CBA of Raleigh

Freedom is not a spectator sport!

Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Program News & Views

Teaching Safety... Increasing Awareness... SAVING LIVES!

The purpose of the Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Program is to bring a program to people that "Share the Road" with us, who may not be as AWARE of the unique circumstances surrounding the operation of motorcycles on today's highway.  We intend to provide all drivers with the necessary information needed to safely Share the Road with motorcycles.

Any questions about our Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Program can be sent to our Chapter MSAP Coordinator Tommy Sherbert at:  MSAP@cbaofraleigh.org

MSAP Contact Information

Raleigh MSAP Director:  Paul Wilms.  Phone: 919-665-9223 Email: MSAP@cbaofraleigh.org

State MSAP Director:  Matt Shamblin.  Phone  (252) 241-0682   Email:  mshamblin@ec.rr.com

Please include MSAP in the subject line for emails so they don't get lost in the shuffle.

Newest MSAP Instructor Steve Gooding

Steve Gooding our newest MSAP Instructor.  Congratulations Steve!!

Paul Wilms - MSAP Director

MSAP Director, Paul Wilms. 

MSAP Instructor - Larry Rumler

MSAP Instructor Larry Rumler

Raleigh MSAP Instructors

L to R:  Paula, Bill, Marie, Rita, Tommy

MSAP Update - March 17, 2009

Greetings, Everyone,

We had 34 very engaged students for our MSAP class at Sanderson H.S.
this afternoon (picture below).  I never had so many questions, but they were
all relevant and showed that the students were thinking.  Here's a sampling of
what they said on the surveys:

Motorcycles are everywhere and I should be cautious
It will make sure that I look for motorcycle drivers
I will look for motorcycles and be more aware of the road
Watch out for motorcycles because they have a right to be on the road
I am going to be aware that motorcycles are on the road
 
First time I ever received a round of applause at the end of the class (of course,
it may have been that it was the end of the class).  Anyway, a great group of young drivers-to-be.
 
 

MSAP Update - March 16, 2009

Greetings, All,

It was a wet ride to Fuquay-Varina High School, but well worth the trip.  We had a
great group of 27 students (picture below) who were attentive and engaged.  It was
a pleasure to be with them.  These young drivers-to-be had lots of questions, and
from their responses on the survey forms, clearly understood the message.  Here's a
sampling of what they said:

Be aware that motorcyclists are hard to see, especially if you are not looking for them
That one person not paying attention can cause another their life
To always pay close attention to the big and small things; also to look three times before turning or going straight

And my favorite:
I will look at least 3 to 4 times before making a left turn, and I will pay more attention to my surroundings

We don't have to worry about these young drivers sharing the road with us.
 
 

MSAP Update - March 12, 2009

Greetings, Everyone,

A great MSAP class of 31 very engaged students at Panther Creek this afternoon.  
From the class picture below, you can tell this was a fun group.

Here's a sample of what some of the students said they learned:

"Watch out for people who drive motorcycles and be very cautious"
"Motorcyclists are real people and they are vulnerable on the road"
"Always look for motorcycle people, especially when turning left"

 

MSAP Update - March 11, 2009

Greetings, Everyone,


Larry and I had a room full this afternoon at Wake Forest/Rolesville H.S. - 55 students - the
biggest class we've ever done, but one of the most delightful.  A picture of some of the class is below.

It was a packed room, but the children were very attentive and respectful.  More importantly, they
"got it".  Here's a few sample comments from the students:

"Not only watch out for cars, but motorcycle drivers too, because they have the same rights as a car driver does."
"Look three times and look for small things too."
"Look both ways then back again before you pull out."

I'm OK sharing the road with these children.

 

 



 


MSAP Update - March 4, 2009

Greetings, Everyone,

Larry Rumler and I conducted MSAP training to a lively group of 25 future drivers at Sanderson H.S. yesterday (see photo below).  In case you're wondering if they "got it", listen to the comments of just four of the students:

From a 15 year-old female, "I learned that if I am driving a car, I have to be on the lookout for motorcycles, and if I drive a motorcycle, I have to be cautious and well prepared for bad situations."
From a 16 year-old male, "When I'm a driver, I will make sure to look not only for trucks and cars, but also for motorcycles."
From a 14 year-old male, "It's important to respect motorcycles in their lane and to look longer for them."
From a 14 year-old male, "I realize motorcyclists are just as important as cars, and drivers need to be extra cautious while looking for them."


