Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month is an exciting time and a very important event for us. It is designed for us to draw attention to motorcycles and encourage all roadway users to “share the road”. It is also an opportunity to promote motorcycling in general and create interest in everything we do.

ABATE of Indiana’s history with Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month goes back to the ‘80s. Sure we’ve been performing functions since before that, but as far as something formal, it’s about 30 years old. We actually started with Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Week. In the beginning, it was during June because so much attention was focused on the Indy 500 and events at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during May, especially involving traffic issues and state dignitaries. It was felt our event would get lost under the shadow of “indy” . We continued this way for quite a few years until IMS did some restructuring of the 500 in the ‘90s. It was no longer “30 days in May” as the schedule was more concentrated into the last week or 10 days of the month so we moved to May. Many states were already using MAY as an acronym for Motorcycle Awareness and You. Each year, Governor Mitch Daniels signs a proclamation declaring May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in the State of Indiana and a number of mayors do the same thing in their communities.

Join Us On Monument Circle, Monday, May 9th at 11:00am

We will be having rides, events, signing ceremonies and a host of activities across the state to promote motorcycle awareness. We will be conducting a kick off on Monday, May 9th, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Monument Circle in Indianapolis. We are partnering with the Marion County Traffic Safety Partnership and the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute for this project which should capture some media attention and get the general public more aware.

What we really need from everyone, is to help get the word out. The best way to spread the message is to convey a positive image. We ask that everyone ride respectfully and responsibly. Campaigns such as “Ride Safe, Ride Straight” , “Cool Your Pipes” or “Get Licensed, Get Legal” come to mind. Impaired riding and unlicensed, or improperly licensed, riders continue to be over-represented in crashes.  

Riding free of impairments is something that is easy to do. Just make the decision to separate drinking from riding. With regard to getting a motorcycle endorsement, it has never been more convenient than it is now. Check out the website at www.abateonline.org for more information.

When people ask for one, quick, tip for motorcycle safety, I have a response that is equally as good for riders or drivers, “See and Be Seen”. Whether holding the handlebars or the steering wheel, accidents can often de deterred by being seen. Find ways to make yourself more visible. Wear brightly colored clothing and be conscious of your lane position. Just because they see you doesn’t guarantee they won’t pull out in front of you, but if they don’t see you they are not even going to try to avoid you. Conversely, be sure to really see things. You can look without seeing and that isn’t good enough. Admit it, how many of us have almost pulled out in front of somebody? Just like the bumper sticker says “Check Twice” because motorcycles are indeed everywhere.

Ride Safe, Ride Free,
Jay Jackson

Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels proclaims May Motorcycle Safety
and Awareness month in Indiana.