There is a shortage of qualified instructors
When it’s cold in Michigan, riding a motorcycle isn’t exactly top of mind. But if you’re an experienced motorcyclist, this is the right time to think about sharing your experience and improving your skills by becoming a certified RiderCoach through Schoolcraft College this spring.
“Becoming a certified RiderCoach is a great way to share your passion for motorcycling with new and experienced riders, get more involved in the motorcycling community, and make some extra money,” said Sean McGlinn, Motorcycle Safety Coordinator for Schoolcraft College’s program, which is part of Personal & Professional Learning (PPL).
This video explains the benefits of becoming a certified RiderCoach.
RiderCoach Prep (the instructor-training course) is approximately 90 hours long. Course schedules will vary, but students should plan on 7 to 11 days of intensive classroom and hands-on (range) activities. There are three classes between the months of April, May and June.
Applicants must have their own motorcycle and their CY endorsement for at least one year, and they must successfully complete a Basic RiderCourse. Cost is $75 and an additional $50 if the applicant has yet to take a Basic RiderCourse.
Candidates who successfully complete the course will become certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) RiderCoaches. Certification lasts for two years, and RiderCoaches apply for recertification by teaching a minimum of four classes, completing professional-development courses, and submitting these records directly to the MSF.
In addition, the Detroit Metro Motorcycle Safety Consortium (which includes Macomb Community College, Monroe County Community College, Oakland Community College, Schoolcraft College, and Wayne County Community College District) highly recommends that candidates familiarize themselves with the curriculum they will be teaching by shadowing the instructors of a Basic RiderCourse (BRC) prior to RiderCoach Prep.
McGlinn completed his BRC at Schoolcraft in 2011 and obtained his MSF RiderCoach Certification in 2021. He has been the Motorcycle Program Coordinator at Schoolcraft College since January 2018.
“I have been riding motorcycles since I was a kid,” he said, “and I am privileged to work for the program that has benefitted countless motorcyclists, including myself, in Metro Detroit and beyond.”
The motorcycle training classes historically have been some of the most popular at Schoolcraft College.
“Motorcycle sales continued to boom last year,” McGlinn said. “While we are tremendously proud of training approximately 2,600 students last year, we weren’t able to accommodate everyone who inquired about our courses.
“We typically train around 3,000 students every year, and there will be a backlog of students who weren’t able to take a course last year. A shortage of RiderCoaches exists throughout the State of Michigan, so consider enrolling and helping others to experience life on two wheels.”
RiderCoach applications are currently being reviewed. To request a RiderCoach application, contact motorc[email protected] or call 734-462-4448.