Press Release: 3/27/2026

Massachusetts Rider Education Program Ramps Up as Spring Motorcycle Riding Season Begins

 



The program is sponsored by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to promote rider education and safety



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



3/26/2026



MEDIA CONTACT



Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT



 Phone



Call Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at (857) 368-8500



 Online



Email Jacquelyn Goddard, Director of Communications, MassDOT at jacquelyn.goddard@dot.state.ma.us



BOSTON — The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) today announced the start of the Massachusetts Rider Education Program’s (MREP) spring motorcycle safety campaign, encouraging riders of all experience levels to enroll in professional training as the riding season gets underway across Massachusetts. This year’s motorcycle safety and awareness season was kicked off with a proclamation from Governor Maura Healey.



The program’s mission is to reduce motorcycle‑related injuries and fatalities by expanding access to Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) approved training along with increasing safety awareness among both riders and drivers. The program supports a statewide network of nine certified training schools across 22 locations, with over 110 Rider Coaches that are MSF‑certified. 



Training for Every Rider



Motorcyclists can choose from a wide range of courses designed for new, returning, and experienced riders. Options include introductory sessions, license‑waiver courses, advanced skill development, and specialized training such as on‑street instruction and track‑day coaching.



Courses may include a mix of online learning, classroom sessions, and on‑motorcycle exercises, and students must complete all required components including knowledge tests or riding evaluations to receive credit. 



Key offerings include:




  • Introductory Motorcycle Experience

  • Basic Rider Course (License Waiver)

  • Basic Rider Course 2 (License Waiver)

  • Three‑Wheel Basic Rider Course (License Waiver)

  • Advanced Rider Courses and Skills Practice

  • Ride Like a Pro

  • On‑Street Motorcycle Training

  • Advanced Parking Lot Course

  • Individual Track Day Training 



Graduates of the Basic Rider Course, Basic Rider Course 2, or Three‑Wheel Basic Rider Course, which are license waiver courses, may qualify for exemption from the RMV motorcycle road test and the associated $35 fee. Many insurance providers also offer a limited 10% discount on Massachusetts’ motorcycle insurance for riders who complete an approved license waiver course. Students under 18 should contact their training school for details regarding course eligibility.



In addition to the three license waiver courses, the certified motorcycle schools offer advanced training courses for motorcyclists to increase their knowledge and experience. Courses available include the Advanced Rider Course (ARC), First Ride (introductory course to see if motorcycling is for you), Sidecar and Trike Education Program (S/TEP), Ride Like a Pro (RLaP), Riding In the Zone (RItZ), Stayin Safe (SS), and Dirt Bike Courses.  



Promoting Road Safety and Awareness 



Spring marks the return of many riders to the road and is one of the highest risk periods of the year. Drivers are adjusting to seeing motorcycles again, road surfaces may still be recovering from winter, and riders may be reacclimating to skills they haven’t used for several months.



To help reduce crashes, MREP encourages all drivers this season to:




  • Look twice before turning or changing lanes.

  • Check mirrors and blind spots carefully.

  • Give motorcycles extra space.

  • Avoid distractions and stay alert.

  • Remember that motorcycles may be closer—and moving faster—than they appear.



“The RMV is reminding everyone that motorcycle safety starts long before the first ride of the season,” said Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “The RMV sponsors the Rider Education Program to provide motorcyclists the skills, judgment, and confidence they need to ride safely, and it remains one of the most effective ways to prevent crashes. We encourage every rider from beginner to highly experienced to take advantage of these courses, and we urge all drivers to stay alert and share the road responsibly.”



A full list of motorcycle rider schools and training locations is available on the RMV’s Massachusetts Rider Education Program webpage.