Dept. of Transportation: May is motorcycle safety awareness month

May 2, 2015



For more information, contact:

Peggy Drinsinger, Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program

(715) 897-1138



Innovative mobile training facility will promote motorcycle safety in Pine Bluff/Cross Plains on Sunday



THE REF (Transportable High-End Rider Education Facility) operated by the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program will participate in the Slimey Crud Run on Sunday, May 3.



Built with federal funding, the 40-foot-long REF trailer is more than just a classroom; it is an interactive learning environment for both riders and non-riders to learn more about sharing the road, crash avoidance and awareness of traffic and road hazards. To see THE REF, visit the web at www.zeroinwisconsin.gov/TheREF/Default.asp.



Media are invited to tour THE REF and try out its state-of-the-art features.



WHEN: Sunday, May 3, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Kalscheurs Park (adjacent to the Red Mouse Grill), 3734 County Road P, Pine Bluff/Cross Plains, Wisconsin



THE REF features include:

· Three training motorcycles used in a 90-minute Introductory Motorcycle Experience to provide a taste of what motorcycling is about and the importance of attending a basic rider education class.



· Two SMARTrainers (Safe Motorcyclist Awareness and Recognition Trainers) that are traffic simulators designed to give riders a real-world experience riding in traffic and on public roads.



· Touch screen monitors for testing knowledge of motorcycle safety




CONTACT: Peggy Drinsinger, (715) 897-1138



THE REF and other Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program rider-training initiatives are designed to save lives and reduce injuries among all motorcyclists—from beginners to experts.