R. Paul Wilms
Legislative and MSAP Coordinator, Raleigh Chapter
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
919-665-9223



MSAP Update - Feb. 26, 2009

Greetings, Everyone,

Tommy and I had a great group of 29 students at Cardinal Gibbons High School yesterday.  They got the message!  Here's a sampling of their survey responses about what they learned:

I will make sure to check for motorcycles when I drive; I will also know to be courteous
I will keep 2 seconds between me and motorcycles.  I will also be more alert so I can avoid collisions
Always check three times before turning out into the street

Below is a picture of the class.

R. Paul Wilms
Legislative and MSAP Coordinator, Raleigh Chapter
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
919-665-9223
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MSAP Update - Feb. 20, 2009

Greetings, Everyone,

Tommy and I had a spirited MSAP class of 30 students at Wake Forest/Rolesville High School yesterday.  You can see from the class photo below that this was no laid-back crowd.  But for all their youthful exuberance, their survey results reveal that they got the message.  One young lady wrote that the class "will make me more careful about driving, especially when I am beside motorcycles."  Another future driver said, "share the road with motorcycles and respect them."  Finally, one 14-year-old wrote, "always look for motorcycles three times and stay two seconds behind them."  I won't mind sharing the road with these guys.

R. Paul Wilms
Legislative and MSAP Coordinator, Raleigh Chapter
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
919-665-9223

 






MSAP Update - Feb. 13, 2009

Greetings, Everyone,

Larry Rumler and I had a great group of 30 students at Cary High School yesterday (Friday, February 13th).    They got the message.  One student commented "I'll be more on the lookout for motorcycles when I get my driver's license."  Another said, "Motorcycles have the same rights as cars."

Here's a photo of the students with Larry and DE instructor John Hinton:

 


MSAP Update - Feb. 10, 2009

Greetings, Everyone,

Larry Rumler and I conducted MSAP training to a lively group of 25 future drivers at Sanderson H.S. yesterday (see photo below).  In case you're wondering if they "got it", listen to the comments of just four of the students:

From a 15 year-old female, "I learned that if I am driving a car, I have to be on the lookout for motorcycles, and if I drive a motorcycle, I have to be cautious and well prepared for bad situations."
From a 16 year-old male, "When I'm a driver, I will make sure to look not only for trucks and cars, but also for motorcycles."
From a 14 year-old male, "It's important to respect motorcycles in their lane and to look longer for them."
From a 14 year-old male, "I realize motorcyclists are just as important as cars, and drivers need to be extra cautious while looking for them."


R. Paul Wilms
Legislative and MSAP Coordinator, Raleigh Chapter
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
919-665-9223

 





MSAP Update - Feb. 5, 2009

MSAP UPDATE 02/05/2009
 
Today Larry and I went out to Panther Creek for another MSAP class. Neither of us rode our bikes, todays high was about 35 degrees. We had 35 students, more students than chairs actually. We had good participation from some from few students and one actually spotted the "No eye protection" safety violation. I think this may be the first or second time that has happened. The best answer we got to the #5 question, "What information presented to you today will help you most to be a safer driver?" has to be "The fact that while I'm in a car I could so easily kill a motorcyclist". Good answer. Let's hope all of them feel that way and remember it.

MSAP Update 12/16/08

Today we had another Raleigh CBA member get into the class for the first time. Steve Gooding and I were out in Cary. It was a very wet and windy day and neither of us rode. There were 28 students and we had good participation. The answer we most often got back on the survey was"Watch out for motorcycles". I hope they remember that when they get out on the road.

Thank You,

Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator
(919)669-2489

MSAP Update 11/17/2008

MSAP UPDATE 11/17/2008
 
Larry and I had another chance to try and direct some future drivers today. It was a good day for a ride, about 45 degrees. Most of the class seemed to listening. I guess the best answer to #5 would have to be "Watch out for anything on the road with wheels". That's a good way to look at it!!! 

