Our Mission

The GWRRA Rider Education Program (REP) is intended to make the motorcycle environment safer by reducing injuries and fatalities and increasing motorcyclist skills and awareness. The REP does not propose to have all the answers. However, our close-working relationship with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), as well as additional GWRRA programs and studies, has provided a wealth of information for use in establishing a comprehensive Rider Education Program. Through Commitment, Education and Application, we can reduce our accident rate significantly. Listed below are several benefits of a fully implemented GWRRA Rider Education Program at the Chapter level:

• Increased rider knowledge
• Increased rider safety skills
• Prevention of accidents
• Reduced injuries
• Reduced fatalities
• Improved general public image of motorcyclists
• Enhanced enjoyment of motorcycle riding

The motorcycle community is already realizing many positive benefits from the GWRRA Rider Education Program. Through the efforts of the Rider Education Officers and participation of the membership and others, we will reach our goal of establishing the safest motorcycle environment possible.

The levels program is comprised of four stages requiring a different level of commitment from the rider and co-rider. All participants enter the program at Level 1. It is the rider and the co-rider's decision if they wish to advance to future levels. There is an initial small fee to enter each level. You only submit a Levels Data Update/Renewal Form when you need to update pertinent expiring information such as riding courses or first-aid renewals. The following is a brief overview of the requirements for each level.

Level 1 - Safety by Commitment

This is the entry level into the program and requires only a commitment to practice and encourage safe motorcycle operation whenever you operate your motorcycle. The initial cost is $8.50, which includes a Level 1 patch. There is no requirement for updating this level.

Level 2 - Safety by Education

This level represents a continuing commitment to be safer motorcyclists by completing approved motorcycle training at regular intervals in order to build and maintain optimum riding skills and awareness. Level 2 requires the following;

• you are current in Level 1
• have a minimum of 5000 miles or 8100 km of safe riding
• have completed an approved rider course within the past three (3) years

Approved rider courses include Advanced Rider Course (ARC in Canada), Experienced Rider Course (ERC in USA), Trailering Course, Trike Course (for riders) OR the Co-Rider Seminar or 2-up ARC (for co-riders only). The cost is $9.50 which includes a Level 2 patch.

Level 3 - Safety by Preparedness

This level represents the commitment to be prepared to render aid in the event of an accident by becoming knowledgeable in First Aid or CPR and by carrying a first-aid kit on your motorcycle at all times. Level 3 requires the following;

• you are enrolled in Level 1 and current in Level 2
• current in First Aid or CPR
• carry a first-aid kit in the motorcycle at all times

The cost is $7.75 which includes a Level 3 patch.

Level 4 - Safety by Enhanced Commitment and Preparedness

This level is often referred to as the Master Tour Rider/Co-Rider Level. This level represents the highest commitment towards safe riding and preparedness. The commitment is shown through a history of safe miles, continuing education and maintaining currency in both First Aid and CPR. Level 4 requires the following;

• you are current in Level 3 for a minimum of one full year
• have ridden a minimum of 25,000 miles or 40,500 km of safe miles
• you must be current in both First Aid and CPR
• have completed an approved rider course within the past three (3) years
• you must commit to wearing proper riding apparel at all times while operating a motorcycle
• you must submit an application with a written letter of recommendation from the Chapter Educator or other GWRRA Officer

The cost is $35 in US funds which includes a numbered Master Tour Rider/Co-rider patch. If you wish the black and gold patch instead, there is an additional charge of $12 Canadian.

Courses

Here is a list of approved rider courses & seminars available through GWRRA that are valid for the Levels Program:

Motorcycle Rider Course (MRC) USA only
Basic Rider Course (BRC)
Trike Riders Course (TRC) 1-up or 2-up
Tri-Car Riders Course motorcycle with a permanent sidecar
Experienced Rider Course (ERC) USA only
Advanced Rider Course (ARC) 1-up or 2-up
Trailering Course (TC) 1-up or 2-up
Parking Lot Practice (PLP) only if an ARC is not reasonably available
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
First Aid (FA)
Co-Rider Seminar meets the Level 2 Co-Rider course requirement

The following is an additional list of available seminars through GWRRA:

Team Riding Seminar
Road Captain Course
Motorcycle Crash Scene Response
Motorcycling for the Mature Rider

Participants of the levels program are required to maintain a valid accreditation for each of the courses that they require for the level that they are current in. That simply means that all seminars, approved rider courses, St.John’s Ambulance First Aid and CPR courses will need to be renewed every three (3) years or earlier. If you have taken a Canadian Red Cross CPR course, you will need to check the expiry on your card since they may need to be renewed every two (2) years or earlier.