Rider Choices hosted another meeting with program administrators from Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, and Texas on June 17th, 2020. Topics included how each state program adjusted to the current situations and requirements of COVID 19 as it pertains the many different program structures.
The largest efforts seem to be focused on managing courses that are hosted at educational institutions where the constraints of social distancing are changing the way rider education is provided. In other cases, very little change has been made causing wide ranging actions in response to an event that affects the entire country. Interim changes has also affected how Rider Coach Trainers are conducting Preparation courses that are including the typical training but also adding how to implement the interim curriculum while adhering to social distancing constraints.
Reciprocity of both Rider Coach training and student training was discussed where different constraints were addressed and identified based on local and state policy. In many cases programs are able to accept reciprocity with little or no effort; however, in some areas, difficulties with mandated or regulated requirements can be prohibited without some effort. Another part of the reciprocity issue pertained to the military programs under contracted management are sometimes hesitant to work with state programs providing the same benefits available to the civilian population.
The workgroup looks forward to meeting again next month, to discuss future ways to enhance rider education through improved communication and collaborative exchange.
