ODPS Motorcycle Ohio

About Motorcycle Ohio

Motorcycle Ohio (MO) remains the premier motorcycle safety and education program in the state, having enhanced the riding skills of over 115,000 motorcyclists since it first began in 1987. Established through the passage of House Bill 291, MO, today, has 20 permanent training locations throughout Ohio and a mobile program. MO's fleet consists of 450 training motorcycles, helmets and over 250 instructors to assist you in learning to ride a motorcycle.

In addition to establishing the program, the bill required 16- and 17-year-olds to complete a motorcycle safety course to be eligible to receive a motorcycle endorsement or license to operate a motorcycle. The bill also required that $4.00 from each annual motorcycle registration fee be deposited in the Motorcycle Safety and Education Fund to support the operation of the program. This fee was later increased to $6.00 per motorcycle registration. The Basic Rider Course or "Riding and Street Skills" (RSS) was first made available to the public in September 1988 and the Experienced Rider Course (ERC) was added in 1992. An Instructor Preparation Course is available for experienced motorcyclists interested in becoming a Motorcycle Ohio instructor. In 1996, Motorcycle Ohio began charging a $50.00 registration fee, per registrant, to help offset the cost of the course. Individuals under 18 years of age are entitled to take the course free of charge.

In 2001, Senate Bill 271 was enacted to permit the State of Ohio to waive the state motorcycle skill test for those individuals who successfully complete the Motorcycle Ohio's Basic Rider Course. Individuals under 18 years of age must also meet additional standards.

The Need for Motorcycle Ohio

The need for motorcycle training is evident. Research shows that 92 percent of motorcyclists involved in crashes were either self taught or trained by family or friends. The "Motorcycle Accident Factors" study conducted by the Traffic Safety Center of the University of Southern California researched 1,100 crashes over a two-year period.

The motorcycle rider training experience reduces accident involvement and is related to reduced injuries in the event of an accident. Don't be a part of the accident statistics; take a Motorcycle Ohio Rider Training Course offered at sites throughout Ohio.