MAY 4, 2004

> Photo Gallery 1
> Photo Gallery 2
> Photo Gallery 3
> Photo Gallery 4

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land wants to reverse the rising crash rate among Michigan motorcycle riders, and her department is revving up to do just that.

Land unveiled the Department of State's new Motorcycle Rider and Safety Education Program, along with a campaign to increase public awareness. Lawmakers transferred the program from the Department of Education in October 2003. The move will result in greater training consistency.

Land, flanked by motorcycle enthusiasts from around the state, also announced during her Capitol news conference that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. This year's theme encourages all motorists to "Share the road… Share the message."

"Safe driving is the responsibility of all who share the road," Land said. "Bikers and automobile drivers must be aware of each other as we enter the motorcycle season. It is especially important for motorcycle riders to have the proper training and license endorsement. More bikers are becoming involved in traffic accidents, and that's a trend we must reverse through enhanced education and training."

A recent University of Michigan report shows that crashes involving motorcycles climbed 20 percent from 1997 through 2002. More than 40 percent of those incidents involved riders who were not legally authorized to operate a motorcycle on Michigan roads. Despite the increase, motorcycle accidents accounted for less than 1 percent of all statewide vehicle crashes in 2002.

"Anyone interested in operating a motorcycle must remember two things," Land said. "Please get properly trained and get the motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license. Handling a bike on our roadways is a big responsibility. There's no excuse for not being fully prepared."

The Department of State expects to graduate about 10,000 new motorcycle riders from the nearly 50 training sites across Michigan this season alone. The Motorcycle Rider and Safety Education Program also will continue using the safety standards of the national Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Adhering to those principles promises more consistent and comprehensive training.

All motorcycle riders must take a knowledge test and successfully complete a motorcycle safety class or pass a skills test with a third-party examiner. The Motorcycle Rider and Safety Education Program is required for 16- and 17-year-olds, or for those who fail the rider skill test twice.

Land recognized the critical role of public and private motorcycle safety instructors, and presented two representatives with certificates saluting their dedication to training motorcycle riders. Timothy Burke, representing the Otsego County Sheriff's Department; and James Kraus, owner of the Alpha Training Center and a member of the Lansing Police Department, received the honors from Land.

Appearing with Land at the news conference to lend their support were Vince Consiglio and Dr. Dan Petterson, site coordinators of the state's motorcycle program.

More information on motorcycle training requirements is available on the Department Web site.

Editor's note: Radio actualities are available on the Department of State news line at (517) 241-2800.

> Back to 'News & Headlines'

> Motorcycle Awareness - Share the Road Brochure (PDF File)