Diana Marafioti
May 1940 – September 2004
achievements, Contributions
Founder of the American Motorcycle Driving School, Inc. in 1986 offering private motorcycle lessons to Novice, and rider up-dates to self taught Riders.
- MSF Instructor of the MRC, BRC and ERC for 20 consecutive years.
- Past President of “Lost Wheels” Motorcycle Club, inducted as a Life Long Honorary Member for her outstanding, long time commitment to the club and community.
- In 1978 and 1980 received AMA Achievement Award for her work and involvement as the President of Lost Wheels Club.
- May 2004 received AMA MVP AWARD for her contribution to the motorcycle community.
- Certified and taught the 5-Hour Defensive Driving Courses for the National Safety Council on effort to educate car drivers to motorcyclist special challenges in traffic.
- Holds a New York State Commercial Drivers License including Tractor Trailer, Hazard Material and Air Brakes.
- Certified Trainer for the National Safety Council Professional Truck Driver DDC.
- First to bring Rider Education to Dutchess County, NY by joining and participating as a business woman in our local chapter of the Chambers of Commerce.
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Attended and awarded by N.Y.S. DOT, Road and Safety Seminars.
- Instrumental in negotiating and introducing the MSF and MRC to West Point.
- First person to start and teach the MSF, ERC to Dutchess Community College in the mid 80’s.
- Fox After Breakfast feature as a “Motorcycle Instructor/Grandmother”.
- ABC-Eye Witness News segment feature promoting her role and service to the motorcycle community.
- CBS-Inside Edition feature promoting rider education.
- National Magazine, American Rider named Diana as 1 of 10 Motorcycle Diva’s for her long standing commitment to motorcycle safety.
- Diana’s School has offered license to students from New York City, Albany, Port Jarvis, and Connecticut, a total range of 800 miles.
- POLO’s Ralph Lauren, his wife and son were Diana’s most famous students.
- Look for her in the Feb 2012 Issue of Worth Magazine as listed as “Best Private Motorcycle Lesson Money Can Buy”.
- Christine was featured in Forbes Magazine- June 2011 Issue as the “Ducati VIP Instructor”.
- Over 26 years of speaking experience including the 2007 AMA Congress Award Dinner, “How the AMA has had such a positive affect on my life and riding career” since 1980.
- Christine’s Mother, Diana L. Marafioti was the first female President of Lost Wheels MC (a co-ed club).
- Diana L. Marafioti awarded the AMA MVP “For more than 20 years of devotion and commitment to new motorcyclists, their safety their personal needs, and their dreams” , as owner/operator of the American Motorcycle Driving School, Inc.
- Organized many “Motorcycle Safety Rodeo’s” to introduce the motorcycle community to the need and availability of Rider Education Courses.
- Lent her talent and guidance to Women in the Wind Motorcycle Club and Gay Motorcycle Rallies in NY to promote rider education.
- Attended countless motorcycle club meetings as guest speaker to teach and discuss safe group and passenger riding technique’s and formations.
- Long time member and supporter of our local ABATE and AMA chapters. She introduced and emphasized the importance of these organizations to all her students and new motorcycle clubs.
- Personally trained, inspired and encouraged more than a dozen new riders to go on to become MSF Instructors who to open their own Driving Schools and MSF sites.
- Helped Stewart Air Force Military Base offer the MRC at their base in Upstate NY.
- Appears in the book “Living & Riding Free-Biker Lady” promoting motorcycle education.
- Interviewed by New York’s top Newspapers introducing Rider Safety Issues.
- Original USA Instructor of ATV’s early 1980’s.
- Spent years introducing and initiating relationships with Motorcycle Dealerships for referrals and promotions, offering Rider Education for the MSF and her private school.
- Instrumental in setting up the Lost Wheel Poker Run and donated some of the proceeds to the Leukemia Society.
- Diana’s commitment to safety includes A New York State certified Pyrotechnical Certificate.