Thank You,
Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator
(919)669-2489
 

MSAP Update 11/13/2008

MSAP UPDATE 11/13/2008
Today was damp and drizzling all day, But this didn't stop Paul from riding out to our class at Panther Creek. We were late though. The school was locked up and he had to call my cell so we could let him in. That was the way the class went too. We had 30 students which we had to pull answers out of for most of the class. We didn't even get to finish the presentation, not to mention class pics or get surveys filled out and returned. If you show up at the end of the day you better watch the clock. Those kids are ready to GO, as the school was shutting down. We didn't even get down the steps before the rolling steel door was coming down. Two students did return the survey and I don't think we could have gotten a better answer to question #5 than one student had. "Look out for motorcycles because accidents for them are frequently fatal". Good answer!! 

Thank You,
Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator
(919)669-2489
 
 

MSAP Update 10/29/08

Larry and I had 26 very attentive students for MSAP this afternoon.   
Here is a sampling of the course review comments from the students:

 "If you look for the elephant, you'll see the mouse."
 "Watch for motorcycles."
 "Look multiple times, and treat motorcycles with respect."
 "It's important to look carefully for motorcycles."
 "The statistics were really good and the facts cool, too."
 "Pay attention and be conscious of what's around me when I drive."

Paul Wilms

MSAP Update 10/23/08

Larry and I went out to give another MSAP at Panther Creek today. It was about 60 degrees so of course I rode. It's a great shot straight down 540 for me. The class had 32 students, two of which were a little camera shy and ditched the class photo.We had more than the usual student who thought they might like to get the big M endorsement on their license at some point. The class went good although I hope a few of them will remember more than I think they will.
The best answer to #5 survey question, "What information presented to you today will help you most to be a safer driver?" was "The fact that so many car drivers crash into motorcycles because they just weren't paying attention" Isn't that the truth!! The worst answer, which I usually don't even mention was "Nothing I knew some of this stuff aready". Well congratulations to this student. Knowing "some of this stuff" and applying it are two different things. I hope it's not me and my wife this person hits.

Thank You,
Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator


 

MSAP Update 10/16/08

Today was a another milestone in the Raleigh CBA/ABATE MSAP program. Paul Wilms, one of Raleigh chapter members gave his first presentation to real DE students. Of course Paul did great. Larry Rumler and I were also there, I think between the 3 of us we covered everything. Sometimes you leave a class and got DARN!! I forgot to cover this or that. We had 23 students in class. Not many interested in future riding but all seem to grasp the importance of SHARING THE ROAD with motorcycles by the time we finished. We were a little slow getting started and ran a little long so the students didn't have time to come out and look at the bikes and ask questions. All in all it was a very good day though.
My favorite answers were that motorcycles are not seen as well and also Look for the elephant and you will always see the mouse. This is a saying we use in every class. I think Rita came up with that one. It seems to work!!

Thank You,
Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator
(919)669-2489
 
 
 

MSAP Update 09/18/2008

Today we had a chance to get into a new school for us. We had met Denise Stover, the DE instructor, earlier this year at another class. I didn't tell the students that I graduated from Millbrook!!! (rivals at that time). Class went fine except we couldn't get any of the video to work, couldn't even show the VHS tape we carry as a back up. Bummer. We still went through all the questions though. We also had a special guest, Paul Wilms, another Raleigh chapter CBA/ABATE member who will be joining our team. Class participation was pretty good. We had more than a few who thought they would like to ride a motorcycle after getting a license. The class was small, only 21. When we called the ones up to the front with the key tags, it seemed like half the class. My favorite answer to #5 was: "Watching out for motorcyclists will save their lives". If even one remembers that when they actually get out on the road will make it all worth while.

Thank You,
Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator
(919)669-2489

MSAP Update 6/20/08

Rita and I were in Fuquay this morning for another presentation. This was a little different to have it in the morning but it sure made for a nicer ride for me. About 37 miles each way for me. The classroom was a little full, they actually had every seat taken. There were 36 students. They all seemed to be listening and actually paying attention. I think I counted about 9 or 10 that had ridden before. That's a lot out of a class of 36. We had good participation as well as some good questions. Most seemed to be stunned by the number of motorcycle accidents and deaths just in N.C. On the survey we had one student to wrote that it was interesting to hear from a motorcyclists point of view and that know she knows what to do around motorcycles. We were able to have them come outside and see the bikes and answer questions after we were finished. This is their last day of class so soon the will be on the road for the practical part. It may be good for us to come in near the end of the class. It will be a shorter time until they are able to apply what they heard today. We can only hope they do.

