The Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the White House and the U.S. Department of Transportation are urging Americans to observe May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
The Texas Department of Transportation is also stressing motorcycle safety this month with their “Share The Road, Look Twice” campaign. The annual effort aims to remind drivers about staying alert and always double-checking for motorcycles.
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Sgt. Brian Washcoat with the Texas Department of Public Safety reported that 519 motorcyclists were killed in Texas in 2021, more than in any previous year. “On average, at least one motorcycle rider dies every day in a crash on our streets and highways,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams.
More riders are expected to be on the roads this year with sales of motorcycles and scooters up 14.2% over last year, the second consecutive year of growth.
President Biden noted that millions of Americans ride two-wheelers and stressed the importance of personal protective gear, obeying traffic laws, riding alcohol- and drug-free, and for motorists to be aware of motorcyclists, and to share the road.
Safety tips for car drivers are available at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's website. Bike riders can also test their perception and knowledge with timed challenges and quizzes there.