Motorcycling in the Middle East

After a 27-year hiatus, motorcycle licensing and registration returns to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, thanks to King Abdullah II whose instructions were to establish a non-profit organization to organize motorcycle registration and ownership in the Kingdom and provide a safe and professional training program which resulted in the creation of the Royal Motorcycle Club of Jordan (RMCJ) who, in turn, contacted the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) in 2009.

As a result, on June 23, the RMCJ will celebrate the grand opening of its MSF-recognized Training Center in Jordan. Like the MSF, the RMCJ's Training Center embraces the notion that all riders need a strong knowledge base, finely tuned skills and a safety-first mindset that includes risk management strategies in order to enjoy motorcycling to its fullest.

The MSF's 23 separate RiderCourses, like some of the programs adopted by the RMCJ, are designed to provide a lifelong action plan to keep motorcycling seriously safe and fun.

Omar Zarour (General Manager of Royal Motorcycle of the Royal Motorcycle Club of Jordan) says: "We are very pleased to be bringing motorcycling back to Jordan with rider safety as a top priority. And we appreciate the MSF's assistance in developing a program and facility that will help achieve our goals."

The RMCJ's Training Center incorporates versions of MSF curricula that were adapted to the specific traffic and roadway needs in Jordan. Other aspects of the RMCJ's Safety Training Program include site management, program administration, student enrollment, RiderCoach training and certification, and more.

As part of the program development, two RMCJ representatives traveled to the U.S. for training, which included successfully completing the 65-hour MSF RiderCoach Preparation Course.

Tim Buche (MSF President and CEO) says: "We are extremely honored to have participated in this program with King Abdullah II and the RMCJ. We have always believed that motorcycling is a universal language and that safety should always be paramount. We have enjoyed contributing to Jordan's burgeoning motorcycling community, and we look forward to furthering our relationship with the RMCJ and providing them with support as the popularity of motorcycling grows in their country."

The MSF includes a membership of leading multi-national manufacturers and distributors, and licenses its curricula programs internationally.

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 msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.