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More Motorcycle Safety Awareness campaigns by authorities

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California Highway Patrol asking motorists to drive with caution from https://www.kget.com The California Highway Patrol is recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The department says as the weather warms up, more and more motorcycles and cars are expected to be hitting the road. Preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show more than 500 people were killed in motorcycle-involved crashes in California in 2020 and more than 11,500 people were injured. Here in Kern County, at least eight people have died in motorcycle crashes so far this year. The CHP is asking motorcyclists to be responsible and properly equipped. They’re also asking drivers to watch out for motorcyclists on the road. CHP: Motorcycle safety requires everyone’s attention by Jaime Coffee, Information Officer II, California Highway Patrol from http://antiochherald.com The warming weather and increasing number of vehicles traveling on California’s roadways offer a timely reminder of the importance of motorcycle safety awareness for motorcyclists and motorists alike. By recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) emphasizes safe riding and driving practices for everyone. “Motorcyclists who are responsible, informed, and properly equipped can help reduce rider deaths and injuries,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Motorists are also key to reducing crashes by being aware of the dangers and challenges of motorcycle riding. Taking the time to look twice for motorcyclists can save a life.” “Motorcycle riders are more vulnerable out in the elements, which is why it is important for drivers to always be mindful of riders,” California Office of Traffic Safety Director Barbara Rooney said. With more than 1.4 million licensed riders, motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation for Californians, another reason motorcycle safety awareness is paramount. Preliminary data from the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show more than 500 […]

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Authorities remind people about safety and motorcycle awareness

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State Authorities in California, Maryland and Wisconsin announce recommendations for safety and awareness on Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month DMV reiterates safe riding practices in respect to Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by The Bakersfield Californian from https://www.bakersfield.com The California Highway Patrol is emphasizing safe riding and driving practices in May as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. In a news release, the CHP said that more than 500 people were killed in motorcycle-involved crashes in California in 2020 and more than 11,500 people were injured. There are more than 1.4 million licensed riders in the state, the CHP said. With those numbers in mind, the agency strongly encourages all riders to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. The CMSP has 98 training sites throughout the state and trains approximately 55,000 motorcyclists each year. For more information or to find a training site near you, visit californiamotorcyclist.com or motorcyclesafetyca.com. The CHP added that motorcyclists can help protect themselves by wearing proper safety gear including a U.S. Department of Transportation-compliant helmet, following the speed limit, riding defensively, and always riding sober. Drivers should always look at their mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and always keep a safe distance. The CHP promotes motorcycle safety with the Get Educated and Ride Safe program, funded by a $750,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All eight CHP field divisions will hold outreach events to promote motorcycle safety throughout 2021 under the GEARS grant. “Motorcyclists who are responsible, informed, and properly equipped can help reduce rider deaths and injuries,” CHP Commissioner Amanda Ray said. “Motorists are also key to reducing crashes by being aware of the dangers and challenges of motorcycle riding. Taking the time to look twice for motorcyclists can save a life.” May

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Free motorcycle safety courses around Virginia

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from https://www.wfxrtv.com Virginia State Police to offer free motorcycle safety courses in Salem, Lynchburg in May Seeing as May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Virginia State Police will start offering their “Ride 2 Save Lives” motorcycle self-assessment courses around Virginia — including Salem and Lynchburg — in the next few weeks. According to police, these free motorcycle self-assessment courses allow people to learn and practice rider safety. In addition, the courses — which are conducted by Virginia State Police Motor Troopers — teach riders how to handle hazards, special situations, interstate highways, curve negotiation, and more. “The sun is out and the beautiful weather is calling Virginia’s motorcycling community to our highways,” said Col. Gary T. Settle, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “Rider safety is of the utmost importance, as riding a motorcycle is a unique experience with its own unique safety concerns. I encourage all Virginia riders to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from our professional motors troopers.” Virginia State Police say the courses will be held in four locations across the Commonwealth during the month of May. However, participants are required to have a valid operator’s license with a Class ‘M’ endorsement, appropriate riding attire, a DOT-approved helmet, eye protection, and a street legal motorcycle. Salem: 8 a.m. on May 15 at the Salem Red Sox Stadium Lynchburg: 8:30 a.m. on May 15 at Central Virginia Community College Yorktown: 8:30 a.m. on May 22 at Waters Edge Church Midlothian: 9 a.m. on May 22 at Steel Horse Harley Davidson In addition to the four courses being held in May, police say courses will held throughout the summer and into the fall. However, advanced registration is required for these free courses, so follow this link to sign up for one of those limited spots at one

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Organizers say Pentagon is jeopardizing Memorial Day motorcycle ride

