action Alert

The recent local news has been awash with reports of the Governor’s intentions to eliminate over 150 boards and commissions. The net result of this proposal, as declared in her policy statement, will be the elimination of the Washington State Motorcycle Safety and Advisory Board (note item 19 on page 2). This is the citizen oversight board, requested by the motorcyclists of Washington and funded through their endorsement fees. This is the same advisory board that has mentored the program from its earliest days, resulting in one of the best motorcycle safety programs in the nation and one of the best relationships between the riders of a state and the agency administering the program.

Here are the bills that are looking at boards and commissions at this time.

HB 2087: Eliminates the board in its entirety (see section 34)

HB 1497: Kills the entire motorcycle safety training program (see section 901 (12))

SB 5588: Suspends the entire program until July 1, 2011 (see section 109)

All riders need to contact their representative and let them know that the riding community will not tolerate the elimination of any portion of a program that is proven to save lives, with absolutely no revenue impact on either the general fund or the motor vehicle fund. The entire funding stream for this program comes from the riding community.

Points to emphasize:

It is revenue neutral

It saves lives

The riding community asked that the program be established 25 years ago and has vigorously supported it ever since.

Flood the switchboards ad hit the e-mail. It is imperative that we nip this in the bud.

To find your legislator go to https://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx

Let’s get busy.

Ride safely and legislate well

"Texas" Larry Walker

Government Relations Specialist

Washington Road Riders Association

[email protected]

360-271-9285

 

[Ignacio]

I read that and spotted it amongst the list.

Far be it from me to agree with a Governor I didn't exactly vote for, but looking at the underlying goals of this proposal to reduce bureaucracy, streamline government operations, and deliver modern services...I'm having a hard time with just trying to keep the status quo and try to have the bill defeated. What's wrong with applying those principles to motorcycle safety?

I wonder instead wonder what the members of the Motorcycle Safety Education Advisory Board would do to revamp itself to fit into this vision?

While it may be technically "revenue neutral" to the state by current standards (I do question that though too and bet we'll see cost impacts as the bills wind through committee).....it's not revenue neutral overall. Washington riders pay $25 every 5 years for renewal of their endorsement...which actually doubles the cost of a license. First time riders pay additional fees. What can we do to make sure that either that money is best spent or how motorcycle safety fits into the Governor's larger plan?

And I'm sure she doesn't want to chuck safety....just shake up how an entrenched bureacracy works and find some savings. Laudable regardless of party.

For those interest list of boards being considered is here...and I'm even on one of them myself.

 

[Panman]

Good luck.

 

[Hudson]

Having recently taken the MSF after a 10 year "break" from riding, I would consider making MSF courses mandatory for those obtaining new endorsements. If made mandatory, it might be able to be self-funding (and cheaper?). Drop the DMV tests and outsource testing to MSF, with periodic review for quality purposes.

The challenge with eliminating MSF funding and expecting riders to voluntarily pay without a state supplement (state usually covers 50%) is that we responsible riders will ultimately pay higher costs in the form of increased insurance (due to likely increases in accidents involving inexperienced riders), and I would expect the state's costs of enforcement and/or emergency services would rise as well, ultimately hitting me as a property tax payer.

 

[happyPuppy]

Interesting. The state did want to copy STAR in ID and Team Oregon, and have its own program. Perhaps that is the goal? It could along those lines. The big issue IMO opinion is it does not save lives. The stats bear it out, more training by MSF and the death toll increases. There are a lot of fine programs all over that supplement MSF, Code, Parks streetmasters etc. I plan on still taking training to improve my skill , I don't really care if it is state run or from independent veteran program providers. I am attending a cornering school in the summer from a program I really like that will teach me the skills I need. I am hoping this could be a good thing down the road.

 

[Toecutter]

The net result of this proposal, as declared in her policy statement, will be the elimination of the Washington State Motorcycle Safety and Advisory Board (note item 19 on page 2). This is the citizen oversight board, requested by the motorcyclists of Washington and funded through their endorsement fees.

So, does that mean motorcycle endorsements will no longer be required to ride in Wa, or are they just looking to make off with the money riders pay and use it for non-moto-safety purposes?

 

[Auburn]

The net result of this proposal, as declared in her policy statement, will be the elimination of the Washington State Motorcycle Safety and Advisory Board (note item 19 on page 2). This is the citizen oversight board, requested by the motorcyclists of Washington and funded through their endorsement fees.

