AMES, Iowa – Feb. 6, 2011 – Registration is now open for the Ninth Annual Motorcycle Safety Forum. This rider-focused event is facilitated by Iowa’s “Ride Bright” motorcycle safety team, a diverse partnership of motorcycle safety advocates from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) and Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, along with motorcycle trainers, dealers and riders. The event is being held Friday, April 27, at the Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus in Ames from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last year’s forum was a sold-out event, so don’t wait too long to register. Registration is only $10 and includes a continental breakfast, lunch, breaks and an opportunity to enter a drawing for an Aluma motorcycle trailer. 

The Motorcycle Safety Forum brings together stakeholders, including individuals representing the Iowa Motorcycle Rider Education Program, Iowa departments of Transportation and Public Safety, and motorcycle associations, along with enthusiasts, riders and dealers. The theme for this year’s event is “All the Gear – All the Time,” emphasizing “conspicuity” or wearing rider apparel that helps get you noticed by others sharing the road.   

Beyond making themselves more easily seen, there are plenty of ways motorcyclists can increase their safety, including continuing on a path of lifelong learning. For the first time in the event’s nine-year history, all paid forum participants will be provided a free coupon (value up to $245) that can be used to register for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s (MSF) Basic Rider Course I or II . Both courses are part of the Iowa DOT’s Rider Education Program and taught by Iowa-licensed, MSF-certified rider coaches. The coupons can be redeemed at any of the approved sites located throughout the state. Courses are available from early April through mid-October. 

This one-day, interactive forum will feature several presentations, safety displays, rider training, an exhibitor tradeshow and other motorcycle-related exhibits. Presentations include: 

• Dan Petterson, ENABLE Consulting – Regarding Rider Responsibility
• Sherry Williams, Motorcycle Safety Foundation
• Pete Leehey, Pete Leehey Law Firm, PC – Don’t Let a Motorcycle Crash Destroy You Financially
• Brittany Morrow, MSF and founder of www.rockthegear.org – Rock the Gear

To register for the forum, contact Iowa State University’s Conference Services by phone at 515-294-6222, fax 515-294-6223 or e-mail usc-info@iastate.edu. Participants may also register online at www.ucs.iastate.edu/mnet/motorcycle/home.html.  Participants are asked to be prepared to share ideas and thoughts with forum committee members and other riders throughout the day.