IRVINE, Calif., March 14, 2007 - To help meet the training needs of South Bay motorcyclists, a new California Motorcyclist Safety Program training facility is scheduled to open March 23 at the Long Beach Veteran's Administration Medical Center.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation will oversee the new Discovery Rider Training Center. One of the initial plans for the facility is that of providing training for participants in a three-year research study funded by the MSF and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The goal of the estimated $1.2 million research, officially titled "The Longitudinal Study to Improve Crash Avoidance Skills," is to determine the effectiveness of periodic involvement in a series of motorcycle rider training courses.

"A single facility was needed that could be dedicated to this research for some period of time," said Dr. Sherry Williams, MSF director, quality assurance & research. "The greater Long Beach area is an ideal location, having both the population density and rider diversity that are crucial to the efficacy of the study."

The Discovery Center will begin operation with the MSF Basic RiderCourse^SM, the learn-to-ride course in the MSF Rider Education and Training System. Williams outlined longer-term plans to offer four additional street-oriented MSF courses at the site. Designed to increase knowledge, enhance skills, and improve risk management strategies, these interrelated, hands-on courses are the Experienced RiderCourse, the Skill Enhancement RiderCourse, the On-Road RiderCourse and ScooterSchool^SM1.

In addition to the MSF/NHTSA research study, the facility will be used to conduct other important training research. "ResLabs, real-world research laboratories that are systematic investigations of potential MSF curricular changes, also will be conducted at the Discovery Center," Williams said.

Richard Beam, director of public and community relations for the Long Beach Veteran's Administration Medical Center, outlined benefits for Long Beach residents. "Veterans who reside nearby will now be able to access rider training locally. Meeting the needs of the community with programs such as this aligns perfectly with our outreach goals, and we're happy to be working with the MSF," he said.

Opportunities are available for a full-time site manager at the new Discovery Rider Training Center. Those interested should send a resume to: recruiting@msf-usa.org.

Anyone interested in enrolling in a CMSP MSF RiderCourse is encouraged to call 1-877-RIDE-411, or visit the CMSP Web site at www.ca-msp.org.

Since 1973, the MSF has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders may enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourse^SM locations, call (800) 446-9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.