So, does that mean motorcycle endorsements will no longer be required to ride in Wa, or are they just looking to make off with the money riders pay and use it for non-moto-safety purposes?

Well, if they do with it as they did with the off road $10 tag increase that the motorcycle community agreed to support off road trail maintenace, then they will keep the extra fees on the endorsement and send it to the general fund for other things. I guess it is the "sin tax" for riding a motorcycle.

 

[Auburn]

Interesting. The state did want to copy STAR in ID and Team Oregon, and have its own program. Perhaps that is the goal? It could along those lines. The big issue IMO opinion is it does not save lives. The stats bear it out, more training by MSF and the death toll increases. There are a lot of fine programs all over that supplement MSF, Code, Parks streetmasters etc. I plan on still taking training to improve my skill , I don't really care if it is state run or from independent veteran program providers. I am attending a cornering school in the summer from a program I really like that will teach me the skills I need. I am hoping this could be a good thing down the road.

Careful about statistics. I think when you look a little deeper, you will find the increase is in the riders who have not taken and MSF (or other) rider safety training and are unlicensed riders.

 

[saread]

Having recently taken the MSF after a 10 year "break" from riding, I would consider making MSF courses mandatory for those obtaining new endorsements. If made mandatory, it might be able to be self-funding (and cheaper?). Drop the DMV tests and outsource testing to MSF, with periodic review for quality purposes.
The challenge with eliminating MSF funding and expecting riders to voluntarily pay without a state supplement (state usually covers 50%) is that we responsible riders will ultimately pay higher costs in the form of increased insurance (due to likely increases in accidents involving inexperienced riders), and I would expect the state's costs of enforcement and/or emergency services would rise as well, ultimately hitting me as a property tax payer.

I actually went over to the Legisature's site and had a look at the proposed legislation. The motorcycle safety program isn't being dropped - merely the advisory board. The cited legislation eliminates a whole flock of advisory boards and the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Board is just one of these. The program isn't being dropped and because the funding stream is dedicated by law, neither should the funding. I found the title to the original post here (as I saw it elsewhere) somewhat needlessly inflammatory. Although I find losing the voice with government disturbing, I tend to agree with Iggy that it probably is just housecleaning in a troubled economic time and really affects nothing.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Not to steal this thread (but, maybe expand it?):

From MPN:

MSF Takes Charge Of NY Motorcycle Safety ProgramsThe Motorcycle Safety Foundation has inked a five-year contract with the state of New York's Department of Motor Vehicles to administer its motorcycle safety program beginning this spring.

"In each state program it has managed, MSF has increased student-training numbers through more sites, more RiderCoaches, and improved operational efficiencies and quality control, while reducing operating costs and lowering costs to these rider-funded state programs," said Robert Gladden, director of program administration for MSF. "We are excited to have the opportunity to do the same for the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program."

MSF's overarching goal is to increase availability and accessibility of training to prospective or current riders, to help reduce the number of motorcycling accidents and injuries in the state.

"The Motorcycle Safety Program, the state of New York, and especially the riders and potential riders of New York will realize the many benefits of the state-of-the-art training and administrative practices MSF provides," Gladden said. "We intend to provide both easy access to safe, high-quality training as well as a renewed emphasis on motorist awareness of motorcyclists on the roadway."

Some states find that 'jobbing-out' some services is more economically feasable (than 'in-house'/state run).

Some states are out-sourcing their highways to private firms who operate them as 'toll-roads', for example.

 

[happyPuppy]

I am not a fan of giving near monopolistic powers any group such as MSF for rider training in the USA. The ID Star program I have seen and is excellent. It is based on the Team Oregon program rated #1 by NTSF. The MSF sued Oregon a couple years ago to stop the program and lost. https://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-new...msf-lawsuit.htm I don't see why independent programs are shut out, there are too many that just do not agree with MSF and wanted to teach the "old " material before BRC was dumbed down. I want choices , similar to car driver education. The arch enemy of MSF Wendy Moon, but very pro rider safety did this video. The quality is amateurish , but the info is very good.

. I read the report and agree with the Governor , much of what she cut was just plain fat. I only hope WA open's up training more and competition can do that, making better and safer riders

 

[Jay H]

Well said Auburn FJR with regards to the off road licensing - I believe they used our funds for building toilets for hikers!!!! If that is not a conflicting use of off road monies I don't know what is?!?!? I guess our motorcycle endorsement funds will go to eliminating M/C's from using HOV lanes........

