Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition Meeting

Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition Meeting Agenda
Date: June 24, 2021
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (CDT)
Location: Via WebEx

10:00 – 10:05 AM Opening Remarks & Introductions (Chris B.)
10:05 – 10:10 AM Refresher on how to use WebEx (Mike)
10:10 – 10:25 AM Forum Review and 2022 Plan (Cathy)
10:25 – 10:40 AM Task Force Activity Update (Chris S.)
Task Force Membership (Chris S.)
Task Force Legislative Update (Jude S.)
10:40 – 10:45 AM TDLR Advisory Board Update (Mike)
10:45 – 10:50 AM TDLR Project Overview and Input (Mike)
10:50 – 11:10 AM FHWA Report (Mike)
11:10 – 11:25ish AM Updates, Open Forum (open)
11:30 AM Adjourn

Texas Motorcycle Safety Coalition Meeting Minutes
Date: June 24, 2021
Time: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (CDT)
Location: Via WebEx

Opening Remarks & Introduction (Chris Beireis & Mike Manser)

Mike Manser and Chris Beireis welcomed everyone to the TMSC meeting and apologized for the technical difficulties of the meeting audio in the first few minutes of the meeting. Approximately 26 people attended by WebEx or phone. An attendee list (as shown on the WebEx participant list or in the WebEx chat) and a chat transcript of the meeting are attached to these minutes.

WebEx Refresher overview (M. Manser)

Mike demonstrated how to use the WebEx chat box to provide comments during the meeting and invited participants to contact TTI through the Contact Us page on LookLearnLive.org.

Texas Motorcycle Safety Forum Review, 2022 Plan (Cathy Brooks)

Cathy thanked everyone for their input as we planned the Forum. One hundred sixty-four people registered, of those six registered the day of, and 11 registered after to watch the sessions. Currently, everything is posted on the LLL website, so you can go and watch each session. Please go in and watch the videos and share them so we can reach as many people as possible. Attendance ended up being around 50-60. 60% of them were motorcyclists, 20% were club members. One hundred twenty-one of registrants indicated they rode and that they have ridden over 6,000 miles!

2021 Forum in Review

What are you hoping to get from the Motorcycle Safety Forum?

• Riding tips and skills to reduce your risk of crashing: 88 (65%)
• Information about motorcycle laws and legislation: 99 (73%)
• Information about motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities: 101 (74%)
• Ways to promote motorcycle awareness to other drivers: 105 (77%)
• New developments in motorcycle safety: 107 (79%)
• Ideas for promoting motorcycle safety among riders: 113 (83%)

Across the board, the 2021 Session ratings received high scores concerning speaker knowledge, session content, and usefulness of the information. The breakdown of this information can be found in the PowerPoint slide posted here.

Planning for the Forum in 2022

May was the most preferred month to host the Texas Motorcycle Safety Forum in 2022. Comments included that May is a good month as it coincides with Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. February and March in 2^nd. Saturday was the #1 day that worked well.

The TMSC would like to see the event in person but would like to see a virtual option for those who can’t attend. Everyone also liked being able to go back and watch the sessions. This also makes the meeting recordings available to share throughout the year on social media.

Mike Manser stated the hybrid approach helps us get speakers from around the country, and networking is a critical element of these events. He asked everyone to please share their thoughts or experience of hybrid events. Such as a video of someone presenting to a live audience/approach.

James H mentioned one option for Livestream could be our YouTube channel. This makes the meeting sessions automatically recorded and posted after the fact. Consideration of the Livestream option was popular for those who can’t attend in person.

Nina mentioned she hasn’t attended a hybrid event but knows this option is occurring. What they’ve found is that more people can show up. I think the hybrid will be a trend for conferences to get more people on board and more people to attend.

Mona Lisa indicated that TxDOT would be offering both – virtual/hybrid for her monthly meetings going forward.

Additional 2022 Forum Planning Feedback

• Hold the Forum as an in-person event, but if possible, include a virtual attendance option for those who cannot attend in
• Consider scheduling a pre-or post-Forum activity such as a ride or bike rodeo.
• Include a focus on young riders and racing bikes in some
• A variety of topics appeal to attendees; presentations about riding skills, technologies, and motorcycle-related legislation were the most popular among the topics proposed in the feedback

Task Force Activity Update (Cathy Brooks)

Cathy Brooks presented the update for the TMSC Task Force activities since the last meeting. The Task Force has examined several different rider safety topics to pursue, including rider licensing, rider training, and impaired riding. They initially will focus on impaired riding and will identify the next steps to develop an education and outreach program. The Task Force is also involved in planning the Texas Motorcycle Safety Forum, reviewing nominations for the Texas Motorcycle Safety Award, and other TMSC support.

