Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition Meeting

June TMSC Meeting Agenda

10:00 – 10:20 AM Opening Remarks & Introductions (Maurice Maness)
-Welcome
-Announcements

10:20 – 10:30 AM Task Force Update (Jude Schexnyder)
-Development of motorcycle safety materials for MC Dealerships.
-Help with distribution.

10:30 – 11:00 AM TDLR Update (Todd Forrester and Shanisty Villanueva)

11:00 – 11:20 AM Legislative Update (Matt Ruszcazk)

11:20 – 11:30 AM Unlicensed to Ride Project Update (Crystal O’Rear)

11:30 – 11:45 AM 2024 TMSC Motorcycle Safety Awards

11:45 – Noon Open Forum (open)
-What events or efforts are happening in your area?
-What topic would you like to hear about next meeting?

Noon Adjourn (Maurice Maness)

Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition Meeting Notes
Date: June 06, 2024,
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Texas A&M Transportation Institute Headquarters

Opening Welcome & Announcements (Maurice Maness) 

Maurice Maness welcomed everyone to the meeting. All attendees introduced themselves. 

Announcements: 

• NHTSA Assessment Cancellation: The NHTSA Assessment scheduled by TxDOT for this summer has been cancelled due to staffing issues. As we all know, there will also be no Motorcycle Safety Forum in 2024. TTI will update the coalition as soon as more information is available on what our next events are. 
• Future Events:  

• The 2025 Motorcycle Safety Forum will be held next year. 
• There will be four quarterly TMSC Meetings in 2025. 

• Task Force and Coalition Chair Nominations: 

• Members are encouraged to submit their names if they are interested in serving in a leadership role to assist with meetings and other coalition activities. 
• Chairs serve a two-year term and may serve consecutive terms. 
• More information can be found on the LLL website, or by contacting Cathy Brooks via email. 
• It was suggested that TTI might send out a Qualtrics survey to those who join these calls, rather than just to the email list. The possibility of including an announcement about the survey in the emails was discussed and those on the call were in favor of just receiving an email with the survey. 

Task Force update (Jude Schexnyder) 

Presenter: Jude Schexnyder 

Acknowledgements: Jude Schexnyder expressed gratitude to everyone on the call, including all stakeholders. 

Task Force Activities: 

• The task force is working on brochures aimed at increasing dealership involvement, recognizing them as major stakeholders. Efforts are being made to engage them as much as possible. 

• Brochures displayed during the presentation are undergoing minor revisions: 

• First Poster: Minor change from “I took the course for Mom” to “I took a course for mom.” 
• Second Poster: Changed from “wear the helmet for them” to “I wear the helmet for them.” Logos have been removed and QR codes have been made more prominent. 
• Third Poster: Enhanced the reflective material strips on the motorcycle gear shown in the picture to emphasize the importance of visibility when riding a motorcycle. 
• Feedback and Approvals: 

• Suggestions for other changes and additional versions of these posters are welcome but will take time to be developed and approved by TxDOT. 

Comments from Maurice: 

• The team is reaching out to dealerships, recognizing that members on the call are likely working with specific dealerships. Efforts will be made by those on the call to assist in disseminating materials to their local dealerships. 
• Members currently working with a dealership should contact Cathy Brooks @ [email protected]  
• Leslie Hillhouse mentioned, “Cathy, our group works extensively with Cycle Center of Denton,” and “We also have folks who work with BMW of Plano.” 

Task Force Membership and Leadership: 

• The task force operates on a two-year cycle, according to its charter. 
• Changing leadership periodically is important as it brings fresh ideas to the table and helps move initiatives forward. 
• Members who feel they can contribute are encouraged to nominate themselves for leadership roles. 

Guest Speaker: Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation 

Presenter: Shanisty Villanueva, Education and Examination Division, TDLR 

Topic: Motorcycle & ATV Operator Safety  

Introduction:

• Shanisty Villanueva works closely with Ari who provides assistance with audits and events and Nina. 
• TDLR started in the 20th century and regulates over 38 programs, from cosmetology licensing to various other licenses. 

• They collaborate with vendors for exams and other requirements. 

