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Motorcycle changes

SGI is implementing the next phase of the Motorcycle Graduated Driver Licensing (MGDL) program changes in an effort to improve safety for new motorcyclists.
SGI

SGI is implementing the next phase of the Motorcycle Graduated Driver Licensing (MGDL) program changes in an effort to improve safety for new motorcyclists.

“New motorcycle riders are more likely to be involved in collisions than experienced riders, especially in the first three years of riding,” said Andrew Cartmell, President and CEO of SGI. “Training is critical to improving motorcyclist safety, and that’s the driving force behind these changes.”

The MGDL program exposes new motorcycle riders to increasing levels of risk as they gain riding experience. Riders must move through three stages, Learner, Novice 1 and Novice 2, before graduating to a full and unrestricted “M” motorcycle licence. Effective immediately changes include:

• A $500 MGDL fee will be added to the current driver’s licence fee upon entering each of the three stages of the MGDL program, for a total of $1,500 – this fee will be waived for those who provide proof of successfully completing an SGI-approved motorcycle training course (20-hour Canada/Saskatchewan Safety Council “Gearing Up” Training Course or equivalent).

New motorcyclists will be eligible for a $450 training rebate if they meet the following requirements:

• they entered the MGDL program after January 1, 2016;

• they completed an approved motorcycle course after January 1, 2016; and,

• they graduate from the MGDL program incident-free (no suspensions or motorcycle-related traffic convictions/at-fault collisions).

The changes stem from recommendations made by the Motorcycle Review Committee (MRC). The MRC was formed in 2013 to find solutions to issues with motorcycle safety, insurance rating and coverage in the province.

The average cost of a claim for a person injured on a motorcycle is 4-5 times higher than the average cost for a person injured in a private passenger vehicle. The average injury claim for a passenger vehicle costs $29,000, whereas an average motorcycle injury claim costs $141,000.

“Motorcyclists, by virtue of being so exposed while riding, compared to those better protected in an enclosed passenger vehicle, are more vulnerable to injury in the event of a collision,” Cartmell said. “Safety is so important, and that’s what the training focus is getting at: being safe while riding.”

In 2014 in Saskatchewan, there were 199 collisions involving a motorcycle, moped or power cycle, resulting in 144 injuries and three deaths.

SGI has implemented multiple MGDL program changes based on approved MRC recommendations during the 2014 and 2015 riding seasons. Examples include new equipment requirements for riders in the MGDL program, licence placards for learner and novice riders, engine size restrictions, and the requirement to either pass a basic ability road test on a motorcycle or complete approved motorcycle training prior to obtaining a motorcycle learner’s licence.

Visit SGI’s website at www.sgi.sk.ca for more information about motorcycle safety and the MGDL program.