Summary of the Topic Focus findings of Rider Impairment since last Task Force meeting:

• In and around Harris
• Age group, 30-39.
• 54 fatal

Next Steps for the Task Force:

• Develop Survey to determine target behaviors and potential countermeasures
• Develop campaign strategies and materials
• Implement Pilot

Mike Manser reminded the group that the Task Force is still looking for members to continue to help identify issues and provide input to agencies like TTI and TxDOT, who can then implement solutions. Below is a brief outline of the purpose of the Task Force and how to join.

Purpose of the Task Force

• To help the TMSC by focusing on key motorcycle safety issues and making recommendations back to TMSC

Meetings

• The Task Force meets quarterly (short and productive) or more frequently depending on work product and members’

JOIN US!

• Interested? Notify Mike ([email protected])

Task Force Jude Schexnyder – Legislative update

Jude Schexnyder provided an update from the Legislative Task Force and indicated it wasn’t a very successful session. All four bills that were motorcycle-related died before they went to the house. Motorcycle related bills this session were:

• B.1837 – Motorcycle profiling bill – filed by Mary Gonzales of El Paso; prohibits profiling motorcycle riders by law enforcement based on riding a motorcycle, wearing motorcycle apparel, or other reasons unrelated to behaviors.
• B. 1838 – (also filed by Gonzales) Disallows identification of an individual as a street gang member based solely on apparel/symbols worn.
• B. 2577 – filed by Kempel of Seguin; adds electric MC to the list of vehicles eligible for a $2500 electric vehicle incentive. However, $750 of that $2500 must be remitted to the State Comptroller for the highway fund.
• Bills filed by Dutton of Houston, Crockett of Dallas, Wu of Houston – relate to individuals with a limited motorcycle license; changes the age from under 17 to under 18 years of age, and prohibits the use of wireless communication devices while operating a motorcycle for riders in that category.

Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) update – (M. Manser)

Mike updated the TMSC on the subcontract between TDLR and TTI to help get more people to take the entry-level course and help recruit instructors. The numbers, by some measures, indicate Texas is short about 200 motorcycle instructors. One issue Texas faces when it comes to motorcycle rider classes is that it’s hard to get to a rider course in more rural areas. We’re also trying to find out what factors help motivate riders to become coaches. Once we have a better idea of who, what, and why coaches are inspired to become rider coaches in the first place, then we can figure out how to recruit more. The timeline for this project is to have that Survey done and have the data revised by early-late fall, early winter—rider Coach discussion. The need is there.

Discussion:

Q: Who to contact if you are interested in being a rider coach. TEEX has the classes for Rider Coach. The first step is training through TEEX, then apply for a license through TDLR.

ADDED NOTE: You must complete the TEEX training before applying for a license to teach in Texas through TDLR. A first-time coach/instructor must be trained through TEEX. At this time, only the MSF Basic Rider Course (entry-level) course is being offered at TEEX. Their training site is located on the RELLIS campus of Texas A&M in Bryan. They have offered to provide training at a host school location that meets TEEX requirements. All information can be found on the TEEX and TDLR websites. https://teex.org/class/MSP100/ and https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mot/mot-instructor-apply.htm

Comment: Many motor patrolmen have taught in the past, but they get busy with side gigs.

Comment on becoming a rider coach: It does cost some money, it does take some time. TEEX has three classes and finished one with eight graduates (out of 12 students), then the next two left are full. The info is through TDLR and TEEX. The prerequisite is that you need your Class M for two years and a background check. Some sponsors will help you along the way.

If you want to become an instructor, it helps to have a sponsor. Find the nearest school through TDLR (https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mot/find-schools.htm) and take the basic rider course. Fill out an application. You’ll get a background check. Once your application has been accepted, you’ll be put in the class you signed up for. The course is $250.00, and you’ll be provided material to study. You generally get your basic rider course. You will be spending between 7-10 days doing the instructor prep; then, after that, there are other certifications you can get beyond that. Question: can you just be a trike instructor? The answer is yes. You can be a three or two-wheel instructor. Right now, getting inundated with trike class requests. TEEX classes are filled through October. They are filling up fast as soon as they are posted.

