Become a Rider Coach!

Posted Jan 16, 2020 Leave a Comment

Texas Motorcycle Training ProgramTexas desperately needs RiderCoaches

Motorcycles are big in Texas, and the demand for new-rider training has never been higher.  Texas DPS is looking for experienced riders who are interested in becoming RiderCoaches.

There will be FOUR classes to train RiderCoaches this year

  • April 18-26, Carrollton
  • May 23-31, Pasadena
  • June 13-21, McAllen
  • July 11-19, Amarillo

See FAQs and the schedule, including the pricing, from the Texas DPS Motorcycle/ATV Safety Unit.

Contact your nearest RiderCourse location and learn how to share your skills with the next generation of Texas riders!

2019 Texas Motorcycle Rider Survey

Posted Jan 3, 2020 Leave a Comment

Unlicensed Riders in Texas

The Problem in Texas

In 2018, there were 398 motorcycle operator fatalities in Texas. Of these, 184 motorcycle operators did not have a motorcycle endorsement or license, known as a Class M, at the time of the crash.

Unlicensed riders accounted for 46% of motorcycle operator fatalities in Texas in 2018. Unlicensed motorcyclists are over-represented when compared to unlicensed drivers in Texas. In 2018, there were 1,861 driver fatalities in Texas. Of these, 233 did not have a valid driver’s license at the time of the crash, which accounted for 13% of driver fatalities that year. 

In 2019, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) surveyed motorcyclists in Texas to investigate reasons motorcyclists don’t get their Class M. The survey was part of a larger project funded by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The project’s primary purpose was to promote rider knowledge, skill, and safety by encouraging riders to complete motorcycle safety training.

Some of the questions asked in the survey focused around:

  • What about unlicensed riders in Texas?
  • Why don’t unlicensed riders get their Class M license?
  • Were unlicensed riders aware of the 1-day intermediate safety course?

The Solution in Texas

If you are a rider in Texas without your Class M license, schedule your class today! Numerous training schools across Texas offer these courses. To find the nearest TxDPS-certified course to you, visit https://www.dps.texas.gov/msb/map/.

The results of the survey can be found in these two summary documents:

Come see us! Look Learn Live attending International Motorcycle Show in Dallas

Posted Dec 18, 2019 Leave a Comment

The International Motorcycle Show starts January 3, 2020 and runs through January 5, 2020 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, Texas. TTI’s motorcycle safety team will be there to spread the word about motorcycle safety.

We’ll be handing out free patches, koozies, chapstick, hand sanitizer, kickstand coasters and bumper stickers at the booth. Come see us!

Before your ride, remember:

  1. Wear all the gear, all the time.
  2. Ride smart, not impaired.
  3. Take the Basic RiderCourse.

Find out more about rally events on the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows website.

Details about the International Motorcycle Show, Times, Event Dates

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TMSC Meeting Minutes – November 14, 2019

Posted Nov 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition met on November 14 at TTI’s headquarters at the RELLIS campus in Bryan.

Highlights include:

  • Opening Remarks & New Member Introduction
  • TxDOT Update
  • Motorcycle Training and TDLR Update
  • Training & Licensing Project Update
  • Video Development
  • Alcohol-Related Crashes – Statistics
  • TMSC Safety Award
  • 2020 Forum Planning
  • Open Discussion and Adjourn

The meeting minutes are now available to download.

The TMSC serves as a public forum for addressing strategies to improve motorcycle safety; discusses effective programs, regulations, and other opportunities to improve motorcycle safety; reviews, proposes, and makes recommendations concerning motorcycle-related legislation; and serves to promote rider safety and inform the public about being aware of motorcycles and sharing the road safely.

Find minutes from other meetings here.

Notice of Vacancies on Motorcycle Safety Advisory Board

Posted Nov 20, 2019 Leave a Comment

News from the Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition Meeting held on Thursday, November 14, 2019. Applications being accepted through the end of November.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (Department) announces vacancies on the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Board (Board) established by the Transportation Code, Chapter 662.001. The purpose of the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Board is to advise the Texas Commission on Licensing and Regulation and the Department on rules and educational and technical matters relevant to the administration of this chapter.

The Board consists of nine members appointed by the presiding officer of the commission, with the approval of the commission.  The advisory board consists of the following members:

(1)  three members: (a) each of whom must be a licensed instructor or represent a licensed motorcycle school; (b) who must collectively represent the diversity in size and type of the motorcycle schools licensed under this chapter;

(2)   one member who represents the motorcycle dealer retail industry;

(3)  one representative of a law enforcement agency;

(4)  one representative of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute;

(5) one representative of the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service; and

(6)  two public members who hold a valid Class M driver’s license issued under Chapter 521;

Members serve staggered six-year terms. The terms of three members expire September 1 of each odd-numbered year. The presiding officer of the commission, on approval of the commission, shall designate a member of the advisory board to serve as the presiding officer of the advisory board for a one-year term.  The presiding officer of the advisory board may vote on any matter before the advisory board.

The advisory board shall meet at the call of the executive director or the presiding officer of the commission.  An advisory board member may not receive compensation for service on the advisory board but is entitled to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing the functions as a member of the advisory board, subject to the General Appropriations Act.

Interested persons should submit an application on the Department website.  Applicants can also request an application from the Department by telephone (800) 803-9202, fax (512) 475-2874 or e-mail [email protected].

Issued in Austin, Texas on October 11, 2019.

Brian Francis
Executive Director
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation

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