Thank You,
Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator
(919)669-2489
 

MSAP Update 5/6/08

On Tuesday, 05/06/08, Marie Johnson and I rode to Jordan Driving School to do a presentation for 30 students in Linda St Clair's class.

Marie and I did not use the presentation DVD, choosing instead to speak directly with the kids. Many of them had been on a motorcycle as a passenger, riding with a parent, other relative or friend. Some had rode four-wheelers or dirt bikes as seems to be the latest trend. The students really participated and asked alot of questions, and kept Marie and I hopping.

Most of them mentioned on their surveys that they now realize how much more difficult motorcycles are to see and how much other drivers on the road effect us. Many stated that they would try to really pay attention and watch out for us. I sure hope so, we need all the help we can get!

Rita Spaulding
MSAP Instructor
CBA/ABATE of NC
Raleigh Chapter

MSAP Update 4/30/08

What a beautiful day it was this past Wednesday, 04/30/08. Larry Rumler and I enjoyed the ride to Cardinal Gibbons High School to do a presentation for Denise Stover's Driver's Ed Class.

We had 35 students many of whom have ridden four-wheelers or dirtbikes and a few who had relatives that rode motorcycles. The class was somewhat subdued and seemed more intent on listening than in participating. Perhaps it was the warmth of the classroom lulling them to sleep...at least until the "Sunny Day" demonstration.

We had some good questions and our volunteer that was dressed up in Larry's gear remarked that it was "heavy and very warm" when asked how it felt ...if he only knew! There was a great deal of interest in the photos that we shared with the class, a few of which lead one student to note on his/her survey that "I am more aware of actually how vulnerable bikers are and how we need to watch out for them"...if only EVERY driver on the road could be fully aware of that as well.

Rita Spaulding
MSAP Instructor
CBA/ABATE of NC
Raleigh Chapter

MSAP Update 4/24/08

On Thursday, 04/24/08 it was a beautiful day for a ride, clear and sunny with highs in the mid-70's. I don't think anyone could ask for much better weather to ride to present MSAP to a class in Fuqauy which is exactly what Larry Rumler and I found ourselves doing. We spoke to 36 students in Sharon Kent's Driver's Ed class.

Quite a few of them had ridden with someone else on a street bike or had ridden dirt bikes or 4-wheelers on their own. What was surprising was that out of all those kids, so few were interested in obtaining a motorcycle endorsement in the future --only two or three.

The class particpated well and they had some very interesting questions and comments. We also had a lot of comments regarding the "Common Road" video when discussing the safety violation included in the video. We have some very observant young people, I hope they continue to be that observant when they are behind the wheel of a motor vehicle!

Rita Spaulding
Raleigh Chapter MSAP
CBA/ABATE of NC

MSAP Update 4/08/08

MSAP UPDATE 04/08/2008
 
Larry Rumler and I had a chance to give the MSAP to another group of "future drivers" today. The class was bigger than I expected, 36 students. We were out at the Open Door Church on Durant rd in Raleigh. They have been nice enough to let JDS and Linda St.Clair use their facility for home schooled students. Which I think was most of this group. Nice big classroom too. It took a few minutes to get the students involved and to start giving some feedback, but they got into it eventually. Had some good answers and a lot of students that had ridden and were planning on getting a motorcycle endorsement. More than the usual number. According to the surveys we got back, all of them seem to think the class was helpful. Most were surprised at the number of injuries and deaths and the fact that there actually is good reason for wearing leather. The majority of the students actually got it ,I think. That's why we do what we do, Right? No class picture this time, I forgot my camera. But hears a new one for me, We actually had a couple of students want to take our picture. Not sure if that's good thing or not. I guess as long as it doesn't show up in the Post Office or on My Space Larry and I will be OK. Keep a look out for us. We are the ones in black leather.
 