ADDED NOTE (Cathy Brooks): In Texas, the trike only is not currently available as all first-time instructor training must be done through TEEX, and they are not offering a class. I will verify with MSF if they offer/authorize trike-only instructors as the approved trike course provider in Texas. Please contact me if you are interested in more information. [email protected]

Update to above: Per MSF, as the approved trike course provider in Texas, “At the present time, the only way to acquire 3WBRC RiderCoach certification is first to become a RiderCoach for the BRC. The 3WBRC RiderCoach Guide does not have the content to stand alone for initial certification.”

Jeff Alford, check TEEX. Its [prep course at TEEX in Bryan is] equally inconvenient to everyone. Which can be a barrier to becoming an instructor. Also, figuring out how to stay in Bryan for ten days and funding for that. That’s where a sponsor can come in and help out.

Federal Highway Administration Reports (M. Manser)

Mike also called attention to two reports coming out.

There is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Report Out: Synthesis on Barrier Design for Motorcycle Safety. Federal Highway has been taking a serious look at how to take a look at making those safer for riders. This report talks about motorcycle-friendly barriers. Two sections of importance are looking at how to convert existing barriers to be more motorcycle rider safe and includes a list of recommendations for DOTs for implementation.

The second report from FHWA is due out in a couple of months. We will share the report with a link when it comes out. The title is: Addressing the Motorcyclist Advisory Council Recommendations: Synthesis on Roadway Geometry, Pavement Design, and Pavement Construction and Maintenance Practices.

This report came out of motorcycle council advisory and will be shared with DOTs. Texas was/is really active in developing this report, and it will help all states elevate motorcycle awareness with engineers for design consideration. It includes noteworthy practices, lessons learned and guides on implementing safer strategies for DOTs with motorcyclists in mind. Motorcycle riders are not at the top of their list.

They just don’t think about riders. They are looking at ways on how to raise motorcycle awareness to those that design roadways.

The second report should be available in another month or two, and we’ll share that link when available.

Updates, Open Forum, New Stuff (Cathy Brooks)

Cathy gave an update and heads up on the “I Ride for tomorrow pledge” and that the TMSC is looking at reviving and expanding the pledge.

Two outreach questions were asked: 1) how to get Motorcycle/share the road yard signs and 2) how does one reserve the “Look Twice” inflatable.

Mona Lisa indicated that she has signs and decals. “I have Share The Road yard signs. When I say I have, I mean I have thousands!! Send me an email at: [email protected] with the amount you want and a shipping address. We also have Share The Road decals, 4″ and 9″.”

The inflatable is reserved on a case-by-case basis. Reach out to Mona Lisa – send her an email and see what dates are available. Her email, once again, is: [email protected]

Also noted in the open discussion that there were two motorcycle fatalities in the last two weeks. One went through a cable barrier. The group was looking to Mike for a possible presentation to the coalition on how to get TxDOT involved. Do we have an inventory of our barriers in Texas?

Invitation for Free Safety Presentations (J. Schexnyder)

Jude Schexnyder provided information on two motorcycle safety presentations that can be presented free of charge to motorcycle clubs or other gatherings/meetings. The TMSC-developed presentation, presented by Jude, includes data about motorcycle crashes and practical riding information to reduce crash risk (contact Cathy Brooks at [email protected]). The TxDOT-developed presentation, presented by Mona Lisa Didelot-Page, focuses on crash data, motorcycle gear information, hand signals that riders use to communicate on the road, and other things to help motorists be aware of rider behavior. (contact Mona Lisa at [email protected]).

Upcoming Meeting and Forum Dates (M. Manser)

The TMSC Forum is on September 2, 2021. For the time being, these meetings will remain virtual; as the COVID-19 pandemic becomes less of an issue, in-person or hybrid in-person/virtual meetings may resume. Future meeting dates past September 2 will be announced in Fall 2021.

Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Attendees (as shown on WebEx Participant List)

A total of 26 people attended by phone or WebEx. The following introduced themselves on WebEx chat or were listed by name on the WebEx platform:

1. Cathy Brooks, TTI
2. Laura Higgins, TTI
3. Michael Manser, TTI
4. Jack Wenzel, TTI
5. Michelle Canton, TTI
6. Nina Saint
7. “Spitfire” Ronnie Nippert, TCOC&I Region 1
8. Ben LaBorde
9. Chet Roby
10. Chris Sharman, Sherry Matthews Group
11. Daniel Herrera,
12. David Hartin
13. Glen
14. James H
15. Jeff Alford
16. Jkane
17. Jude Schexnyder, AMA Texas Volunteer Coordinator and TDLR Motorcycle Safety Advisory Board Rider
18. Julia Davies
19. Kelly Howard
20. Lloyd Riggs
21. Miranda Sanchez
22. Mona Lisa Didelot-Page, TxDOT
23. Sal Carmona
24. Stephanie Christina, TxDOT
25. Tommy Moreno
26. User (Joel Morris)

Chat transcript:

From Michael Manser (internal) to everyone: 10:00 a.m.

