NSORRA launches Canadian-made training program

Did you know that the Nova Scotia Off Road Riding Association (NSORRA) is the first organization in Canada to launch Motorcycling 101, a Canadian-developed dirt bike safety training program?

Approved by the Nova Scotia government in September 2025, this program represents a major step forward in off-road motorcycle safety nationwide.

The first Nova Scotia Master Trainers are trained and certified!

What is Motorcycling 101?

Motorcycling 101 is a Made-in-Canada off-road safety program developed by a National Training Strategy Committee of certified, experienced coaches from across the country — including three right here in Nova Scotia – NSORRA’s own Josh Kelly and Mike Ritter, and edited by Steve Smith.

The program is:

✔️ Fully endorsed by the Government of Nova Scotia

✔️ Supported and insured by Oasis Insurance, with policy underwriting by Lloyds of London

✔️ Designed for riders of all ages, using motorcycles appropriate for each participant’s size and skill level

✔️ Focused on improving off-road motorcycle (ORM) rider safety and promoting responsible riding through a consistent, nationwide standard

Why a New Training Program?

For years, Nova Scotia relied on the American-based Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) program. While it served us well, challenges with trainer certification and reporting made it difficult to maintain the level of support our Canadian organizations require.

Over the past three years, dedicated coaches from across Canada — with NSORRA playing an active role — have worked closely with the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (recently merged with the Canadian Motorcycle Association) to create a program that is:

Canadian-built

Canadian-administered

Canadian-certified

This ensures local coach trainers can mentor and certify new instructors right here at home, helping us meet growing demand and maintain a high standard of safety training.

What’s Next?

Motorcycling 101 has been certified by the Nova Scotia Government as the required dirt bike safety program under the Nova Scotia OHV Act — a change that brings consistency, accessibility, and long-term sustainability to off-road motorcycle safety in our province.

Stay tuned as we continue to lead the way for Canadian off-road safety training. This is a landmark moment for NSORRA and for riders across Canada!