Key Updates: 

• Senate Bill 616 (2019): Since its passage, there are 56 motorcycle schools, 2 providers, and nearly 300 instructors in Texas. 
• Instructor Requirements: 

• Fingerprinting – coming soon  
• Online application/renewal – coming soon  
• Timely renewal is crucial; licenses should be renewed 60-90 days prior to expiration. –  Reminder  

Process Details: 

• Application Handling: 

• Initial applications go through finance before being processed by the appropriate division. 
• Certification/endorsement of licenses handled by Shanisty’s team. 
• Communication with external parties for resolving licensing issues. 
• IF THERE ARE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT WHERE YOUR APPLICATIONS ARE IN THE PROCESS, EMAIL SHANISTY! [email protected] 

• Mail Processing: 

• Mailed items take 3-5 days to arrive and another 3-5 days to process. 
• IF THERE ARE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT WHERE YOUR APPLICATIONS ARE IN THE PROCESS, EMAIL SHANISTY! [email protected] 

• Renewal Recommendations: 

• Avoid last-minute renewals; earlier applications are encouraged to ensure timely processing. 

• General Guidelines for Instructors: 

• Update contact information at least 15 days prior to changes. 

• Maintain a valid driver’s license. 
• Report injuries at training sites. 
• Cooperate with department audits. 
• Ensure students have motorcycle insurance. 
• A link to the rules was provided in the presentation for further details. 

• School Applications: 

• A “controlling person” is required for processing. 
• Background checks are conducted on controlling persons. 
• Renewal applications must be printed and mailed 90 days prior to expiration. This process is manual, but an online system is anticipated by 2025. 
• IF THERE ARE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT WHERE YOUR APPLICATIONS ARE IN THE PROCESS, EMAIL SHANISTY! [email protected] 

• Endorsement Addition: 

• Proof of authorization to teach the class is required. 
• Instructors can add endorsements by providing a completion certificate or visiting the MSF website. 
• Contact information for these processes was included in the presentation. 

• Training Provider Senate Bill: 

• Instructors get approved by providers, receive a certificate, then add the endorsement online. 
• Business addresses must be filled out if the instructor’s information is to be displayed online. 
• TDLR is developing a website for instructor licensing inquiries. 

Questions and Answers: 

• Information will be shared with Cathy to better disseminate TDLR process. 

• New instructors should first go to a training provider, get certified, then apply online or via mail. 
• Processing new instructor applications takes 4-6 weeks. 
• Fingerprinting will be required for new instructors once the policy is launched. 

• DPS fingerprinting will not transfer; new fingerprinting will be required. 

• TDLR plans to replace RIMS but is still transitioning to an online licensing system. 
• Quality assurance audits will resume shortly. 
• Range approval timelines are about 2 weeks; direct contact with Shanisty is recommended. 

• To notify TDLR of unused ranges, send an email through the portal. 

• A public-facing site listing instructor training providers is in development. 
• Closed range information requires an open records request, which Cathy can assist with. 

Contact Information: 

• Shanisty Villanueva: [email protected] 
• Open Records Request for TDLR: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/disclaimer.htm#PublicInfoPolicy  

Guest Speaker: Texas Motorcycle Legislation 

Presenter: Matt Ruszcak, Office of Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen 

Topic: Motorcycle Legislation Update 

Session Start Date: The legislative session begins on January 14th (second Tuesday). 

Motorcycle Lane Use Discussion: 

• Recent social media discussions have highlighted lane splitting and filtering. 
• Recent Developments in Other States: 

• Colorado: 

• Passed a lane filtering bill allowing filtering as long as the rider does not exceed 15 mph. 
• The law legalizes filtering for two years, set to expire in 2027. 
• Requires a study to be conducted on the impacts of the bill, which will inform potential legislative changes after 2027. 

• Minnesota: 

• Passed a bill permitting filtering and limited lane splitting. 
• Riders can split lanes at speeds up to 20 mph in traffic flows up to 50 mph. 
• The law will go into effect in July 2025. 
• Includes an educational campaign on lane splitting, filtering, and licensing. 

Getting Involved in the Legislative Process: 

• Bill Drafting: 

• Already ongoing; now is the time to get involved. 