I can’t seem to get audio or video. Is everyone else’s working?

From Tommy Moreno to everyone: 10:00 a.m.

I don’t have anything either

From Jack Wenzel (internal) to everyone: 10:00 a.m. Nothing appears to be working for me either.

From James H to everyone: 10:00 a.m. Same. Audio is not connecting.

From Chris to everyone: 10:01 a.m.

I can’t get audio or visual either, just see participants

from “Ronnie” TCOC&I Region 1 to everyone: 10:01 a.m. Good Morning!

From Jack Wenzel (internal) to everyone: 10:01 a.m.

Everything for me on the bottom is grayed out. I can’t connect audio or click the share button

from “Ronnie” TCOC&I Region 1 to everyone: 10:01 a.m.

Nothing on my end either

from Chris to everyone: 10:01 a.m. Same here

from Tommy Moreno to everyone: 10:01 a.m. What’s Going On?!?!?!

From Michael Manser (internal) to everyone: 10:02 a.m. We are working on this.

From Tommy Moreno to everyone: 10:02 a.m.

Maybe we need to go to TEAMS? Mona, can you send out another invite with TEAMS?

From Michael Manser (internal) to everyone: 10:02 a.m.

We may need another few minutes. I apologize.

From User to everyone: 10:02 a.m.

nothing here as well, joel morris

From User to everyone: 10:02 a.m. nothing here

From Michael Manser (internal) to everyone: 10:03 a.m.

This will be fixed but it will take a few more minutes

From “Ronnie” TCOC&I Region 1 to everyone: 10:05 a.m.

I’m currently at work on my lunch break, i will attend this meeting as long as I possibly can, please forgive me for the short notice on this. Ronnie “Spitfire”

From Michael Manser (internal) to everyone: 10:06 a.m.

Thanks for your patience. Laura is having to configure something. From Michael Manser (internal) to everyone: 10:14 a.m. looklearnlive.org

From Mona Lisa Didelot-Page to everyone: 10:14 a.m. Heeeey Jude………………… Good Morning Sir

From Mona Lisa Didelot-Page to everyone: 10:16 a.m. Not sure if it’s my end but I keep losing you all??

From Michael Manser (internal) to everyone: 10:17 a.m. Hi Mona LIsa. Now that I am on, I haven’t lost connection. From Mona Lisa Didelot-Page to everyone: 10:17 a.m.

ok

From Michael Manser (internal) to everyone: 10:20 a.m.

We do get some conflicts in May due to other MC safety events. We try to avoid them though. From James H to everyone: 10:40 a.m.

How do we conact the task force if we are interested? From Michael Manser (internal) to everyone: 10:41 a.m. HI James, just contact me at [email protected] From “Ronnie” TCOC&I Region 1 to everyone: 10:49 a.m.

What info do we give to those interested in being a rider coach? From “Ronnie” TCOC&I Region 1 to everyone: 10:49 a.m.

Sorry what contact information

From Michael Manser (internal) to everyone: 10:49 a.m. Great question. We are trying to figure that out now.

From “Ronnie” TCOC&I Region 1 to everyone: 10:50 a.m. I have someone interested but no info to give.

From Cathy Brooks (internal) to everyone: 10:52 a.m. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mot/mot-instructor-apply.htm

From Cathy Brooks (internal) to everyone: 10:52 a.m. https://teex.org/class/MSP100/

From Cathy Brooks (internal) to everyone: 10:53 a.m. https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mot/find-schools.htm

From “Ronnie” TCOC&I Region 1 to everyone: 10:53 a.m. Thank you

From Cathy Brooks (internal) to everyone: 10:55 a.m. Search for: fhwa motorcycle barriers

Or https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/motorcycles/docs/FHWA-SA-21- 069_Addressing_MAC_Recommendations_Rpt.pdf

From User to everyone: 10:58 a.m. (Joel Morris)

trust me , if teex will train more folks, and i can get them thru harley riding academy, i will hire them,,,,,,really short of harley coaches in houston,,,,short coaches in houston,,,imorting coaches From out of town when i can,,,,,so any riding academy coaches contact joel morris at san jacinto hd in pasadena tx 281-598-6148 [email protected] agree coach situation needs to be #1 priority right

now,,,,,out of 18 coaches i use,,almost half turned in no schedules for july thru oct,for various reasons hard to grow program here with no coaches

From Cathy Brooks (internal) to everyone: 10:59 a.m. Thank you for your perspective Joel.

