St. Marys promotes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
ST. MARYS - The City of St. Marys is urging drivers to share the road with motorcyclists as they recently issued a proclamation declaring May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
St. Marys Mayor Chris Pletcher was on hand on Tuesday afternoon to issue the proclamation during a brief ceremony on the Diamond in downtown St. Marys.
In attendance was Brett Sorg, representing Elk County A.B.A.T.E. (Alliance of Bikers Aimed Towards Education) and members of the American Legion Riders Elk County Chapter 208.
According to PennDOT there are nearly 850,000 licensed motorcyclists in Pennsylvania.
The city’s proclamation states “the safety of all motorists is an issue of the highest consequence and all highway users should unite in the safe sharing of roadways throughout the City and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
While motorcycle riding is a popular form of recreation and transportation for thousands of people across the nation, it is especially important that the citizens be aware of motorcycles in the streets and highways and recognize the importance of staying alert, practicing safe driving techniques, and promoting motorcycle safety”.
During the month of May, the City of St. Marys and the Elk County A.B.A.T.E. Chapter will continue their advocacy of motorcycle safety.
“Therefore in recognition of the importance of motorcycle safety on our roads and highways, the Mayor, along with the City Council proclaim May 2021 Motor
cycle Safety Awareness Month in the City,” reads the proclamation.
“I encourage all motorcyclists to continue their efforts to promote safety and motorcycle awareness and all drivers to share the road and respect the unique safety needs of motorcyclists,” as was cited by Pletcher as part of the proclamation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported the number of motorcyclists killed in crashes dropped to 4,985 in 2018, an almost 5% decrease from the previous year, however motorcycle riders are still overrepresented in traffic fatalities. In an effort to keep everyone safe, the NHTSA urges drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert. Motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible, to use Department of Transportation compliant motorcycle helmets and to always ride sober.
PennDOT's comprehensive motorcycle safety campaign, Live Free Ride Alive, is designed to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities on Pennsylvania's roadways. Follow Live Free Ride Alive on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to learn more about getting properly licensed to ride a motorcycle, reducing aggressive driving behaviors by obeying the speed limit, avoiding drinking and riding, and encouraging the use of wearing protective riding gear.
The Pennsylvania Helmet Law mandates the use of protective headgear unless the motorcyclist is at least 21 years of age and has been licensed to operate a motorcycle for not less than two full calendar years or has successfully completed a motorcycle safety course approved by PennDOT or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
In addition, PA law mandates the use of eye-protective devices for all motorcyclists and their passengers unless operating a motorized pedalcycle or a three-wheeled motorcycle equipped with an enclosed cab. If an individual has a motorcycle learner's permit, a helmet must be worn regardless of age.
The passenger of a person exempt from wearing a helmet can also go without a helmet if he or she is 21 years of age or older.
Live Free Ride Alive also visits major motorcycle rallies and events throughout Pennsylvania, such as Thunder in the Valley in Johnstown and Roar on the Shore in Erie.