I am not only a motorcyclist and member of a motorcycle rights organization in New York State but a tax payer too. I am writing to express my sever disappointment with the present state of the New York State Motorcycle Safety Program. The organization I am a member of will be filing a complaint with the NYS DMV, so until that time comes I will refrain from stating who there are and this is solely a response on my part.

As far as the program itself, it has been almost a year since the MSF was awarded the contract and to date nothing more than the hiring of two personnel positions and an office set up has been done; and to my understanding this has happened within the past 5-6 weeks. I have also been told by a reputable contact that the NYS DMV is reviewing possible breach of contract in regards to the lack of attention the MSF has presented since being awarded the contract in 2009. I understand that there was some finalization prior to the contact being fully accepted but the lack of representation in the state affects the motorcycle riders and would be riders. I find all this upsetting considering the amount of money relating to the contract, money which is paid for by the motorcyclist of this state.

The next complaint I/we have is your choice for filling the Project Manager position. Besides it being a conflict of interest having a person whose parents operate two sites in the state, he originally attempted becoming a RiderCoach without a motorcycle endorsement or learners permit. Even though this person denied not having a motorcycle license, there was no information within any of the States DMV data to show him having one. He was also working at his parents sites when the DMV was reviewing/investigating them for reported infractions. This is the kind of person you want to run the state’s program? We certainly don’t. I would imagine that you had several other candidates apply for the position that would be far better fitting. I personally know one person that applied that would have done a fantastic job with the program and is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about motorcycling and the safety aspect of the sport and is more than capable to operate the business as required, but I guess quality for a position is not a factor.

Then you have your Administrative Assistant who, because of being hired by the MSF, now has counts filed against him from the states ethics committee. So far year one showed no action taken by the MSF and now year two is reflecting to be a disaster in the making. Let it be known that I personally have nothing against the two persons presently hired by the MSF to run the program for New York State, I am against the baggage that they bring to this program, which belongs to the motorcyclists of this state.

Once again I will state that the present conditions of the safety program in this state is upsetting and a poor reflection of an organization that is suppose to be a world leader in motorcycle safety and skills training.

I hope that the problems can be corrected soon and we can have a program to be proud of. To be honest at this point, even with the review submitted to the state on the previous contractor of this program – MANYS didn’t look that bad.