Earlier this week the American Motorcyclist Association, the Motorcycle Industry Council and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation issued a joint public letter on preparing now to ride again soon. The full letter is below, or it can be read here.
IRVINE, Calif., April 28, 2020 —During the COVID-19 outbreak, riders everywhere are anxious to see a return to normal so that we can head out to our favorite trails, scenic roadways, and motorcycling events.
For now, many of us are following directives to stay at home. Others live in areas where riding may be limited but still possible. We encourage each of you to adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines and restrictions, and take all necessary precautions.
For those of us waiting for the “all-clear,” this is the time to prepare to ride again. While some riders do routine maintenance at home, many others may be wondering when their local dealer will reopen for business. The fact is, dealers in most states are available now to provide parts, service, and sales in one form or another.
If you need these services now, or anticipate that you will need them soon, we urge you to contact your local dealer today to determine how they can help you. Your dealer can put your mind at ease by telling you the measures they are taking to ensure your safety, such as phone or online orders, social distancing, drop-off procedures, and more.
Another advantage to contacting your dealer now is that you can schedule the services you need in advance, avoiding the inevitable delays that will occur when everyone starts contacting their dealers once authorities issue the all-clear signal.
If you are shopping for a new bike, some manufacturers are offering home delivery programs, so be sure to ask your dealer about that, too.
Riders can also stay sharp and keep learning at home with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s online library. Most educational materials are free, including a fun MSF Rider Perception Challenge. Riders visiting the MSF’s YouTube channel can also take a dozen narrated virtual rides to learn about street strategies.
Also, for a limited time digital issues of American Motorcyclist magazine can be viewed online for free at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/Members-Magazine-Archive, providing news and features about rights, riding, racing and the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Finally, share what you have learned with your riding friends and family. Here at the AMA, the MIC, and the MSF, we will continue to share the latest news through email and our social media channels – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Stay well and ride safe.
Rob DingmanPresident and CEOAmerican Motorcyclist Association@ama_riding
Erik PritchardPresident and CEOMotorcycle Industry CouncilMotorcycle Safety Foundation@followMIC, @MSF__USA
