Motorcycle Season Revs Up, Riders Urged to “Gear
Up-Ride Smart”
New Campaign Touts Staying Safe Through Proper Gear,
Education
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[April 28, 2015]
SPRINGFIELD
– Spring is rolling in, the weather is getting warmer and
motorcycles are emerging from winter hibernation. Before riders hit
the road, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the
Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association are reminding them to invest
in their safety and “Gear Up-Ride Smart.” |
As part of the annual “Gear Up-Ride Smart” campaign, IDOT and
motorcycle dealers throughout Illinois are encouraging riders to
make this motorcycle season a safe one by taking the time and
necessary precautionary measures before they get back on their
bikes. Seasoned riders and novice motorcyclists alike should check
their cycles to make sure they are in proper running condition. They
also can brush up on the rules of the road by taking advantage of
the free motorcycle training classes offered by IDOT.
Motorcyclists are urged to wear the proper gear, including
high-visibility (Hi Viz) clothing, eye protection, gloves, jackets,
pants, boots and a U.S. DOT-approved helmet, at all times.
“Motorcycle fatalities account for almost 15 percent of all traffic
fatalities in Illinois. That is far too many,” said Acting Illinois
Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “By taking the proper
precautions before riding, whether it’s wearing reflective gear or
enrolling in a refresher riding class, riders can do their part to
help reduce traffic fatalities in Illinois. The lesson is simple:
Gear Up-Ride Smart.”
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/Apr/25/images/ads/current/remington_daily_sda_022614.png) Illinois is one of two states that offer free motorcycle training
classes to licensed residents. Since the Cycle Rider Safety Training
Program started in 1976, almost 400,000 riders throughout Illinois
have learned the basics of motorcycle riding or taken advantage of
the opportunity to learn more about motorcycle safety.
The program, which has classes for beginner, intermediate and
advanced riders, heavily focuses on the safety steps that need to be
taken before riders venture out. Topics range from paying attention
to personal health, such as staying hydrated and evaluating one’s
own medical condition before and during rides, to learning the
essential riding rules and practices, including guidance on how to
stay alert during rides and instruction on never assuming your
motorcycle is seen by other motorists.
To learn more about IDOT’s motorcycle safety program and courses, as
well as the state’s motorcycle laws and regulations, statistics, and
additional educational materials, please visit
www.startseeingmotorcycles.org. Check out this short video https://youtu.be/NzxeeXJVI-s
for some helpful tips to give you a safe ride. “High-visibility
clothing isn't the only thing that will make you more visible,” said
Illinois State Police Col. Michael Zerbonia. “Make sure your signals
and lights are working properly before you hit the road, too. Also
be sure that warmer weather doesn't dictate what you wear while you
are riding. You should always wear the appropriate safety gear no
matter how hot it gets.” [to top of second
column] |
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Jay Hall, president of the Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association, strongly
recommends getting motorcycles checked by a professional before they hit the
roads, no matter how far the distance of the season’s first ride. That check
should include verifying that tires, fluids and brakes are performing optimally.
“Spring is here, but it’s still not too late to get your bikes ready for all of
the great, upcoming rides to come,” Hall said. “Make sure to have those motors
tuned up and the tires and brakes checked and replaced if needed. It’s also
important to have the suspension in top working order so your bike can take on
those sudden stops and keep the tires in contact with the road. Taking this time
to prepare now will make your rides that much more enjoyable.”
Other “Gear Up-Ride Smart” statistics:
-
Three percent of total vehicle registrations are
motorcycles, yet motorcycle fatalities account for nearly 15
percent of all vehicle fatalities.
-
About half of motorcycle rider fatalities occur
in crashes involving just the motorcycle. About 40 percent
involve motorcycle riders who had been drinking.
-
Motorcycle fatalities increased from 148 in 2012
to 155 in 2013, according to provisional data. The number
dropped to 118 in 2014, according to preliminary data.
-
Motorcyclists need to be properly licensed and
continue training, especially after a new bike purchase.
[Illinois Department of
Transportation]
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