U.S. House Committee Supports Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

IRVINE, Calif. - The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a resolution April 2, supporting the goals of May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, encouraging riders to get trained and licensed, always wear protective gear, never drink and ride, and ride within their limits. Another key message of the month is aimed at motorists, who need to be aware of two-wheel traffic and look out for riders.

The resolution, H. Res. 269, introduced by Reps. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and Michael Burgess, R-Texas, is similar to one unanimously passed by the full House last year.

"The resolution presents a valuable opportunity for Congress to recognize the importance of focusing on motorcyclists' safety," said Duane Taylor, MIC Director of Federal Affairs. "We're calling on riders everywhere to contact their representatives to urge them to cosponsor the resolution."

Among many safety related organizations, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, May has long been designated as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The messages for all road users are especially timely as motorcyclists nationwide gear up for the upcoming riding season. In approximately two thirds of fatal car/motorcycle crashes, the driver of the car is at fault.

"We applaud the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for passing this resolution and we look forward to continuing to work with Representatives Burgess and Giffords and other members of Congress as this resolution moves to the full House for consideration," said MIC's Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Kathy Van Kleeck.

Motorcycles are fuel-efficient and decrease congestion while having little impact on our nation's transportation infrastructure, making them a valuable component of the transportation mix.  With more than 7 million motorcyclists benefiting from the advantages of riding, it is important to remember their safety and to encourage safe and responsible behavior.

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues.

It is a not-for-profit, national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as publishing companies, advertising agencies, insurance firms and consultants.

The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914.