OFF THE WIRE
All riders know that more needs to be done to raise motorist awareness
of the millions of motorcycles sharing U.S. roads each year. Many
communities across the nation have experienced crashes resulting in
serious rider injury or fatality due to inattentive, careless or
unaware drivers. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, in 2008, 47 percent of all motorcycles involved
in fatal crashes collided with another type of motor vehicle in
transport.
On March 25, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona, four riders were killed and
five others seriously injured when they were hit from behind by a
large truck while stopped at a traffic light. This sad event has
touched the hearts of many and reinforced the importance of motorcycle
awareness initiatives. As riders, it is our responsibility to make
ourselves highly visible while riding and to do our part in creating
more awareness of motorcyclists everywhere.
The victims of the Phoenix wreck were members of “Phoenix MC Kruzers”
(PMCK) and “Phoenix Motorcycle Riders Group” (PMRG) Meetup Groups. In
support of motorcycle awareness and of PMCK and PMRG in honoring the
fallen riders and their families, ride groups across the nation are
being asked to ride on the same day in May.
Please join PMCK, PMRG and several other groups by scheduling a ride
in your area on May 23, 2010. Riders are asked to wear bright colors,
such as lime green, bright yellow or safety orange. Some groups are
having shirts made for the occasion with “Can You See Me Now” printed
across the back. And, ride organizers are strongly encouraged to make
local media aware of their event. If there are multiple riding groups
in your area, consider joining together, as larger groups tend to
attract more attention from motorists and may assist in obtaining
media coverage.
Some groups have expressed a desire to combine their ride event with a
fundraiser to benefit the victims of the Phoenix crash. Condolences
and/or donations may be sent to:
FMVF (Fallen Motorcycle Victims, & Families)
PO Box 72090
Phoenix, AZ 85050
It is not necessary to wear any special color, to have a specific
event, nor to obtain media coverage…. The important thing is to show
support for PMCK, PMRG and promote motorcycle awareness by getting out
and riding (safely) for at least one hour on May 23, 2010.
Thank you,
Fellow Meetup Group Motorcycle Riders
For additional information or questions regarding the May 23 ride events, go to
http://www.meetup.com/