• Interim Period: 

• Committees meet to discuss public matters, including transportation and motorcycle safety. 
• Key Committees: 

• Evaluating Traffic Congestion: Get involved in this committee. 
• Senate Transportation Committee: Discuss issues related to autonomous vehicles and their impact on motorcyclists. 

• Important meeting on September 18th, 2024, chaired by Chairman Nichols, focusing on motorcycle safety. 

Additional Advocacy Tips: 

• Engage with local law enforcement as they play a significant role in public and transportation safety. Starting dialogue at the local level is crucial. 

• Use examples from other states to support legislative efforts. Although Texas has a Republican legislature, successful initiatives from Colorado and Minnesota can provide valuable insights. 

Contact Information: 

• Matt Z. Ruszczak 

• Office of Texas State Representative Ryan Guillen 
• Office: 512.463.0416 
• Cell: 956.929.6006 
• Email: [email protected]  

• Texas House Committee on Transportation 

• https://house.texas.gov/committees/committee/?committee=C470  
• Texas House Committee on Transportation Interim Charge on Traffic Congestion:  4. Alleviating Road Traffic: Identify the state’s most congested roadways and review state forecasts for future congestion and the expected impact on economic activity. Evaluate TxDOT plans for alleviating congestion and consider the necessity of additional options to ensure economic development, congestion, and safety goals are achieved in a timely manner with reduced cost to public tax dollars. 

• Texas Senate Committee on Transportation 

• https://www.senate.texas.gov/cmte.php?c=640 
• Texas Senate Committee on Transportation Interim Charge on Autonomous Vehicle Safety: Autonomous Vehicle Safety: Evaluate autonomous vehicle operations, implementation, incident reporting, and accountability to law enforcement. Make recommendations to ensure public safety and transparency. 
• Meeting notice for the Texas Senate Committee on Transportation: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/schedules/pdf/C6402024091809001.PDF  

• Know your local representative and senator. 

Guest Speaker: Unlicensed To Ride 

Presenter: Crystal O’Rear 

Topic: Unlicensed to Ride 

Overview: 

• Unlicensed to Ride is a TxDOT-sponsored grant project aimed at promoting motorcycle safety and education. 

• This is a postcard project, which involves sending out informational postcards to individuals identified through motorcycle registration and licensing data, encouraging them to enroll in a safety course. 

Impact of COVID-19: 

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused inconsistencies in the data availability and time of data pulled compared to other years. 
• There was a significant drop in motorcycle registrations due to offices being closed and registrations being delayed. 

The number of unmatched records, registered motorcycle owner to non-motorcycle license, has been increasing year over year.  

Postcard Project Details: 

• Postcards are sent out without specific addresses due to uncertainty about the primary rider within each household. 
• A survey program has been initiated, seeking instructors’ assistance in disseminating surveys to graduating students. 

Survey Results (2024): 

• 23 applications were received, with 6 deemed ineligible. 
• Only 11 surveys were completed out of 17 opened via email. 
• Out of 8 surveys emailed, only 4 were completed. 
• Social media outreach reached 727 people, resulting in 44 engagements and 20 shares. 

Questions and Discussion: 

• Jeff and Cody have advocated for timely dissemination of information. 
• Discussion on using the survey data to entice students to enroll in licensing classes or conduct post-class surveys. 
• Budget constraints due to the grant-funded nature of the project are a significant concern. 
• Suggestions for a potential buddy system to enhance outreach. 
• Emphasis on targeting intermediate riders (“Dirty Riders”) to encourage licensing course enrollment and potentially reduce unlicensed riding. 

Action Items: 

• We need your help to reach more people who can take advantage of this program in the next month. 
• Course submissions must be made before July 31 to align with this fiscal year’s objectives. 

2024 Motorcycle Safety Awards 

• Difference Maker: Texas Council of Clubs and Independents, Region 1 – Central Texas. Spitfire accepted the award for the Region 1 team. 
• Motorcycle Safety Champion: Dr. David Jones, D.D. 

Open Forum (open) 

• Think about putting your name in for Chair positions. 
• Several new names & faces. Thank you for attending to help us reach more people across the state. 
• Please reach out to your local dealerships about the new materials coming. Let [email protected] know if you are willing to help out.  

Adjourn (Maurice Maness)