FDU Motorcycle Safety Education

RiderCoach Preparation Course 
Three full weekends, Friday through Sunday

CONGRATULATIONS to our 2008 RiderCoach Graduates:
Sal and Tony
RiderCoach Preparation (RCP) Course concluded in July 2008

2009 RiderCoach Preparation Course
Begins April 30, 2009

Becoming an MSF RiderCoach is a great way to improve one’s own skills while helping others learn or fine-tune their skills.  From time to time, FDU offers a Ridercoach Preparation Course (RCP), open to NJ and out-of-state residents. The State also offers this training in Sea Girt, open to NJ residents.

Please call or email to request information or download the FAQ. The 2009 application form will be available from our booth at the International Motorcycle Show. Once we receive your application, we will schedule an interview. Completion of an application and interview does not guarantee course enrollment.

Visit the MSF at www.msf-usa.org for more information.

What qualifications do I need to enroll?
You must currently ride on a frequent, routine basis. As a coach, you need good communication skills. Although you will get paid, you won't become rich in this field. A sincere desire to help reduce motorcycle accidents, injuries, and deaths is the prime motivator of RiderCoaches.

New Jersey certification requirements include: a current motorcycle endorsement for a minimum of two consecutive years; a good driving record with less that 4 accumulated points in the past 2 years; no suspended or revoked driving privileges within the past 2 years; no DWI convictions in the past 5 years; no record of conviction for criminal offense or recent minor offenses; must submit to fingerprinting and background check.

FDU’s requirements include making time to range aide/observe at least one other course and complete the pre-course assignment. Candidates must have a professional attitude that reflects the educational principles of the MSF and FDU, and wear appropriate safety gear while riding. Must have the ability to work as a team, listen and communicate well with a diverse group of students and colleagues. Upon successful completion of a RiderCoach Prep Course, participation in FDU’s Mentor (apprenticeship) program is required, and attendance at monthly workshops is encouraged. Must be able to teach a minimum of eight courses per year.

What is the RiderCoach Prep course schedule?
It is an intense, 4, 2, and 3-day schedule for three consecutive weekends that began April 30, 2009.

What does the course cover and what are the completion requirements?
The course is approximately 65 hours long. You should plan on long days of intense training.

As a part of the course, you'll be required to pass a riding-skill test. It is the same test used in the BRC; however, the standards are higher for Instructor candidates.

During the course, you'll learn how to teach the BRC curriculum. You'll practice teaching in the classroom. You'll learn how to manage the range exercises and how to evaluate and coach students as they develop their riding skills.

At the end of the training portion of the course, you'll be given a knowledge test. You must pass it to continue in the program.

The course culminates when you and your classmates teach a complete BRC to a group of new riders. Your performance will be evaluated by an MSF RiderCoach Trainer. Successfully completing student teaching is your final requirement to qualify for MSF RiderCourse Instructor certification.

As a RiderCoach candidate, you'll use the RiderCoach Guide for the BRC. You'll also receive many MSF materials, reports, and instructional handouts to start your own reference library.

What does the course cost?
The tuition fee is $400.00 for 2009. This included enrollment in the 9-day course, all course materials, and mentoring during your apprenticeship period.

Be prepared!
If you enroll in a course, go prepared to ride every day! Required riding gear includes a well-kept DOT-approved helmet with eye protection; over-the-ankle, sturdy leather footwear; long pants; long-sleeved shirt or jacket; and full-fingered gloves (preferably leather).
Be prepared to spend time during off-class hours to study. This is an intensive program that requires a lot of work and concentration. Do not enroll unless you can attend every class meeting.

MSF highly recommends you complete a BRC prior to the RCP course. This will greatly increase your knowledge and reduce your stress levels during the RCP.