From Kim Minugh:
The California Highway Patrol is declaring a two-year campaign to promote motorcycle safety a success after enrollment in a statewide safety program has reached new peaks, according to authorities.
The extensive media campaign began in November 2007, when the CHP received a $1.4 million grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, said CHP spokeswoman Jaime Coffee. Officials used that money to promote the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, which offers courses for new and returning riders, Coffee said.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants can earn a certificate that allows them to bypass the riding skills test required by the Department of Motor Vehicles for a motorcycle license.
The campaign included public safety announcements and awareness events. The result was a surge in enrollment in the CMSP: an all-time high of 70,053 students in 2008, Coffee said. Officials are expecting this year to close out with even higher enrollment figures, she said.
There are more than 1 million licensed motorcyclists in the state, Coffee said. It's important for motorcyclists and drivers alike to be aware of the safety issues associated with high ridership, she said.
"If you're going to ride, the best thing to do is get trained," Coffee said. "It's definitely for your safety and the safety of others."
Funds for the CHP's campaign have run out, but the CMSP courses are still available. Click here for more information.
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