“The increase in motorcycle riders continues to grow in the state,” said Larry Barnhardt, dean of the Selland College at Boise State. “This new alliance will ensure that training is available to everyone who can benefit from it.”

After reviewing eight years of motorcycle crashes in Idaho, William A. Boehly, a national motor vehicle safety expert and the retired head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) National Center for Statistical Analysis, found that training is associated with a 69 percent reduction in the risk of a fatal crash.

STAR participants must complete two-a-half days of training for the basic course that includes both classroom instruction and training on bikes that are provided by the program. This helps ensure that they are prepared to handle a bike in all weather and traffic conditions, according to Ron Shepard, program manager.

“Safety should be the primary concern of everyone who rides a motorcycle,” Shepard said. “Participants quickly learn that driving a motorcycle is a lot different than driving a car. I takes a greater amount of coordination and focus, and you have to be ready for anything.”

The Idaho legislature recently approved a $6 increase in the amount of motorcycle license fees to help cover the $221 per person cost of the training. Motorcycle riders who enroll in the program are only required to pay $75 for the class. 

For more information, contact Shepard at 426-5557, or visit www.idahostar.org.

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