EXCLUSIVE — Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Gary Peters (D-MI), and Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI) introduced legislation to designate May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
The bipartisan group of motorcycle enthusiasts told the Washington Examiner the designation will promote safe riding practices for millions of American motorcycle riders.
“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, some of my most cherished memories include motorcycles,” Ernst told the Washington Examiner. “As the weather warms up and folks hit the road, I’m excited to share my love of riding while highlighting safety and rider education this Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.”
Ernst is known for her love of motorcycles in Iowa, holding her signature Roast and Ride every year.
Peters, who co-chairs the Senate Motorcycle Caucus along with Ernst, said the measure would help keep U.S. roads safe.
“I firmly believe there is no better way to see the beauty of our state than on a motorcycle, and keeping our roadways safe for both riders and drivers is extremely important to me,” Peters told the Washington Examiner. “I’m proud to once again introduce this resolution recognizing the millions of riders in Michigan and across our country and encouraging everyone to use best practices that will keep folks safe on our roads.”
Walberg is leading the resolution in the House of Representatives.
“Across the country, and in Michigan, we have a passionate riding community, which I am proudly a member of,” he told the Washington Examiner. “The start of spring means a growing number of riders in Michigan are enjoying the open road and the benefits motorcycles bring. However, in 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 6,335 motorcycle fatalities, highlighting the urgent need for collaborative efforts to enhance motorcycle awareness and safety. This bipartisan, bicameral resolution serves as an important opportunity to encourage all road users to share the road, stay aware, and drive smart.”
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According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, roughly 30 million people, or 9% of the U.S. population, drive motorcycles.
The bill’s text praises motorcycles as fuel-efficient vehicles that “decrease congestion while having little impact on the transportation infrastructure of the United States.” However, it also pointed out that motorcycle fatalities are more common than other vehicle fatalities, thus requiring greater attention to safety.
