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Washington, D.C. – Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), Senator Gary Peters (D-MI), and the House and Senate Congressional Motorcycle Caucuses introduced a bicameral resolution to designate May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month promotes rider safety, education, licensing, and awareness in order to decrease the number of crashes. Motorcycles help to reduce congestion, are fuel-efficient, and have little impact on transportation infrastructure. Motorcycle awareness is beneficial to everyone on the road.
“There are a lot of bikers out there who enjoy riding along the open road in a place as beautiful as Texas,” said Congressman Burgess. “With warmer weather heading our way, more people across America will start using their motorcycles to get to work, to go to the store, to travel, or to just go for a ride. Having more riders join the open road increases the risk for accidents. The old saying goes: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. For bikers, prevention is riding the right way – and that is responsibly. That means getting trained, wearing protective gear, and being aware of the cars and trucks around you. And for drivers, that goes for you too. A simple distracted child or texting on your cell phone can lead to a dangerous situation with riders. If everyone does their part, we can ensure that everyone makes it home safely.”
“The start of spring means a growing number of riders in Michigan and beyond are out enjoying the open road and the benefits motorcycles bring,” said Congressman Walberg. “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is an important opportunity to remind car and truck drivers to always be on the lookout for a nearby motorcycle and educate motorcyclists on safe operating procedures. We all share the road—riders and motorists alike—and we have a responsibility to ensure safety is on the top of everyone’s minds. Remember, look twice, save a life!”
“Iowans know I love to ride my Harley, and as Co-Chair of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus, I’m continuing to advocate for my fellow riders across Iowa and America. With more motorcyclists taking to the roadways as the weather gets warmer, it’s more important than ever that we remain vigilant and help both motorists and motorcyclists stay safe,” said Senator Ernst. “That’s why I’m proud to join my fellow Motorcycle Caucus members in kick-starting this bipartisan, bicameral effort that would recognize May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. By encouraging drivers and bikers to share the road, drive smart, and stay aware, we can stop accidents before they happen so we can keep enjoying the ride.”
“There’s no better way to see all that Michigan has to offer than by motorcycle. I’ve been riding from a young age, and I’ve enjoyed being able to ride all across the state to meet with constituents,” said Senator Peters. “As Co-Chair of the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus, I’m proud to introduce this resolution designating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Increasing awareness of safety rules and guidance for everyone on our roads will help keep drivers and riders safe.”
“The freedom of riding one’s motorcycle across our great nation, feeling the breeze at our faces, comes with responsibility and awareness,” said Congressman Donald Bacon (R-NE). “As a rider, I know I have to follow all of the same laws as someone driving a car and that I need to be aware of my surroundings. I’m asking those who drive cars and commercial trucks to also be aware and watch for motorcycles in their blind spots, especially when changing lanes.”
“With more than 8 million motorcycles on American roadways, the designation of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month offers a unique opportunity to promote motorcycle safety” said Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH). “Additionally, this month emphasizes the role we all play in helping to save lives through more attentive driving. As both an avid rider and a member of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, I am proud to support this legislation, which complements our ongoing efforts to make the open road safer for us all.”
“As the weather gets warmer here in Minnesota and across the country, we will see an increase in motorcycle traffic on our streets and highways,” said Representative Angie Craig (D-MN). “Ensuring safe roads for all motorists is so important – which is why I’m proud to join my colleagues in the bipartisan Motorcycle Caucus to officially designate May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. Please always be sure to look out for your neighbors by checking twice to save a life!
“Motorcyclist deaths occur far too frequently,” said Congressman John Curtis (R-UT). “According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, in 2020, motorcycles were involved in just 2.1% of accidents but motorcycle-involved accidents accounted for 16.3% of traffic deaths. By being aware of others and sharing the road, together we can save lives.”
“For many motorcyclists, riding is more than a hobby, it’s a passion. said Congressman Paul Gosar (R-AZ). “Riding a motorcycle connects riders to their surroundings while enjoying the fresh outdoors with complete freedom. It’s a good reminder to remember to look twice and respect the road because motorcycles are everywhere!”
“Unfortunately, motorcyclists continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic accidents across the country,” said Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson. “May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and as the weather warms up, it is important that both motorists and motorcyclists make efforts to be alert, share the road, and think safety.”
“As a representative for thousands of riders across South Carolina, it is important to recognize the positive effects of motorcyclists on our roads and in our communities and continue working together to create a safe and enjoyable riding experience for all,” said Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC).
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