MAY 4, 2009

Secretary Land, officials and motorcycle enthusiasts
promote May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

As interest in motorcycling continues to grow among all demographics, Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land advises riders to equip themselves with the proper training, gear and a motorcycle endorsement before taking to the streets.

"The streets are no place for unskilled, ill-prepared riders," Land said. "Operating a motorcycle requires a combination of skills, experience, dexterity and control. Proper safety gear and choosing a motorcycle suited to you in size and power is critical to safe riding."

Land made her remarks during a Lansing news conference to kick off May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Among Land's guests were state Rep. Rick Jones, R-Grand Ledge; and Michael L. Prince, Office of Highway Safety Planning director.

Motorcycling enthusiasts from across the state attended the event.

Land presented a special award to Tim Becker, manager of instructor operations for Harley-Davidson Rider Services, in recognition of the motorcycle manufacturer's commitment to safety and training. Several Michigan Harley-Davidson retailers were also recognized with certificates for their efforts to promote safe riding.

The Lansing Police Department Motorcycle Unit concluded the news conference with a safe riding demonstration.

The number of licensed motorcyclists continues to grow each year. Comparing totals for May, the number of licensed riders increased from approximately 517,000 in 2008 to 533,000 in 2009, with women riders advancing from 54,000 to 57,000.

"Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is an excellent time to remind motorcyclists and motorists of their shared responsibilities for safety," said Jones, who sponsored House Resolution 26 of 2009, declaring May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Michigan. "Driving requires your full attention, whether you're in a car or on a motorcycle."

A motorcycle endorsement is required by law to ride on Michigan roads. In 2008, approximately 37 percent of all motorcyclists involved in a crash did not have an endorsement. Furthermore, statistics for 2007-2008 indicate that while traffic fatalities decreased from 1,084 to 980, motorcycle deaths increased from 124 to 127.

"OHSP supports and encourages motorcycle training," Prince said. "Riders who have taken a motorcycle safety class and obtained an endorsement lower their risk of being seriously injured or in a fatal crash. Even people who have ridden for years are surprised at what they've learned after taking a safety course."

All riders must take a knowledge test and successfully complete a safety class or a skills test with a third-party testing organization before a motorcycle endorsement is issued. A safety course is required for 16- and 17-year-olds as well as for adults who fail the rider skills test twice.

The Department of State administers Michigan's Motorcycle Safety Program. It oversees a network of 30 public and private training schools. Thirty new training motorcycles have been secured this year for the public schools due to increased demand for classes. Land is also working with lawmakers to introduce legislation that will strengthen the program, including measures to:

• Provide greater consistency in the application of training standards
• Require private providers to obtain a surety bond and liability insurance
• Streamline the testing process by eliminating the need to take a written test at a Secretary of State office if the applicant has successfully completed a motorcycle safety course

More than 30,000 residents are expected to attend motorcycle training or go through a third-party skills test this year.

For a list of motorcycle safety training sites, or for more information about the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program and motorcycling, visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.