MSF leader Dr. Ray Ochs to retire after 50 years in rider education

Dr. Ray Ochs, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s vice president of training systems, is retiring after more than five decades shaping rider education, training and certification programs used across the U.S. and by the military worldwide. His work helped build MSF’s core courses, coach systems and international training reach.

Why it matters: - Dr. Ray Ochs helped define how motorcycle rider education is taught in the U.S. and beyond. - His work influenced training used by new riders, RiderCoaches, state programs and the U.S. military. - MSF says the curricula and coaching systems he helped build continue to shape rider safety efforts today.

What happened: - The Motorcycle Safety Foundation said Ochs is preparing to retire after more than 50 years in rider education. - Ochs is MSF’s vice president of training systems. - Ochs became an MSF-certified instructor in 1973, the year MSF was founded. - Ochs became a chief instructor in 1980. - Ochs joined MSF full time in 2002. - Ochs started riding as a teenager in St. Joseph, Missouri, after a ride on a Honda Dream 305 sparked his interest in motorcycling.

The details: - Ochs helped shape MSF’s curricula, training systems, certification programs and educational philosophy. - Ochs was instrumental in field-testing and refining courses so they would work safely and efficiently in real-world training. - Ochs helped develop the Basic RiderCourse, a license-waiver course used in 46 states and by the U.S. military worldwide. - Ochs also helped lead development of the Advanced RiderCourse, Rider Skills Lab, AdventureBike RiderCourse and Rider Mentor Program. - Ochs played a key role in building the RiderCoach and RiderCoach Trainer systems. - Ochs helped move MSF expertise globally through International Rider Education and Training System workshops, conference presentations and professional development workshops for state and military motorcycle safety programs. - MSF says its nationwide network includes nearly 2,000 training sites and 7,000 certified coaches. - MSF says it has trained more than 13 million riders since 1973. - MSF is supported by American Honda Motor Co., BMW Motorrad USA, Bombardier Recreational Products, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki Motors, KTM North America, Polaris, Suzuki Motor USA, Triumph Motorcycles America and Yamaha Motor Corporation. - More information is available at MSF-USA.org.

Between the lines: - Ochs’ career reflects a shift from basic rider instruction to a broader lifelong-learning model for motorcyclists. - MSF leaders said his approach emphasized academic rigor, humility and practical teaching methods. - The retirement also marks a generational handoff for a training system that has spread through both civilian and military safety programs.

What's next: - MSF said it will carry forward the lessons Ochs helped establish as it develops training for current and future riders. - The organization is expected to continue relying on its existing coach network and course portfolio as leadership transitions.

The bottom line: - Ochs leaves behind one of the most influential careers in motorcycle rider education, with a footprint that reaches training ranges, classrooms and roadways worldwide.