Ride Safe. 
Thank You,
Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator
(919)669-2489

MSAP Update 3/18/08

MSAP Update 03/18/2008
 
Well if you read Ritas write up, you have a good idea of how busy we were on that Thursday. We went from one school, directly to the next. This time in Wake Forest. Didn't even have time for a good ride from one to the other since they are so close. The class went well. There were 31 students according to the picture and returned paperwork. Participation was a little lacking, but maybe it was just that the previous class had a lot to say. My favorite answer to #5 on the survey sheet was " To help me be a better driver I will look for the smaller vehicles and I will notice the larger ones". I hope every one of them could do that. We had a great class and Rita didn't even have to yell at them once.

Thank You,
Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator
(919)669-2489
 

MSAP Update 3/18/08

Tommy Sherbert and I did a presentation for Linda St Clair's Driver's Ed class at Franklin Academy early this afternoon. The ride in was a little chilly but it gave Tommy the opportunity to test the new heated vest he had purchased at the CBA Eastern District Swap Meet and Bike show in Wilson NC a month ago. Franklin Academy has a wonderful auditorium with a sound room. Tommy and I chose not to use the MSAP DVDexcept for the films clips and "Common Road" video which seemed to make the class material flow a little more smoothly.

There were 34 students in this class and almost half of them had been a passanger on a motorcycle at least once. They really participated well, knew many of the answers to the questions we asked and had some great questions of their own. I can only hope that they've taken to heart some of what we shared with them and will take extra care to watch out for us out there --we need all the help we can get!

Rita Spaulding
MSAP Instructor
CBA/ABATE of NC
Raleigh Chapter

 

MSAP Update 3/13/08

This past Thursday, March 13 2008, Larry Rumler and I did another Presentation for 29 students in Sharon Kent's Driver's Ed Class in Fuquay. A good many of the kids had dirt bike or four-wheeler experioence and a good portion who had had at least one ride or two on a street bike with parents or friends.

Both Larry and I had a lot of fun with this group and we were able to dress up a volunteer which was recorded by a classmate for all of posterity I am sure! At the end of class there were some statements made by some students about bikers being at bars, etc. and when we told them that because someone is at a bar doesn't necessarily mean they are drinking alchohol. Those places also serve soda, coffee and/or water and the young man who had volunterred to wear Larry's gear piped up that one would "have to drink alot of water wearing all that gear." He had been a little surprised by the weight and warmth of it all.

In most of the surveys we collected, the answers the kids gave showed that they enjoyed the class as much as we did and noted that they would be sure to watch out for us when they're on the road.

Rita Spaulding
MSAP Instructor
CBA/ABATE of NC
Raleigh Chapter

 

 

MSAP Update 2/28/08

Thursday afternoon I had the opportunity to do another presentation in Fuquay.  Marie had several appointments which could not be moved and was unable to make it so this was a solo presentation for me.  I spoke to the students in Sharon Kent's and another DE Instructor's (that's right, two) classes for a combined total of 61 students.   Sharon was recently in a car accident and is still sporting many of the bruises along with the cast and crutches for a broken ankle.  She is living proof that hydroplaning in a turn is anything but smooth sailing! Ouch!  
 
Almost all of the kids present had ridden with their parents or other relatives/friends and a great many of them had dirt bikes.  They were a very loud and unruly bunch and I had to raise my voice so often that when mixed with my beginning case of "the crud" the end result is that by the time class was over I had no voice at all.  This did make for some great particpation though --so much so that we actually ran out of time and couldn't dress a student up, much to their disappointment.  The other teacher (Ms Davis) dismissed the students before I could even  get the Survey sheets back or take a picture, let alone thank them for their time (they were out the door like a shot).
 
They were  a handful and it was definitely a learning experience, for them as well as for me! 
 
~Rita

MSAP Update 02/13/2008

Today Rita and I met over at the JDS offices to give another presentation. Neither of us rode over, I think both of us came from work and also it was raining like the dickens a little earlier that day and some while we were there. We had been here before but actually had better luck with our DVD hook up this time. The class is long and narrow. A little hard for those in the rear to see. We ended up going out of the book more than the slides but it went well. Sometimes less is more. I think the total number was about 19 students. One or two evaded the class picture. Participation was good and they had some very good questions.Thanks to Linda St.Clair for letting us come to her classes.

