Gear Up – Ride Smart
Motorcycle season shifts to
top gear, riders urged to take steps to ensure safe
travel
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[April 11, 2017]
SPRINGFIELD
— With spring cruising in and motorcycle season shifting
into top gear, the Illinois Department of Transportation
and Illinois State Police remind motorcyclists to “Gear
Up–Ride Smart” to ensure their safety before taking the
first ride of the season. The annual campaign urges
riders to take precautionary measures before getting
back on their bikes by conducting pre-ride safety
inspections of their equipment and refreshing their
skills with a motorcycle training class offered by IDOT.
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“Motorcycles are only on the road for part of
the year, yet account for almost 14 percent of all traffic
fatalities,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy
Blankenhorn. “By choosing the proper safety equipment,
performing routine safety checks and brushing up on their
skills, riders can make 2017 safer for motorcycles.”
Proper protective gear is essential to safe riding.
Motorcyclists are encouraged to wear the right safety equipment
and accessories, including high-visibility (Hi-Viz) clothing,
eye protection, gloves, jackets, pants, boots and a U.S.
DOT-approved helmet, at all times. Drinking alcohol and riding
is to be avoided at all costs.
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Illinois is one of two states that offer free motorcycle
training classes to licensed residents. Since the Cycle Rider
Safety Training Program began in 1976, more than 400,000 riders
have learned the basics of motorcycle riding or taken advantage
of the opportunity to learn more about motorcycle safety.
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The program is available throughout the state for all skill and
experience levels. Classes teach riders how to safely operate a motorcycle and
sharpen their knowledge and riding skills. The program is funded by Illinois
motorcyclists through a portion of their license and registration fees. For more
information, visit StartSeeingMotorcycles.org.
“Riding a motorcycle is a perishable skill, even for the most experienced
riders,” said ISP Director Leo P. Schmitz. “We strongly encourage all riders to
attend a motorcycle safety course and take the necessary precautions to ensure
they are visible to other motorists by wearing DOT-approved helmets and
protective body wear, such as boots and gloves. Remember, alcohol and motorcycle
riding do not mix. So, Gear Up–Ride Smart, and stay safe.”
[Illinois Department of
Transportation] |