The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy has just celebrated a major milestone—training one million riders. After 24 years of operation, this program continues to teach safe and confident riding through the largest training network in the U.S.
Jochen Zeitz, President, CEO, and Managing Director of Harley-Davidson, remarked, "We are incredibly proud to have trained one million riders. This milestone highlights the importance of rider education and training, which plays a crucial role in the motorcycle community.”
Zeitz further emphasized, “At Harley-Davidson, we are dedicated to building a strong riding foundation and deepening our connection with customers. Our ultimate goal is to be the most desirable motorcycle and lifestyle brand in the world.”
Originally launched in 2000 as Rider’s Edge, the program was rebranded in 2013 as the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. It now offers training through a network of over 225 Harley-Davidson dealers across 43 states, making it the most extensive network and the only licensing program endorsed by a motorcycle manufacturer in the U.S.
The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy offers a variety of experiences designed to enhance and enrich riding skills. The core of the program is the new rider course, which helps participants achieve their dream of riding a Milwaukee-branded motorcycle. Additional courses are available for intermediate riders, those interested in three-wheeled vehicles, adventure touring, and skill practice. In many states, successful completion of these courses allows students to obtain a motorcycle license waiver.
All instructors at the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy hold dual certification from both the Riding Academy and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), ensuring the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and teaching techniques. With a network of over 1,500 certified instructors in the U.S., the program also extends to Spain, making it accessible to customers worldwide.