Thank You,
Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator
(919)669-2489
 

MSAP Update 1/31/08

Yesterday afternoon Marie Hoover and I presented the program to Sharon Kent's class in Fuquay.  There were 18 students in attendance and we were also graced by the presence of Marie's daughter Catlin and Larry Rumler.   Most of the kids had either ridden dirt bikes on their own or ridden behind someone on a street bike and were familiar with many of the things we discussed with them. They were very comfortable and very talkative and actively particpated.  Both Marie and I came directly from work in our vehicles and had not brought our gear.  Fortunately Larry had stopped home and picked up his bike to ride over and had all of his gear thus allowing us the opportunity to dress a student.  The classroom was very warm and we were perspiring just watching him in all that gear.  The student insisted he was not warm --altho I am fairly sure we saw a few beads of sweat.  Perhaps he was a reptile in a previous life...   :)
 
Marie did very well speaking to the class, and it was hard to believe that it has been almost a year since she has been in the classroom.  Great job Marie --don't stay away so long!!!!  
 
Several students mentioned on the surveys that we collected that even though they were familiar with motorcyles and riding they learned some things that they hadn't been aware of --a very good indication that the program is effective in getting the message "Watch Out For Motorcycles" across to them.    
 
 
  Rita Spaulding
  MSAP Instructor
  Raleigh Chapter CBA/ABATE  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

MSAP Update 12/13/07

On Thursday 12/13/07 Raleigh Chapter MSAP presented the program to the 4th class in Fuquay for Sharon Kent. Larry Rumler and I spoke with 27 students and I think we even managed to get all of them in the picture! Many of the kids had dirt bike experience and several had relatives that ride. The class was very talkative and we had alot of participation with some good questions. We had several volunteers to get dressed up but alas..we could only dress one! It was extremely warm in the classroom for our guinea pig but he was a really good sport about it and I have no doubt he has a better understanding of how uncomfortable all of our gear can sometimes be.

It is interesting to note that even with the friends and relatives that they know who ride, and including their own experiences riding, many of the students sometimes seem to have little understanding of the special circumstances which pertain to riding. Makes you really wonder why more bikers don't take the time to educate their own family members and friends about the whys and whats of riding. Afterall, it would make all of us (bikers and cage drivers) safer on the roads and isn't that what we all want? Like Tommy, I read the surveys that the kids complete and return and believe our presence in the classroom makes a difference.

This brings the grand total of students in the Raleigh area who have seen the program in 2007 to 448. Not too shabby!

~Rita Spaulding

MSAP Update 12/11/07

Todays weather was calling for a North Carolina Mid-December 80 degrees!!  I don't think it made it quite that high. It probably was a good 70-73 when I headed out to Cary for todays presentation and I'll take that. Unfortunately (NOT), the best way for me to get there was on 540 from Creedmoor Rd. all the way to where it now ends at Hwy 55. Somebody had to do it, right?

Larry Rumler and I went to a new school for us and MSAP.  Lynn Kent is the DE instructor there. The facility was great and had a TV hanging in the room. Just plug in our DVD player and we're on. I like simple.

The class was large, I counted 33 students in the picture and even got back 33 surveys, usually someone dodges the class picture. This class puts us at 421 students that have heard this presentation since January of 2007!!!

We had good participation from the class. Also had some good questions being asked and if you can judge by the surveys we get back, it does seem like we are getting through to them. Some of the best responses were the students actually writing down that "Motorcycles are hard to see" and "That we need to look out for Bikes on the roads". The numbers of injured/dead and the fact that that biker could be anybody, even some one you know were a few more answers. I usually look at these surveys before I write this up each time and I guess the one that stands out from todays class was one students comment that they need to "look for the small things and the same rules apply" I would be happy to get that point across every class.

Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator

 

MSAP Update 12/05/07

Today was a good day for our Raleigh Chapter MSAP. Bill Johnson came out of isolation from work and was able to teach a class again. We were in Cary today, and had 36 students according to the feed back forms returned. I think that is the largest class to date. As you can see by the pictures we also had some that were a little camera shy (missing). Class went well and we did get some good questions and feed back from the students. Hopefully they will remember this class when they get out on the road.We finished up a little quicker than usual and the students still had a little more class time after us so they didn't have a chance to come out and see Bills bike. I did not have time to ride due to work that day. I think it was about 45 degrees, Bill had even broke out the full faced helmet!! Little cool.

