WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), co-chairs of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus, introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate May as “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month” to promote safe driving practices for the millions of motorcycle riders in America.
“I firmly believe there is no better way to see the beauty of our state than on a motorcycle and keeping our roadways safe for both riders and drivers is extremely important to me,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to once again introduce this resolution recognizing the millions of riders in Michigan and across our country and encouraging everyone to use best practices that will keep folks safe on our roads.”
“From delivering messages as a young girl to my dad while he was working out in the fields to riding through the rolling hills of Northeast Iowa with family and friends, some of my most cherished memories include motorcycles,” said Senator Ernst. “As the weather warms up and folks hit the road, I’m excited to share my love of riding while highlighting safety and rider education this Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.”
U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) is leading the resolution in the House of Representatives.
“Across the country, and in Michigan, we have a passionate riding community, which I am proudly a member of,” said Rep. Walberg. “The start of spring means a growing number of riders in Michigan are enjoying the open road and the benefits motorcycles bring. However, in 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 6,335 motorcycle fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to enhance motorcycle awareness and safety. This bipartisan, bicameral resolution serves as an important opportunity to encourage all road users to share the road, stay aware, and drive smart.”
“Senators Peters and Ernst have long been champions of the motorcycle industry and we thank them for highlighting Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by authoring this resolution,” said Scott Schloegel, Senior Vice President of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and the Motorcycle Industry Council. “As riders themselves, the Senators have surely encountered instances of car & truck drivers encroaching on motorcycles when changing lanes or vehicles turning in front of motorcyclists due to a lack of attention. May is a time when many riders are returning to the roads after the winter season and it is the perfect time to remind all road users to lookout for motorcycles as we share the roads.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in 2023, accounting for 15 percent of all traffic fatalities. This is the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities on record since the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) began data collection in 1975. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month aims to address these safety concerns by promoting roadway education, safety training opportunities, and the use of proper gear for motorcycle operation.
The text of the resolution can be found here.
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