New program pushes motorcycle awareness

The Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program has launched a public education program aimed at making travel safer for the increasing number of motorcyclists on Nevada's roadways.

"This is about getting car drivers to start seeing motorcycles," said Ken Kiphart, program administrator. "The message this month is for the people on four wheels."

The month-long campaign, endorsed in a proclamation by Gov. Kenny Guinn, is called "Watch for motorcycles -- they can come out of the blue." Using billboards in Elko, Reno and Las Vegas as well as a 30-second public safety announcement released to television stations, the program encourages safe sharing of the road.

"May is the month most motorcycles come out of their winter's nap," said Kiphart, who has been riding since 1973. Saturday morning he was watching 13 riders go through their basic rider course in the lower parking lot at Western Nevada Community College.

Part of the problem with seeing motorcycles is that when cars slow down, break lights flash but it's not so obvious with motorcycles. Motorcycle riders can slow down by down shifting or by simply adjusting their throttles, he said.

Another problem for bikes is their small size makes them harder to see, he said.

"Motorcycles hide behind door pillars, bushes --Eeven that big bike over there will hide," he said, pointing to his black, 2002 Honda Goldwing.

He and his wife ride it all over the state, teaching weekend classes in Round Mountain, Ely and Tonopah.

Also a problem for bikers is a car driver's perception of stopping distance, he said.

"People think a bike can stop on a dime but they can't," he said. "They need just as much stopping distance as a car does."

In 2002, 33 motorcyclists were killed in Nevada. So far in 2003 there have been seven motorcycle fatalities.

"Our rates are down this year, but it's hard to do percentages with such small numbers," Kiphart said.

Kiphart's Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program offers training across the state. They do the two-and-a-half-day basic rider course, the one-day experienced rider course and the 72-hour instructor course.

The motorcycle safety program is funded by a $6 fee motorcyclists pay when they register.

"So the motorcyclists are the ones paying for the program," said Kiphart, who lives in Minden.

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Nevada Rider Motorcycle Safety Program

www.nevadarider.com