Bend man receives motorcycle safety award

TEAM OREGON Motorcycle Safety Program recognized Craig Paterson of Bend for its Rookie Instructor of the Year award Saturday in Salem.

The award honors a first-year instructor who has distinguished him or herself among peers through actions, passion, persistence and dedication to safer motorcycling.

TEAM OREGON Director Steve Garets points out, “It’s not just about classes taught. It’s about quality, competency and commitment to the safety of others. Craig’s enthusiasm and passion for teaching is contagious and serves as an inspiration to the instructors he teaches with.”

Paterson taught 22 safety courses – about 260 new riders – in his inaugural year as an instructor. Four of Paterson’s peers nominated him for the award.

“His commitment knows no limit. When he’s not teaching, you’ll find him practicing his riding demonstrations, studying other instructors’ teaching techniques or just helping out,” said Garets.

TEAM OREGON is a cooperative partnership between the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon State University. More than 1,000 rider training courses are offered at 24 locations statewide February – November. For more information, visit http://team-oregon.org or call
800-545-9944.