Why is motorcycle training important? Does it really matter? Is it just for new riders? And what is HVE?

Here’s some insights from our vocal instructor community! Meet Cynthia Senger, Will Niva, and Kevin Giboney…

 

“These guys out here are just a level above beginner riders. They’re intermediate, and we are teaching them some of the basics, like being able to do an emergency stop, being able to do evasive actions like swerving, and then we’re getting them set up to get their permits. Motorcycling is serious fun, and the reason it is serious is because we are at a much greater risk, being fully exposed to the elements, as well as not having the protection around us when we’re on the street.” — Cynthia Senger

 

“Given that we are only 3% of the vehicles on the road, but yet make up 15% of the fatalities, it’s personally, and kind of communally, extremely distressing.” — Will Niva

 

“Fatal accidents in Washington state and everywhere across this country are absolutely preventable. Over three quarters of all the fatality accidents out there are the rider making a mistake.” — Kevin Giboney

 

“I would like to see all of those negative statistics come down, potentially to zero, right? It’s never a good thing when you hear a motorcycle’s down.” — Cynthia Senger

 

“As a safety trainer, it’s tragic to see the statistics, because that’s part of our mission is we feel like just giving people the knowledge can make a difference and turn a lot of those accidents into maybe a close call, or even an accident that they can walk away from.” — Kevin Giboney

 

“What I know about the HVE program is that numerous law enforcement agencies are going to be operating in the community and paying close attention to motorcyclists and vehicular traffic throughout the month of July, and I welcome this, and I fully support it. They’re trying to save people’s lives by helping us to pay attention to what we are doing.” — Will Niva

 

“I absolutely appreciate the fact that law enforcement is looking out for riders. A lot of people think it’s just… They’re a matter of taking the joy outta riding, or just trying to write tickets to make a quota, but they’re out there for a reason. It’s because people are dying, and there’s lots of accidents, and they’re just trying to keep the public safe. And more than anything, it’s creating that awareness that you gotta take that extra minute. You gotta slow down, you gotta assess the environments and the risks that you’re facing every time you go out.” — Kevin Giboney

 

“I think that Washington riders and drivers could work together to make our roads more safer by, for one, being aware. As a driver in a car, we’re not always looking for a motorcycle, especially if we’re not motorcyclists. So just reminding ourselves that there’s motorcycles on the road, looking twice before executing a maneuver, and putting phones down.” — Cynthia Senger

 

“The community of motorcycle riders is a great community. We all have the same passion. We share the joy of getting out on the road. Part of that that’s not always appreciated is the responsibility we have to each other that we’re all making good decisions, we’re all doing our part to make the roads a safer place.” — Kevin Giboney

 

What’s your opinion? Share your thoughts in the comments!