Senate Passes Peters, Ernst Bipartisan Resolution Designating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), Co-Chairs of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus, designating May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to recognize the 30 million motorcycle riders in America and promote safe driving practices for motorcyclists and drivers who share our roadways.

“My favorite way to travel across Michigan is by motorcycle, and keeping our roadways safe for all users is extremely important to me,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to introduce this resolution to acknowledge my fellow motorcyclists and help encourage all motorists to take the necessary steps to protect riders and everyone on our roads.”

“Some of my most cherished memories include motorcycles, from delivering messages as a young girl to my dad while he was working out in the fields to riding through the rolling hills of Northeast Iowa with family and friends,” said Senator Ernst. “As co-chair of the Motorcycle Caucus, I’m proud to share my love of riding and work to improve safety through helmet protection and passenger vehicle education this Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.”

Left: Senator Ernst rides with Veterans in Iowa Right: Senator Peters rides across the Mackinac Bridge during his annual Motorcycle Tour through Michigan

“Ensuring the safety of motorcyclists is the AMA's top priority. We are concerned about the rise of distracted driving, coupled with an excessive reliance on unproven driver assistance and technology that all too often fails to live up to its promise,” said Nick Haris, American Motorcyclist Association Director of Government Relations.. “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month highlights the challenges facing motorcyclists and reminds all drivers that safety is a shared responsibility.”

“Senators Peters and Ernst have long been champions of the motorcycle industry and we thank them for highlighting Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by passing S.Res.695,” said Scott Schloegel, acting President & CEO of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, and the Motorcycle Industry Council. “As riders themselves, the Senators have surely encountered instances of car & truck drivers encroaching on motorcycles when changing lanes or vehicles turning in front of motorcyclists due to a lack of attention.  May is a time when many riders are returning to the roads after the winter season and it is the perfect time to remind all road users to lookout for motorcycles as we share the roads.” 

The full text of the resolution can be found HERE.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,932 motorcyclists were killed in 2021, accounting for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities. This is the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities on record, and an 8 percent increase compared to 2020 data. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month aims to address these safety concerns by promoting roadway education, safety training opportunities, and the use of proper gear for motorcycle operation. The resolution is supported by the Motorcycle Industry Council and the American Motorcyclist Association.  

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