Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NC Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Program?
The NC MSAP Program is a One Hour Program taught to High School Drivers Education Students Across North Carolina. Instructors go into Public & Private classrooms teaching students "How to Watch Out For Motorcyclists".
Do you only teach in high schools?
While it's true, we do teach in in over high schools across the state, that's not everywhere we teach. As a matter of fact, we also teach the NC MSAP Program to Groups, Clubs and Community Centers, both to our youth and adult riders. After all, educating riders to what our youth are learning is ALWAYS Helpful. Especially because our Program is focused on Safety & Awareness, not how to ride. Therefore, people who have been riding all their lives, still learn new things from our program.
How is the MSAP Program is LAW?
Thanks to the efforts of the NC CBA ABATE, working with legislators, in 2011 helped to create House Bill 200. That bill loosely states, 'every driver taking the education required to receive a drivers license from the State of North Carolina, would then and hereafter be required to have One Hour of Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Training'. Ok, 'what is safety & awareness training'? It's an another way to say that we we teach them everything they need to know about watching out for motorcycles.
What do you teach?
The most quoted remark after an automobile/ motorcycle collision is "I didn't see the motorcycle", we are working to change that. We teach students how blinds spots, sun glare and other visibility impairments can obscure motorcycles, so we show them how they can actively scan, double checking, always seeking for motorcycles. After all, if you are not looking for something, you will not see it.
Do you address the stigma or prejudice associated with motorcyclists?
E.B. White said 'prejudice is a great time saver'. This is something with which most students can identify. So when we explain that we teach classes in riding gear to explain the safety & necessity of the gear, it naturally eliminates the prejudice that goes along with that. They begin to see us as people, instead of just riders.
Do you have to ride a Motorcycle (to be an Instructor)?
Not at all! Some of our most committed Instructors do not Ride, they simply love someone who does. While many of our Instructors do ride, many do not. We have many Amazing Instructors that are girlfriends/wives, husbands/grandfathers and friends & family members of Riders, you do NOT have to ride motorcycles to become an Instructor of this Program. You simple have to want to make a difference in lives of Riders. You only have to Want To SAVE LIVES. .
If I were to Become an Instructor, would I Have to Teach Full Time?
No. No one is obligated to do anything they don't want to. If you only want to teach at one school, fine. If you only teach at a certain time of year, fine, we'll split that class, with another teacher to lighten the load. When we say no obligation, we mean it.
How much does it cost to Become an Instructor?
Nothing. All the materials you need will be provided to you. The Powerpoint program shown to the class is provided on a flash drive. The Program is FREE to all classes thanks to fundraising by the CBA.
Do I need to pass a background check to become an MSAP Instructor?
Because you will be teaching in schools with underage students, NC Law requires that all volunteers pass a background check. What does that mean? It does not mean anyone will be diving into our backgrounds looking for any and all speeding infractions. However, if does mean that major criminal offense towards a minor might disqualify someone. Simply go onto your county’s school system website and register as a volunteer. You will need your drivers license or state issued ID. Depending on the school system, the process of clearing the background check can take days to weeks. You’ll probably be notified by mail. And when checking into the schools you will still need to show your drivers license or school ID.
Do I need any special attire or gear to teach?
No. We prefer you teach in your riding gear, as that is part of the curriculum. However, if you have patches on your vest that have profanity, please cover them while you are teaching. Since we have to abide by the same dress code while we are school premises.
If you are Not-For-Profit Organization, how do you get your funding?
Yes, we are designated as a N.C. 501(C)4 Not-For-Profit Corporation. No one at the CBA or MSAP Program collects a salary. Every Position is Volunteered. There are copying costs for the trifold pamphlets we hand out. The CBA does the entire fundraising for the MSAP Program. And of course, the more money we can fundraise, the more that we can accomplish. That's why we volunteer our time and use our own gas. ALL of your expenses are tax deductible. Please keep your receipts and provide to your accountant or include with you income tax fillings if necessary.
What Other Types of Motorcycle Safety and Awareness do you promote?
We always promote rider education. There is no such thing as 'too much education' or 'educated enough' for our learning, as riders, is never done. There is much happening at the CBA State and Chapter levels! The many people and the arenas through which we reach those people, changes every day that we add Members to our strength. As you ride across this beautiful State on a properly paved roadway, every time you see a billboard, a sign on someone’s lawn, a t-shirt, a bumper sticker, or even at home when you hear of a ride or rally, surf the web and see an add promoting motorcycle safety and awareness, you are seeing the results of the Brotherhood of the CBA, striving to protect ALL Riders in North Carolina. And because the CBA is a Premier Member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and other organizations, we are constantly learning, growing and spreading that education to the far reaches of Our Great Nation.
