.svg)
Get your engines ready, because May 1 marks the start of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! This month-long event was first established in 1980 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to promote safe driving practices and raise awareness about motorcycle safety. With warmer weather and more people hitting the road on two wheels, it's important to remember the importance of following traffic laws and being aware of motorcycles on the road. So whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, let's all do our part to make sure everyone stays safe while enjoying their ride.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1885</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Invention of Motorcycle</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first internal combustion, petroleum fueled motorcycle was invented by the German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1937</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>American Motorcycle Association</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) was formed in 1937 to advocate for riders' interest, promoting safety and fostering positive motorcycling culture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Highway Safety Act</div><div class='timeline-text'>The U.S. Congress passed the Highway Safety Act, with motorcycle safety being an integral part of the program’s mandate.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Highway Traffic Safety Administration established May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month to promote safe driving practices among motorcyclists.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Rise of Helmet Laws</div><div class='timeline-text'>By the turn of the century, most states had enacted helmet laws to protect motorcyclists, despite ongoing debates about riders’ rights versus public safety.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Motorcycle Safety Campaigns</div><div class='timeline-text'>Motorcycle safety campaigns expanded, incorporating new mediums like social media to spread the message about safe riding practices, encouraging riders and other vehicles to “Share the Road”.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a motorcycle safety workshop</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Partner with a local motorcycle shop or organization to host a workshop on safe riding practices, maintenance tips, and other important information for riders. This will help educate both new and experienced riders on the importance of safety.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a charity ride</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a group ride and donate the proceeds to a charity that supports motorcycle safety or awareness. This is a fun and meaningful way to raise awareness while also giving back to the community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share safety tips on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to share important safety tips and reminders throughout the month. You can also encourage others to do the same by using hashtags like #MotorcycleSafetyAwarenessMonth or #RideSafe.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a gear swap</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Encourage riders to upgrade their safety gear by hosting a gear swap event. This is a great way for riders to get new gear while also getting rid of any old or unused items. You can also provide information on the latest safety gear and equipment.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Partner with local law enforcement</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Collaborate with your local police department or highway patrol to host an event focused on motorcycle safety. This can include demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and other activities to educate riders and drivers on sharing the road safely.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes proper safety measures for motorcycle riders</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Motorcycle safety awareness month is a time to educate both riders and drivers about the importance of following safety protocols while on the road. This includes wearing protective gear, obeying traffic laws, and staying alert while riding.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It helps reduce motorcycle accidents and fatalities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By raising awareness about safe riding practices, this month aims to decrease the number of motorcycle accidents and fatalities on the road. When more people are educated about how to safely operate a motorcycle, it can lead to a decrease in accidents and save lives.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It encourages respect between motorists and motorcyclists</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>One of the main goals of motorcycle safety awareness month is to promote understanding and respect between drivers and motorcycle riders. By educating both parties about each other's perspectives, it can help create a safer environment for everyone on the road.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Motorcycle Helmets Reduce the Risk of Head Injuries</h3><p class='facts-content'>According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle reduces the risk of dying in a crash by 37 percent and the risk of head injury by 69 percent.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Motorcycle Training Courses Improve Riding Skills</h3><p class='facts-content'>Taking part in a motorcycle rider education course can improve both novice and experienced riders' control skills, defensive riding techniques, and understanding of motorcycle laws.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Visibility is Key for Motorcycle Safety</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many motorcycle accidents occur because the driver of a car or truck did not see the motorcycle. Wearing brightly-colored or reflective clothing and using headlights at all times can help increase a motorcycle rider's visibility.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Motorcycles are More Vulnerable to Road Hazards</h3><p class='facts-content'>Motorcycles are more affected by potholes, dead animals, slick pavement conditions, uneven heights between lanes, and other irregularities or unexpected objects on the roadway.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>ABS Brakes Improve Motorcycle Safety</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that motorcycles equipped with Antilock Braking Systems (ABS) are 31% less likely to be involved in fatal crashes than those without it.</p></div></div>
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is celebrated on May 1 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Wednesday.
2023
May 1
Monday
2024
May 1
Wednesday
2025
May 1
Thursday
2026
May 1
Friday
2027
May 1
Saturday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
