Your Massachusetts Motorcycle Association is pleased to announce the 19th consecutive Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period in Massachusetts! This annual event has represented Motorcyclists across the Commonwealth in a coordinated effort between the MMA, the Massachusetts Office of the Governor, the MA Highway Safety Division, the MA Legislature, MassDOT, the MA RMV and the MA Rider Education Program to declare the month of April as “Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Period”.
In a Proclamation presented to the MMA and signed by Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, and Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin, this year’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period runs from Monday, March 23rd to Thursday, April 30th, 2020.
With the early spring in Massachusetts this year, coupled with lighter-than-typical traffic, motorcyclists have taken to the road in large numbers. Yet, car and truck drivers are used to keeping their windows up and their eyes out for sanders, plows, and street sweepers, not the scores of motorcycles already hitting the roads on warmer days. Complicating matters, riders haven’t yet shaken off the winter cobwebs from their riding skills and aren’t prepared for roads scarred by winter plows and sanders, much less the traffic that isn’t yet looking for them!
This year, more than ever, we need vigilance on our bikes and we need the cooperation of all traffic. While many remain cooped up indoors due to the COVID-19 crisis, still others are taking every opportunity to get outside for some fresh air. Motorcycling remains a great outlet for that, but some who take to the roads in cars and trucks are on a mission and focused on getting from point A to B and back again, rather than paying attention to smaller vehicles like Motorcycles.
Your Massachusetts Motorcycle Association established an annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period in conjunction with the Commonwealth to assure that this crucial period as spring flowers start to bloom and motorcyclists hit the roads would be as smooth of a transition as possible. 20 years ago, members of the then Board of Directors, officers, and of course the members, lobbied our Legislature to implement this crucial period at a time when motorcyclists would be once again leave their winter cocoons for sunny roads.
Overall Motorcycle Fatalities have decreased by approximately 30% since 2002, during a period in which motorcycle Registrations increased by roughly the same rate. The MMA believes the annual Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period is a significant contributor to this since it reminds all motorists to share the road at the most critical point in the riding season.
In support of the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period, the MMA is promoting the period through various media outlets including RMV offices and highway signs. Additionally, lawn signs and bumper stickers with the “LOOK! For Motorcycles” slogan are available to riders at no charge from your MMA District Officers and at most MMA events.
MMA Members are also eligible for discounts at MMA Gold Card Sponsor training schools including Training Wheels, Inc., and Massachusetts Motorcycle School. The programs available through the Massachusetts Rider Education Program are a great way to hone your riding skills and shake off the cobwebs in a safe environment.
Your Massachusetts Motorcycle Association asks all roadway users to SHARE THE ROAD and to LOOK! for Motorcycles!
For More Information, see http://www.MassMotorcycle.org or contact SafetyDirector@MassMotorcycle.org
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©2020 Massachusetts Motorcycle Association
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