Well I think the meeting was quite productive and many of the concerns and issues discussed here on SMA were looked at during the meeting. I personally think SGI is on the right track and most people will agree with the intent and structure of the program once implemented.

I cannot release the exact details about what the GDL in Saskatchewan may or may not look like but I will make a few general points:

• Saskatchewan would be the 10th province to introduce motorcycle GDL (The provinces that currently don't have it are NB, NWT, PEI and SK)
• Mandatory Safety Training will very likely be a mandatory component of the GDL program although what that will look like exactly is still to be determined. Considerations are availability (smaller centres), instructor & training availability and costing of the program(s)
• Existing motorcyclists that have a valid M endorsement will not be affected by the introduction of the program
• Those with Learner's designations on their license at the onset of the GDL program will be subject to the requirements and restrictions of the program
• There will be a limitation installed regarding how long a motorcycle learner's is valid for
• SGI currently will not be looking at rebates or discounts that are motorcycle specific. The Safe Driver Recognition program would still apply

That's about all I can say at this point, if you have any questions, PM or email me and I'll try to answer it or find the answer for you.

trapper_canada wrote:

QUOTE:
Cory wrote:

QUOTE:
Also while your there see what you can do about the helmet laws.
Let those who ride decide!

That will NEVER happen. If they are looking at adding restrictions for "safety" do you actually think they will remove the biggest safety law they have?

Really?

Yes really. In fact there was discussion about making gear (riding jacket, boots etc) mandatory. At this point, that is something that was just discussed, it won't be something you'll see anytime soon (if ever).

You wanna ride without a helmet, you'll either have to do it illegally or head to (some of) the states.

Kevin, in that post I was kinda hinting at the joke which is SGI's graduated licencing for 4-wheeled driving youth.
As the parent of a bad driver I watched her get tickets and have accidents while on her probationary period.
I Waited for the letter from SGI saving our minivans life.
It never came, so finally I banned her from using family vehicles.

Alas the poor minivan never made it. It was far to battered and bruised by then for it to be anything but an embarassment to drive in public.
I always secretly hated that thing though.

I hope something good comes of this SGI meeting.

78oldwing wrote:

QUOTE:
For anyone who isn't familiar with the term, OMLET refers to Older Male Lacking Experience and Training. I understand the term comes from State Troopers somewhere in the midwest.

^^^ Added to the SMA Motorcycle Dictionary ^^^

Thanks!

----------------

To everyone, I would like to hear to some feedback on my review of the meeting...questions? concerns? comments?

Post up!

Thanks, Kevin for taking this on. I have no concerns with the apparent intent of GDL as it is directed at making drivers and roads safer. As is often said, "you can't legislate against stupidity" so we'll continue to have nominees for Darwin Awards. Then, some will complain about too much regulation, but these seem to be a reasonable compromise. Even if one person is saved from him/herself, than I'm willing to put up with GDL.

I'll be taking the learn to ride course this spring -- and will do whatever it takes to avoid being an OMLET!

I guess that I still have to worry, though, about future discussions with SGI about graduated de-licensing. Hopefully, with GDL and more training, more of us will be around to take that issue on when it does come...

Cheers,
Rod.

Hey Kevin,

Comments on the SGI meeting there... I think all is on the right page... thanks for representing us all and taking this on. Its good to have a voice at such things as this. Considering we are one of the few provinces without graduated licensing that really underlines the need for it. I agree that the motorcycle safety course intake has to be on par with the growth of the sport... not sure how that is to happen... mabey we should all get trained to become instructors I know its not as easy as that but... getting involved is one way of offsetting the problem... I am happy with your notes on the meeting... if it will stop one more person from becoming road kill I am all for it. Thanks again man.

Yes indeed. Thank you very much Kevin for reaching out to the riding population to get our opinions. Nobody likes to have decisions made 'on their behalf' when the decisions are being made by people that are uninformed and uninvolved. I hope that SGI heard your words and I hope that they realize that we, as regular riders, are not just looking out for our individual needs, but are looking out for the future of motorcycling in general. It would really suck if one day in the not too distant future motorcycling became an activity for only the elite. But . . . seeing what is being done in terms of restricting emissions, limiting customizations, and the rise in interest rates, to name a few, who knows what motorcycling might look like a few years from now.

Thank you for taking the time to represent our concerns.

Bob

Thanks for the comments guys.

SGI is definitely looking at best practices when it comes to GDL. They've looked at the other programs in place across Canada, the US and even places like Australia and determined what has proven to work and what has not.

There were about 12 people around the table the other night and all of us were concerned with what makes sense rather than just throwing something in place and hoping for the best. There were some great comments and concerns brought forward by everyone there.

I would like to thank the members here who helped me formulate a great list of concerns and comments about the various aspects of GDL. I will also pass on Bradley's (SGI) thanks to the SMA members as he emailed me after the meeting and thanked us for our input.

At any rate, keep up the discussion here. Talk to your friends about GDL and post up opinions and questions here. SGI will be re-drafting a GDL proposal and asking the group to go over it again at that time - so feedback is essential here to insure we have a GDL that works...

Kevin,

Since we're updating the dictionary, I came across the term "SQUID" from the same source as OMLET - State Trooper jargon.

When the troopers were called out to bike accidents they would ask on the radio if it was a SQUID or an OMLET.

In their jargon, it stood for SQUished kID

Maybe with a better licensing system there will be a few less SQUIDs on the road.

Richard

Thanks Richard, updated.

Squid

Truly, the Motorcycle Safety Course should be mandatory to get your learner's license (ie. before heading out into traffic). Suggest to take the SGI written at the same time as the course or something.