For most new riders, taking a motorcycle safety course means taking that extra precaution to becoming a smarter and safer rider.  For Diane Howells, her first MSF course marked the beginning of a new career.  It was that class, which ignited Diane’s curiosity about women riders that drove her to create a documentary called, “Motorcycle Diaries.”  Well-received in the independent film industry, the Motorcycle Diaries is now a staple in many riders’ bookshelves. Diane’s real commitment to women riders took full circle in 1999 when she opened her first motorcycle safety school in New York City at the age of 27!  Today, Diane’s success continues to flourish with the growth of new schools popping up all over New York to become one of the largest motorcycle schools in the nation.  We caught up with Diane to learn more about these courses.

HH: In just seven years, the MSS has expanded to five locations proving the desire that riders want to learn how to ride safely. Has the school’s success also proven a decline in motorcycle accidents/deaths in the state of New York? 

DH:  I would love to say yes to that one! I think all training contributes to the decline in motorcycle accidents; and because we train 20% of the trained NY State motorcyclists, I am sure we are helping to reduce accidents.

HH: MSS is unique in comparison with most motorcycle safety schools because it offers private, one-on-one training. Knowing that most of us felt self-conscious at one time or another mounting a bike, do lots of women take advantage of this course? 

DH: Absolutely. On pure percentages, women can be a little more timid when they learn to ride. At the same time, they also absorb all details and don’t have as much of a need to impress others.

HH: You are among a small handful of women who are in your field.  Although there are a rapidly growing number of women enrolling in motorcycle safety school, men still dominate the class. When instructing men, are you given the same respect that our male counterparts receive? 

DH: For the most part, I find men to be very respectful, however, there are always random cases. But this can really happen with either men or women. 

HH: The most terrifying thought of beginner riders is maneuvering through city traffic. MSS offers a “Riding-in-Traffic” course - what advice can you give to those who aren’t able to take the class (say you live in Texas…), but would benefit from this training? 

DH: Most accidents happen at slow speeds and at intersections, therefore riding-in-traffic is an important next step after taking a beginner course. The bottom line is to stay within your comfort zone, and take steps when driving in traffic. This may mean riding around the block a few times before working on left hand turns.

HH: Is there any advice women need to know going into their first motorcycle safety class?

DH:  The course is really for beginners. If they are at all nervous, I would maybe recommend taking a private lesson beforehand.

HH: Before you started the MSS, you conceived, directed and post-produced your first independent film, Motorcycle Diaries in 1997, which Ben & Jerry (of the famed ice cream company) helped fund. Talk about fate, you actually met them during your first safety class…do you still keep in touch, or ever get to ride together?

DH: Motorcycle safety has really been apart of my life! I have written them a few times to update them on my progress and how their funding helped drive me onto to bigger projects. Unfortunately, I haven’t been riding up in VT these days, but I’m sure I could give them a call to hit the road!

HH: We think Motorcycle Diaries is one of the best resources (ever made) for women who ride. It obviously made a huge impact on your life. How about the lives of the amazing women you chronicled in the film - have you been able to keep in touch with any of them? 

DH: I actually see a few of them at motorcycling events, and I hear about their successes via Internet newsletters I receive. 

HH: At this point, motorcycles must be your whole world, do you have any time to take a peaceful ride outside of work, if so, where does that ride take you? 

DH: I am a sportbike rider, so my idea of a peaceful ride is going to the racetrack. That may not seem relaxing, but for me, it really allows me to push the bike and myself to its full potential.

HH: Has any of your family members been inspired to take up motorcycling because of your career path? 

DH: My sister plans to enroll in the course this fall, she is also a little bit of an adventure junkie; and my father has a motorcycle that he tools around VT in as well.

HH: What does the future hold for you? Do you have any new documentaries in the works? 

DH: Based on my need to handle the motorcycle school registrations, I had a software created, and now it has spawned off into another company called Eoffice-online.

HH: What would be your suggestion for HH’s Road Goddess Guide - something you never ride without? 

DH: A relaxed state of mind and earplugs.

HH: Do you have any road-worthy entertainment (music, books, movies, web sites, etc.) that you would personally like to recommend? 

DH: Motorcycle Diaries! Hear Me Roar by Ann Ferrar

HH: Would you like to give a shout-out to any of your friends, sponsors, or people who have helped make this dream possible? 

DH: My Dad, the guy who always tells me to go for it!