Wisconsin Motorcyclists Receive Proclamation from Watch for MCGovernor Walker

 OFF THE WIRE
WISCONSIN:

Wisconsin Motorcyclists Receive Proclamation from
Governor Walker

For Immediate Release 

 

May 1, 2013 - Whereas it is important that all motorists "share the road," be aware of their surroundings and respect each others' travel space to help keep everyone safe and avoid dangerous situations that might cause accidents, State of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has issued a proclamation that May 2013 is officially "Motorcycle Awareness Month".  

Throughout Wisconsin, lead by ABATE of Wisconsin (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments), motorcyclists have been at the forefront of efforts to promote the wise and sensible use of motorcycles and to promote the highest standards of awareness, education and highway safety. This motorcycle awareness proclamation is part of a larger campaign that ABATE of Wisconsin has launched over the years to make motorists more aware of the presence of motorcycles on the road. Coupled with television and radio public service announcements, awareness rallies, billboards and yard signs which ABATE of Wisconsin has privately funded, the organization hopes to raise motorists' awareness of motorcycles on the road thereby lowering accidents and fatalities. ABATE of Wisconsin would like to thank its members for their numerous volunteer hours of work to promote awareness on the road as well as the support from many other Motorcycle Clubs and businesses in the state of Wisconsin.  

ABATE of Wisconsin, Inc. which was founded in 1974 is a motorcycle rights and safety organization dedicated to "Freedom of the Road." ABATE of Wisconsin's goal is to give the motorcyclists of Wisconsin a strong, united voice with regard to their future, their way of life, their safety, and their legal rights as motorcyclists and citizens.

To learn how you can join ABATE of Wisconsin, please contact:  
ABATE of Wisconsin
715-284-7415
abatewis@abatewis.org


http://www.htrnews.com/article/20130504/MAN0101/305050203/May-National-Motorcycle-Safety-Awareness-Month?nclick_check=1
May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

WisDOT efforts aim to reverse last year's 36 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities in state

MADISON — With the riding season now underway, motorcycles are returning rapidly to streets and highways throughout the state. More than 500,000 Wisconsin residents have motorcycle licenses or permits and more than 340,000 motorcycles are registered in the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
As motorcycles continue to grow in popularity among men and women of all ages, safety is a constant concern. Last year, motorcyclist traffic deaths in Wisconsin increased by 31, or approximately 36 percent, compared with 2011. The 116 motorcycle fatalities in 2012 were the highest number since the all-time high of 123 in 1979, according to WisDOT. “Tragically, 74 percent of the motorcyclists who died in crashes last year in Wisconsin were not wearing helmets,” said Greg Patzer, manager of the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program. “Motorcyclists must obey all traffic laws, such as speed limits, and never ride while impaired. They should always wear protective and conspicuous clothing and gear, including a helmet that meets or exceeds U.S. DOT standards.” During May, National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Patzer also is reminding motorists to share the road and watch for motorcycles, especially at intersections and while making turns and lane changes. Educating motorcycle and automobile drivers is another key, he said. The Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program will hit the road with its mobile training facility, making visits to motorcycle rallies, county fairs, local festivals and other events in more than 40 locations. WisDOT also offers the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program rider training courses and locations. For more information, visit: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/safety/vehicle/motorcycle/index.htm.