MSF Industry News

Longtime motorcycle safety advocate Robert Gladden is now the vice president of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

Gladden, who was the MSF's general manager, will direct the teams that manage MSF-contracted state programs and the organization's day-to-day operations, including program and project timelines, budgets and program management.

He will oversee the people who manage the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) and similar efforts for New York, Pennsylvania, New Mexico and West Virginia.

This includes oversight for developing and maintaining relationships with state training sponsors, monitoring quality assurance and delivery systems, evaluating proposed new sites, directing processes and administrative readiness, and managing general business aspects of each program.

Gladden will work closely with the MSF Board and President and CEO, Tim Buche, on strategic planning and resource application. In addition, Gladden will continue to represent the MSF and promote motorcycle safety through interviews with broadcast, print and online news outlets.

"The MSF and riders everywhere are fortunate to have Rob devoting his time and efforts to the motorcycle safety community," said Tim Buche, MSF president and CEO.

"He combines a wealth of professional expertise and experience that can only come from being a committed motorcycle enthusiast. He'll continue to provide outstanding leadership and direction for the future growth of the MSF."

Gladden came to the MSF in 2001 to assume leadership of the MSF DirtBike School, the MSF's newest curriculum at the time.

In 2004, he was appointed project manager of the California Motorcyclist Safety Program, which the MSF administers under contract with the California Highway Patrol.

The CMSP is the largest state program in the nation with more than 70,000 students trained in 2008 - believed to be the record for most students trained in a year by any state program.

In spring, the CHP awarded Gladden a Certificate of Appreciation for exemplary service to the CMSP and commitment to quality instruction, student and RiderCoach safety.

Gladden is an active motorcyclist enjoying both on- and off-highway riding. He has competed in motocross, enduro, hare and hound, hare scrambles and long distance events, and he's done track days as well, riding street bikes on paved racing courses.

He's a 24-year member of the American Motorcyclist Association as well as a member of the Iron Butt Association and BMW Motorcycle Owners Association.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® promotes safety through rider training and education, 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 can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling.

Standards established by the MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha.

For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourseSM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.