BMV Signs With New Motorcycle Training Partner
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles says it has reached a four-year agreement with a new motorcycle testing and training provider. The state will now work with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. ABATE of Indiana Inc., which launched its education program in 1979, did not bid on the contract. December 17, 2014
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Don Snemis, Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), announced today that the state of Indiana has awarded a 4-year contract to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to provide motorcycle skills testing and training courses through the BMV’s Indiana Motorcycle Operator Safety Education Program. MSF won the contract after a competitive bidding process.
MSF is a not-for-profit organization that has been a nationwide leader in the field of motorcycle safety since 1973, and has trained nearly 8 million motorcyclists to ride or improve their riding skills. It currently administers motorcycle training programs for the states of New York, California, New Mexico and West Virginia, and operates training campuses in Ohio and Georgia while Indiana currently uses MSF standards for safety and training. MSF also hosts the annual International Rider Education Training System Conference, which was held in Indianapolis in 2013.
“We are looking forward to this new partnership,” said Snemis. “It will enhance customer service and provide expanded opportunities for Hoosier motorcyclists to learn to ride safely and improve their riding skills.”
Due to public demand, BMV and MSF will add about 500 training opportunities in 2015 and then 1,000 more in 2016. All Hoosiers will have a training site within about 50 miles of their home.
MSF President and CEO Tim Buche said, “We are honored to have been chosen by the BMV to serve the current and prospective riders of Indiana.” Buche continued, “We appreciate the trust they've placed in us, and we will work alongside the Indiana training community to create skilled, knowledgeable and wise riders.”
The state's current contractor, ABATE of Indiana, chose not to bid on the new contract. “We appreciate all of the years of service ABATE of Indiana has given Hoosier motorcyclists, and we wish them well in all of their future endeavors,” said Snemis. “The BMV and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation will continue the tradition of outstanding motorcycle education in the state of Indiana.”
Source: The State of Indiana