Harley-Davidson celebrates a landmark achievement in their rider training program

We all know how important proper training is to successfully and safely operate a motorcycle. Harley-Davidson has promoted rider courses for years, launching their own rider training division nationally back in Y2K. They’ve now reached a significant milestone with their training program, and we thought we’d share their announcement-

Harley-Davidson announced this week that they have trained one million riders through their Riding Academy program, cementing its status as the largest rider training program in the United States.

“We’re proud to hit one million riders trained, and it’s a significant milestone for the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy,” stated Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, CEO and President, Harley-Davidson. “Promoting rider education and training for riders new and old is an important part of the overall riding ecosystem. At Harley-Davidson, we’re committed to building ridership and deepening our connection with customers, ultimately reinforcing our goal to be the most desirable motorcycle and lifestyle brand in the world.”

Launched in 2000 as Rider’s Edge, the program was rebranded in 2013 as Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. Today, the Riding Academy provides training through a network of more than 225 Harley-Davidson dealerships in 43 U.S. states, making it the largest rider training network in America and the only nationwide rider licensing program sponsored by a motorcycle manufacturer.

With a suite of premium rider development experiences designed to enhance and enrich any rider’s journey, Harley-Davidson Riding Academy is a leader in providing lifelong motorcycle riding skills development. The foundation of Riding Academy training is the New Rider Course that helps students to achieve their dream of riding a motorcycle.

The Riding Academy also offers courses for intermediate level riders, those wanting to learn how to operate a 3-wheel vehicle, Adventure Touring riding, and Skills Practice for riders wanting to gain skills on their own motorcycles. In most states, successful completion of the New Rider Course, Intermediate, or 3-Wheel Course earn the student a license waiver to get a motorcycle endorsement on their license at their state’s DMV.

The majority of Harley-Davidson Riding Academy coaches are dual certified by Riding Academy and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to ensure they adhere to the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and adult-learning principles. Riding Academy is proud to have more than 1,500 certified coaches in its network.

If you or someone you know might be interested in some specific training in how to properly ride a motorcycle, you can find a Riding Academy location near you at riders.harley-davidson.com.

*photos provided by Harley-Davidson Riding Academy.