For Riders that recognize that learning is never completed, please check out the NC Bike Safe Classes at www.bikesafe.com provided FREE by NC Sheriff Officers. There are sure to be classes in your area, if not, get some friends together and they will come to you!
I'd like to teach... But what if I live in a Rural Area? What Difference Can I Make?
YOU, make ALL the difference! Imagine this scenario...
{Imagine yourself back in High School, 14 years old. You are forced to take a drivers education class that you swear you don't need. You've grown up in the country, always helping out around the house and the property - heck you've been driving since you were a wee little thing! You don't need drivers ed! You will be rolling your eyes the whole way through this class.
Then, in walks this 'Real Biker' OMG a real person is standing in front of you that's not your teacher. I bet she's/he's got great stories! You'd want to hear them!}
Each class usually has 40-50 students. Students with their own sorted stories, but with one theme - they all think they don't need drivers ed. You can show them different. You can teach them something new, something they could never have imagined in their short life span. That's what you can bring to the table, "YOU". To 40 students, each class. And that's exactly what we need. Because this Program Does SAVE LIVES. And when those students are Watching Out For Motorcycles, You Have Done Your Job!
You Will Have Made A Difference!
If I drive to classes, will I be able to write off my gas expenses from my taxes?
Yes, absolutely! Please keep track of your mileage and gas for your tax professional.
How long does Training take? (to become an MSAP Instructor?)
The class for Instructors is actually only a few hours, long and can be completed in person or via video class! Then we ask that you teach a class or two, with your director or another experienced Instructor. Then you are on your way to teaching yoru own classes!
If I sign up to be a member of the NC CBA ABATE/The Concerned Bikers Association, am I obligated to do anything ?
No, when we say "No Obligation" we mean it! You do not have to attend meetings or do anything! We do hope, however, that because it is the ONLY Motorcycle Rights Organization in NC, which means it's the ONLY way your voice will be recognized in this state, that you will want be a part of the organization, but there is no obligation to do anything at all.
What else does the CBA do to keep ME Safe?
The CBA consistently pushes motorcycle legislation at every session in North Carolina. The Legislative Agenda for 2021 consists of 3 pieces of legislation. Our first is to clarify previousl motorcycle profiling. We wish to further amend the statute on profiling and seek education for Law Enforcement Agencies and ideally we would love to see our own state start to gather date on profiling incidents. The second agenda is the deadly issue of grass clippings on our roadways. While against ordinances in many townships it is still not against the law statewide and the third issue is that many parking decks, built with tax-payer funds are not accessible to motorcycles. The gates do not register motorcycles, attendants will not permit them, and there is no parking permitted for them in many of those decks. We are seeking legislations that will ensure parking in those decks. Motorcycle Lobby Day is March 24, 2021. Every Motorcyclist, and everyone who loves a rider, should attend this free event. Please arrive at the Holiday Inn Downtown Raleigh by 9:00 am for the Lobbying Briefing before we walk together to the Legislative Office Buildings to meet with our representatives.
No, when we say "No Obligation" we mean it! You do not have to attend meetings or do
I signed up to be a member of the NC CBA ABATE/The Concerned Bikers Association, and I want to attend meetings. Where do I look?
First, you would look at www.cba-abatenc.org . That is the the CBA website that covers the state. On that site you’ll see a page that says Chapters. When you signed up, you chose a chapter based on your geographic region, (even if you chose ‘at large’). You are welcome to attend any meeting at any chapter. All meetings are always open to the public.
ou are also welcome to attend the Quarterly State Board Meetings. These meetings are attended by the boards of each chapter. These committees are held to discuss events and legislation. Committees dates and times will be posted on the state website and facebook pages. Quarterly State Board Meetings are held at the Village Inn and Event Center in Clemmons NC. Accommodations are available there or at the pet friendly Super 8 across the street.
I signed up to be a member but haven't received my card yet.
Please allow 6 weeks to process your applications and for your state membership cards to arrive.
How do I register my Life/Death Insurance Policy?
The Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance Policy that you get as part of your membership to the NC CBA ABATE/The Concerned Bikers Association, goes into effect from the moment you sign up to be a member. That policy is yours and as long as you renew your membership, that policy stays in effect. You do not have to register the policy. A representative of the insurance company may call to confirm your information. You do not have to buy any additional insurance. If you are contacted more than once, please call us. Your policy will automatically default to your estate in the event of a terrible accident of any kind. However, if you want to designate a specific beneficiary, then go to this link, HTTPS://MYBENEFITS.AILIFE.COM/HOME/RESPONSECARD/ABATENC
