AMES, Iowa – Jan. 17, 2013 – Registration is now open for the 10th Anniversary Motorcycle Safety Forum. This rider-focused event is facilitated by Iowa’s motorcycle safety team, a diverse partnership of motorcycle safety advocates; the Iowa Department of Transportation and Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau; and motorcycle trainers, dealers and riders.
The event is being held Friday, April 26, at the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To register for the event, log on to http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/motorcycle.
A change in venue for the forum will allow much more space for vendor exhibits and provide motorcycle enthusiasts ample parking for a “ride in.” Also planned for this year’s event is a photo booth where participants can have their photo taken with their bike (weather permitting).
Last year’s forum was a sold-out event, so don’t wait too long to register. Registration is only $15 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch, breaks and an opportunity to enter a drawing for an Aluma motorcycle trailer.
The Motorcycle Safety Forum brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including individuals representing the Iowa Motorcycle Rider Education Program, Iowa departments of Transportation and Public Safety, and motorcycle associations, enthusiasts, riders and dealers.
Once again this year, all paid forum participants will be provided a free coupon (value up to $245) that can be used to register for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) Basic Rider Course I or II. Both courses are part of the Iowa DOT’s Rider Education Program and taught by Iowa-licensed, MSF-certified rider coaches. The coupons can be redeemed at any of the approved sites, which are located throughout the state.
This one-day, interactive forum will feature several presentations, safety displays, rider training, an exhibitor tradeshow, and other motorcycle-related exhibits. Presentations include:
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Vicki Sanfelipo, Conspicuity Inc.®, “6=0”
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Wayne Wierson, ABATE of Iowa, “MRF A&E 3R’s: I don’t want to ride in your funeral procession!”
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Karen Sprattler, Sprattler Group, “Impaired Riding”
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Dr. Nicholas Ward, Montana State University, “Motorcycle Riding Impairment and Different BAC Levels”
Motorcycle fatalities have increased significantly, both in Iowa and nationally, since the late 1990s. Iowa has more than 200,000 licensed motorcycle operators and more than 125,000 registered motorcycles. Preliminary data shows 55 people were killed last year while driving or riding on motorcycles in Iowa, up from 34 in 2011. Average annual motorcycle fatalities continue to increase among riders age 45 and older. Typically, about half of Iowa’s motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, and about nine of 10 motorcycle fatality victims were not wearing a safety helmet.
For more information and to register for the forum, go to http://www.iowadot.gov/mvd/ods/motorcycle.