This is our 14th class this year. And if my record keeping is correct, that makes 388 future drivers who have seen the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program (MSAP). The next class right now is scheduled for 12/13/07. Classes at this school tend to be smaller but with a little luck our next class should put us over 400 for the year!! Not bad for "A buncha' bikers" Huh?

Thank You,

Tommy Sherbert
CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator

 

MSAP Update 12/04/07

We presented the MSAP program at Jordan Driving School for Linda St Clair's Driver's Ed class. It was a balmy 41 degrees for the ride in..brrrrrrr!

We did not use the MSAP DVD because the DVD player and the TV would not cooperate with us. The TV was set to work with the VCR that was present and would not do anything otherwise. Being the bikers that we are, we rolled with the punches and made do with what we had available to us :)

There were 22 students in attendance, several of which had ridden motorcycles as a passenger. A few had some dirt bike experience and three or four even expressed an interest in going on to ride in the future. There was good participation on behalf of the students and some great questions.

We even remembered to take a class picture again! (see attached)

~Rita

 

MSAP Update 11/15/07

We had our 3rd presentation this afternoon in Fuquay for Sharon Kent's Driver Education class. This was one of the smaller classes we have presented to, 17 students in all. Apparently there have been some issues with the sign-up sheets for Driver Ed and some confusion on the part of the students which Sharon hopes has been resolved. Future classes should be somewhat larger with the exception of the session taking place prior to the upcoming Christmas holidays.

This was Larry Rumler's first full class, but you never would have known it by the way he spoke and interacted with the kids. Even Sharon remarked about how well he did. Almost every student in the class had either ridden behind someone on a motorcycle, or had themselves ridden dirt bikes, etc. which was a nice surprise. We had good participation, some interesting questions and managed to dress a volunteer (pic attached). A good class and a job well done Larry!

~Rita

 

MSAP Update 11/08/07

Well, today was very interesting. We had our first class scheduled in Cary. A school which we have not been able to get to before.  28 students in class!!! This puts us just over 300 future drivers that have at least heard the message to "look for Motorcycles". John and I were planning on covering it but John had some work issue come up and couldn't get time off after all. As it turns out both Rita and Larry were able to make it, even though Rita eluded the class picture. It was about 45 degrees when I started out to Cary. When I get out to the school, I find out I had a "wardrobe malfunction" on the way. Seems my jacket zipper wanted to un zip from the bottom. I did manage to get it off over my head and back on when it was time to go home. The class itself was pretty good. Fairly good participation and actually had a very good volunteer for "dress up". I saw several phones taking his picture so I feel sure it has been seen by now. As I said before Larry Rumler also made it out, So all three of us shared the presentation. Good questions and interesting comments from the class as a whole. Unfortunately we ran a little long and didn't have time to let the students look at the bike and ask any further questions.

Tommy Sherbert

CBA/ABATE of North Carolina
Raleigh Chapter
MSAP Coordinator

 

MSAP Update 10/25/07

I have some good news and bad news..

The good news...

We had our second presentation yesterday (10/25/07) at Fuquay High School for Sharon Kent's Driver Ed class.

John Stauber and I had 28 students in attendance and Larry Rumler also sat in to observe. While we have had larger classes for MSAP presentations, this was by far the noisiest. We had to quiet the kids down several times but by the middle of the presentation, they were hushing each other. I'd say that this is a very good indicator of how interested they were in what we had to say. John is good at getting responses and participation from the kids and did a great job. All in all it was a very good class..

The bad news..

I forgot to take a picture. I had the camera with me and Lord knows I was reminded by you Tommy and at least 10 other times by several different people (I asked them to remind me) and I got caught up in making sure we got the survey sheets back and all of the pictures and everything were picked up, that the whole picture-taking thing got sucked up into the black hole vortex located somewhere in my brain...by the time I remembered it, all of the students had left the classroom.

I have added a big post-it note to the notebook so that this won't happen again.

The weather is looking questionable for Saturday's poker run. If things don't pan out for it, I'll bring everything to church on Sunday and we can swap out then.

Enjoy the day put before you..

~Rita

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