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by Nikki Wentling from https://www.stripes.com Organizers of the traditional Memorial Day motorcycle ride in the nation’s capital accused the Pentagon on Tuesday of jeopardizing the event. AMVETS, the national veterans group organizing the ride, said the Defense Department has ignored its application to use the Pentagon parking lot as a staging area. For 32 consecutive years, thousands of motorcyclists gathered in the parking lot before and after the ride around the National Mall. There are fewer than 40 days until the event, and the Pentagon hasn’t communicated its decision, said Joe Chenelly, national executive director of AMVETS. The Pentagon “won’t even talk to us,” Chenelly said. “We’ve been trying to really be good partners in all of this and not blast the Pentagon, but we’ve gotten to point recently where we have to put the pressure on them.” Chenelly said he submitted an application in July to use the Pentagon parking lot on May 30 this year. He was expecting to hear back by January, but no response came. The Pentagon’s special events office sent Chenelly an approved permit earlier this month but then rescinded the approval eight days later and said they hadn’t made a final decision. At that time, Chenelly told the Pentagon he needed an answer by April 16. “It’s April 20 today, and we still haven’t heard anything back,” Chenelly said Tuesday. Pentagon spokeswoman Sue Gough told Stars and Stripes on Wednesday that “there’s been no decision yet.” She cited the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as the cause of the delay and said the department is monitoring community spread of the virus. Masks and social distancing are required on Pentagon grounds, she said. “The permit request is still being evaluated in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” Gough said. AMVETS has gained approvals for the event from

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Blessing of the Bikes Event

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by Lake County Sheriff Rich Martin from https://www.lakecountystar.com M-37 to close for Baldwin’s Blessing of the Bikes. The word is that the 2021 Blessing of the Bikes is a go this year, which requires much planning and participation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office as well as area public safety departments and agencies. As we all know about the Sunday of the Blessing, we also have a large event Saturday that requires the same planning and partnerships. In this edition of the “Sheriff’s Corner,” I cover the shutting of downtown Baldwin on the Saturday before the Blessing of the Bikes. HISTORY It all started in 1972 with eight riders and four motorcycles who would meet at the local catholic church. Since then it has grown into one of the largest events in the area and probably one of the largest biking events in the state. Along with this, on Saturday afternoon, the bikers will park their bikes all away down the center lane and on both sides of the street in Downtown Baldwin. Historically, this was a small section with two blocks. A couple years back, I opened it up to five blocks for a larger area as well as for safety reasons. Regardless of what blocks are shut down, we have to reroute traffic around the downtown area. Increasing to the larger far block area requires the help of area fire departments as well as other law enforcement agencies. This totals about 17 traffic control points as well as 40-plus paid employees and/or volunteers. BLESSING OF THE BIKES WEEKEND This year the event will start on the afternoon of Thursday, May 13, when the vendors start setting up downtown, and will run through Sunday, May 16. The actual “Blessing” starts Sunday morning at the Baldwin Airport. The main gate

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California Highway Patrol Harley-Davidson EL Knucklehead from 1937

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by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com The California Highway Patrol (CHP) might very well be the most famous American state law enforcement agency. A big reason for that is the “CHiPs” TV series that ran in the 1970s and 1980s and followed the adventures of two fictional CHP officers. Set up in 1929, the organization currently covers everything from highway patrol duties to guarding state officials. And an important element the CHP officers use in performing their duties are vehicles, most notably motorcycles. Presently, most of the two-wheelers serving with the CHP are Harley-Davidsons, with the Electra Glide forming the backbone of the several-hundreds strong fleet since 2013. But the law enforcement agency has always had an interesting love story with the Milwaukee company, and the Knucklehead we have here is proof of that. What you’re looking at is one of about 1,829 EL motorcycles Harley made in 1937. It was deployed since new with the CHP, and thanks to its current owner, who purchased it in 1994, it now looks pretty much as it did back in the day it served. The motorcycle lacks police-related hardware, such as a siren, a two-way radio speaker, and of course the red and blue flashers, but it has the right colors, badge, and the 61ci Knucklehead engine in the frame. The bike is presently part of a collection called John Bernard Estate, and was for a long time on display at various museums, including its present location, the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa, Iowa. But hopes are it will not be so for long. It is going under the hammer at the hands of Mecum in Las Vegas at the end of the month. The two-wheeler is going with an original historical 1944 California pink slip, but no estimate on how much it

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Florida motorcycle club holds 15th annual memorial ride honoring fallen heroes

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by Andrea Guerrero and Drew Hill from https://www.winknews.com Charlotte County came together to honor fallen officers on Saturday with the 15th annual Fallen Heroes Fundraiser. This year it began with a memorial motorcycle ride in honor of the first female corrections officer killed in the line of duty. More than two dozen officers in Southwest Florida have been killed in the line of duty in recent years. Darla Latham is one of the officers. Every year the Florida Defenders Motorcycle Club makes sure to honor her. Vinny Gorgogolione is the President of the Charlotte County chapter of the Defenders. “Today’s our 15th annual fundraiser in the name of the Darla Latham who was killed in the line of duty during a prison break in 2003,” said Gorgogolione. Hundreds of bikers from different chapters all around the country gathered for Latham and other fallen officers. “I think it’s important to focus our efforts on officer safety and those that do get injured or killed on the line of duty that there’s somebody there to try to help them and their families out,” Gorgogolione said. Toney Mineo recently retired as officers and they rode from the east coast to who their support for this forever brotherhood. “It’s heart-wrenching for first of all that we know what they go through,” Mineo said. “Our job as a former law-enforcement is to make sure they’re OK and if they need anything to step up to the plate.” The money raised is to support our local men and women in blue. Chief Pam Davis with Punta Gorda police knows this can make the difference. “Know that they gave their lives for something and very important and society and that we as a police family we’re here for you too,” said Davis. Both the Punta Gorda Department

