California Extends MSF Training Program

Under the new agreement, the MSF will run the program from 2010 to 2012 with two additional one-year options. The MSF first began administering the CMSP on Jan. 1, 2004.

Were extremely proud of our track record with the CMSP and the increasing numbers of students who are getting started in motorcycling the right way, by taking the MSF Basic RiderCourse, says Tim Buche, MSF president. We look forward to continuing to partner with the California Highway Patrol and the CHPs CMSP Advisory Committee to best serve the motorcycle education and training needs of California's riders.

The cash-strapped state will save 15% in student administration costs under the new agreement. The savings will increase Californias motorcycle safety budget which is funded by a $2 safety fee on motorcycle registrations and renewals.

These savings in per-student administrative costs mean that more of the riders money goes back into state funds that will directly benefit California motorcyclists, says Robert Gladden, MSF director of program administration. We have every confidence in the California Highway Patrol and the CMSP Advisory Committee as stewards of the California Motorcycle Safety Fund to reinvest these savings to train more riders and support motorcyclists safety throughout the state.

Tuition fees will remain the same at the level set in 2008: under $250 for riders 21 and older, $150 for younger riders.

Despite the challenges of the economy and escalation of program expenses, were thrilled to be able to again maintain a cap on the CMSP Basic RiderCourse student fees for the 2010-2012 riding seasons, because it makes training more affordable for more potential riders, says Gladden. Its through diligent development and monitoring, as well as shared MSF resources like the online RiderCourse Enrollment System and the Quality Assurance Program that were able to keep costs in line and still deliver outstanding training that serves the needs of riders in California.

According to the MSF, a recent survey found 79% of students completed their enrollment process through the online system introduced in 2007. The automated process saves costs while providing quicker response.

The CMSP provided training for 70,053 students in 2008, an 11% increase over 2007 and, according to the MSF, the highest number of students trained in a single year by any state program.