LANSING- State Senator Michael Switalski (D-Roseville) introduced bipartisan legislation on June 4 to strengthen motorcycle safety in Michigan for the thousands of residents who purchase a motorcycle license endorsement each year.

“The popularity of riding motorcycles has been increasing,” said Switalski. “We want to ensure that motorcyclists across Michigan receive appropriate training at the state’s safety courses.”

Senate Bills 628 and 629 are sponsored by Switalski and State Senator Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw Township) and would:

• Create consistent criteria for motorcycle safety courses;
• Require criminal background checks for course instructors;
• Streamline the testing process by eliminating a second written test if a rider successfully completes the safety course; and
• Require instruction providers to be bonded and have liability insurance.

“Our overall concern is for the safety of state motorcycle riders,” said Kahn. “The proposed changes will make Michigan’s Motorcycle Safety Program more effective and efficient because there will be uniform guidelines and expectations for course instructors and participants.”

The training course and skills test allow riders to obtain their motorcycle license endorsement, which is required to operate a motorcycle legally in Michigan. The training courses are offered at more than 50 locations across the state. About 30,000 riders are expected to attend motorcycle training or go through a third-party skills test in 2009.

Currently, Michigan has about 532,000 licensed motorcyclists, an increase from 517,000 in 2008. The legislation was developed based upon recommendations from the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Committee convened by the Secretary of State.

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