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Harley-Davidson and TEEX team up to offer specialized motorcycle officer training nationwide

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by Erin Wencl (KAGS) from https://www.kagstv.com COLLEGE STATION, Texas — TEEX and Harley-Davidson have teamed up to offer specialized and advanced training to law enforcement officers who patrol on motorcycles, according to information released by the school Tuesday. The training will be available for law enforcement officers in Texas, as well as motorcycle cops across the country. The program will offer basic, advanced and instructor-level training courses. Basic level includes 80 hours of training for those officers going directly into the police motorcycle unit. Advanced training will be for experienced officer riders who are hoping to increase their skills and the instructor-level course will certify an officer hoping to build their own training program. “As a former law enforcement administrator, I know training is key to managing risk,” said Dr. John M. Ray, who is director of the TEEX Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence. “You want to attend a manufacturer specific school because there are subtleties about riding these bikes in high-risk situations. This curriculum is tailored specifically for that.” Dr. Ray said there will be classroom and “on-track” training. The motorcycles will be provided by Harley-Davidson and they will offer servicing on-site. This is something unique to the program, according to Dr. Ray, because many training programs require students to bring their own bike. By teaming up with Harley-Davidson and their mechanical crews, students will be able to finish the course without worrying about if their own bike will make it through. “We are proud to partner with TEEX to create a comprehensive training program that allows peace officers to focus completely on improving their skills,” said John Dedeo, GM Field Sales for Harley-Davidson. Kyle McNew, who is the TEEX Training Manager for the Institute for Law Enforcement and Protective Services Excellence, said the training will

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Former motorcycle cop teaching safety, passion on two wheels

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by Peter Mallett from http://www.lookoutnewspaper.com A former motorcycle cop is encouraging aspiring motorcyclists from the base to get the skills they need before embarking on their journey down the highway. Bill Laughlin has been an instructor with the Vancouver Island Safety Council (VISC) since his retirement from the Victoria Police Department in 2003, concluding 27 years of service as a police sergeant. “I have always been a motorcyclist and have been riding since I was 16, so when I was asked by a friend if I would be interested in teaching I knew I would really enjoy it,” says Laughlin. Each year, he and approximately 20 other ICBC-licensed instructors teach over 400 students how to be safer motorcyclists. Their efforts are focused solely on rider training and education. “All of our instructors have a passion for motorcycling. We are teaching because we want people to learn, be safe, but also have fun.” Shortly after joining VISC, Laughlin became its executive director. Today the 66 year old spends most of his days working as an administrator with the end goal to equip novice riders with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate a motorcycle safely. VISC offers weekday classes at its Western Speedway training centre in Langford; on the weekend training moves to the grounds of Interurban’s Camosun College. Students train on one of VISC’s 11 well-maintained training bikes, and later in their instruction, 16 street-ready motorcycles as they move towards certification. Helmets are also provided, but other gear such as proper protective clothing is not. Laughlin says VISC has trained several members of Victoria’s military community in past years and is convinced many of them buy into the philosophy of doing things right, getting the proper training, and learning the fundamentals before taking on any potentially dangerous activity. You need

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State police offer free motorcycle safety course

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by Arabella Thornhill from https://potomaclocal.com Virginia State Police have invited local residents to take part in a free motorcycle self-assessment, “Ride 2 Save Lives,” course this Saturday. It is a free course that will be held Saturday, July 25 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Morton’s BMW Motorcycles located at 5099 Jefferson Davis Highway in Fredericksburg. Space is limited to 30 people. According to a press release from Public Relations Director for Virginia State Police Corinne Geller, Richmond Division Motors Unit will be instructing participants on all aspects of rider safety through the use of SIPDE (Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute). SIPDE is the same training required of all VSP motorcycle operators. The course provides riders with proper techniques on how to handle hazards, special situations, interstate highways, curve negotiations, and much more, according to Geller. Social distancing measures will be in place for the safety of those in attendance, according to Geller. Riders must have a valid operator’s license with a class “M” endorsement, appropriate riding attire, a helmet, and eye protection. The motorcycles must be street legal and helmets must be Department of Transportation approved to participate in this program, according to the press release. Registration closes Wednesday, July 22. For those interested, registration is available online through the Virginia State Police Facebook page under “events” or at eventbrite.com.

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