From James H to everyone: 11:02 a.m.

As someone who might be interested in becoming an instructor, I can’t imagine I could dedicate the time since I’m employed full-time. Maybe when I retire in 5 years ….

From Cathy Brooks (internal) to everyone: 11:05 a.m.

Once trained, it is typically a weekend, maybe includes a Friday evening. The TEEX training may take a week off work

From James H to everyone: 11:05 a.m.

Jude, how do you teach a class in the middle of the week? From Jeff Alford to everyone: 11:05 a.m.

Jeff Alford – Total Rider

From Stephanie Christina to everyone: 11:06 a.m.

Stephanie Christina, Traffic Safety Specialist, Corpus Christi District, TxDOT From Nina to everyone: 11:06 a.m.

Nina Saint / SafeWay Driving

From User to everyone: 11:06 a.m.

James h. comment sums up the situation,,,,when i talk to potential coaches and tell them they wil be in a school for about 8 days, all the requirements,etc and no guarantee they will pass, and what the pay is, they get turned off quickly,,, have to attract new and younger coaches,,, but this is like a retirement gig for most,

From Mona Lisa Didelot-Page to everyone: 11:06 a.m. Can you be an instructor for three wheels only?

From Maurice to everyone: 11:07 a.m. TDLR has a map of teh training sites From James H to everyone: 11:07 a.m.

There are some like Awesome Cycles in Houston area that conduct weekdaty training classes at a reduced cost.

From Chris to everyone: 11:08 a.m. MRH Rider Training does as wel From User to everyone: 11:09 a.m.

we welcome all out of town students, i have a deal with the hotel right next to san jac for $74 a nite and 2 restaurants next to us, hobby airport 8 miles away or drive in

From User to everyone: 11:11 a.m.

san jacinto harley davidson and stubbs harley davidson ,joel morris 281-598-6148 [email protected]

From Chris to everyone: 11:12 a.m. [email protected], 281-808-5617

From Mona Lisa Didelot-Page to everyone: 11:12 a.m. Thank you Chris

From Chris to everyone: 11:13 a.m. anytime Mona Lisa

From Jeff Alford to everyone: 11:16 a.m. [email protected] – Austin area

From Tommy Moreno to everyone: 11:17 a.m.

Sorry, I have to leave to another meeting. Hve a great weekend. From User to everyone: 11:18 a.m.

and then to become a harley riding academy coach, you have to attend 4 days of training with hd , then you can coach at riding academy dealers

From Maurice to everyone: 11:19 a.m. They are open to doing it elsewhere From User to everyone: 11:20 a.m.

correct 4 days online training fo rhd,but you have to travel in or out of state to a hd dealer that is sponsoriing the hd class

From Maurice to everyone: 11:22 a.m.

I think Keith Rovell should have all the pledge information From User to everyone: 11:23 a.m.

i have yard signs ,posters here at san jacinito hd ,joel From “Ronnie” TCOC&I Region 1 to everyone: 11:25 a.m.

I will email you for those share the road decals!!! & I love that inflatable! How do I reserve the inflatable for events!

From Maurice to everyone: 11:25 a.m. COntact your local TxDOT TSS

From “Ronnie” TCOC&I Region 1 to everyone: 11:26 a.m. Will do! Thank you Mona Lisa! Ronnie “Spitfire”

From Mona Lisa Didelot-Page to everyone: 11:26 a.m.

I have Share The Road yard signs. When I say I have, I have thousands!! Send me an email at: monalisa.did[email protected] with the amount you want and a shipping address. We also have Share The Road decals, 4″ and 9″.

From Mona Lisa Didelot-Page to everyone: 11:28 a.m. Good Point!

From Maurice to everyone: 11:28 a.m. Go Jude!

From Cathy Brooks (internal) to everyone: 11:29 a.m. Safety Presentation: email [email protected] From Maurice to everyone: 11:30 a.m.

HI

From Maurice to everyone: 11:30 a.m. No microphone today

From Maurice to everyone: 11:31 a.m. Bye have a GREAT day! 🙂