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| 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: Tommy Sherbert. Phone: (919) 669-2489 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. |
| MSAP Instructor - Larry Rumler |
Congratulations to our newest MSAP Instructor, Larry Rumler.
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| Raleigh MSAP Instructors |
L to R: Paula, Bill, Marie, Rita, Tommy |
| Raleigh Mayor Proclaims May "Motorcycle Awareness Month" |
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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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