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

I am not a fan of giving near monopolistic powers any group such as MSF for rider training in the USA. The ID Star program I have seen and is is excellent. It is based on the Team Oregon program rated #1 by NTSF. The MSF sued Oregon a couple years ago to stop the program and lost. https://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-new...msf-lawsuit.htm I don't see why independent programs are shut out, there are too many that just do not agree with MSF and wanted to teach the "old " material before BRC was dumbed down. I want choices , similar to car driver education. The arc enemy of MSF Wendy Moon, but very pro rider safety did this video. The quality is amateurish , but the info is very good.

I have taken the Team Oregon basic and intermediate courses after returning to motorcycling and wanting to wipe off some cobwebs. I liked them enough I harangued my buddy to take at least the basic course. However, they are nothing compared to the 1981 MSF basic course I took in Mass. At the end of a weekend we were going over obstacles (4x4 lumber placed in the parking lot "road"), doing interweaving figure eights, going over two foot ramp "jumps", and doing panic stops (real ones) --without ABS of course on little Honda street bikes.

As good as the modern course is (learned more about counter-steering and traffic hazards for instance), I suspect lawyers have dumbed down the preparation. My point is that a fresh look at rider education is always a good thing; perhaps the new motorcycle safety/accident study being conducted will dispel some long-held beliefs and change the way we train and ride.

 

[Hudson]

This email was posted on the Redmond Rider's forum and shared with several similar forums, regarding the Puget Sound Safety's response to the various bills:

*****************

Hello Derek,

We have been aware of the changes being worked on during this legislative session. Fortunately I have friends that work for the Senate and House and they get me draft legislation before it is released. At this time there is no threat to the motorcycle training program or its funds.

The training program receives funding through user fees from endorsements which is specified in RCW 46.20.505 and uses the fees to run the training and education programs as specified in RCW 46.20.520. Since the wording on the funding is not being changed there would be no fiscal impact if the training programs were abolished. If there is no fiscal impact the training programs are safe (one of my friends in the Senate has assured me this).

It should be noted that the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program (WMSP), which executes the training programs, is not directly connected to the Motorcycle Safety Education Advisory Board (Advisory Board). The WMSP staff attend and participate in board meetings (along with many stakeholders) but the board itself is under the Department of Licensing (DOL) and helps the DOL manage the training programs. Since the Advisory Board receives reimbursement from the DOL abolishing the board would have a fiscal impact on the department. All government agencies have been directed to cut spending and abolishing the board is one of many ways to do that.

Many of us in the motorcycle training community would be very sad to see the board abolished (as written in HB 2087 sec. 34) however I anticipate that the WMSP and DOL will consult the same stakeholders on issues of concern in place of the advisory board.

My contacts in the Senate and House have said that HB 1497 is dead on arrival because HB 2087 essentially does the same thing but with more detail. Also HB 2087 was written several weeks after HB 1497, has the same sponsors and has been referred to the same committee as HB 2087. Also, HB 1497 has not been scheduled any further whereas HB 2087 has already had public hearing and is going to executive session this week and has a companion bill in the Senate (SB 5995).

From the stakeholder standpoint SB 5588 which refers to just the Advisory Board and only suspends it would be the best hope for us. I predict that this bill too will be dead because it has not been moved on, has no further scheduling and has no companion bill in the house.

Information about public hearings and dates can be found on the Bill Information page at the Washington State Legislature web site:

https://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/

Enter the bill number (i.e. 2087) and do a search. The History of Bill section will provide the most up to date info. The sub section 2009 Regular Session has the dates of schedule for the legislation.

We very much appreciate your attention and involvement in the legislative matters of motorcycling in Washington State and your offer to round up support for our programs. I hope that you now have some more information about the pending legislation.

This email has been copied to several individuals, one of which is Bret who is the co-owner of Puget Sound Safety (my boss). He will be back in the office tomorrow and I expect he will send you an email as well about pending legislation as well as Puget Sound Safety’s official position on the pending legislation. I’ll stay in touch with you if any changes come along!

Many thanks for your email,

RJ Myrup

Puget Sound Safety, Inc.

Marketing Advisor

office 253-770-8888

fax 253-770-8890

www.pugetsoundsafety.com