See a Bike, Move to the Side

Out on a ride? Becareful.

Whether you drive a car or ride a motorcycle, the California Highway Patrol encourages drivers to be safe while on the roadways during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

"They should always keep an eye out for motorcyclists," said Commissioner Joe Farrow about what drivers should do when they arrive at an intersection or "Because motorcycles have a much smaller profile than other vehicles, it can be difficult for drivers to judge the distance and speed of an approaching motorcycle.”

And because of the generally good riding conditions year round, the state's more than one million licensed motorcycle riders enjoy traveling on state highways and roadways, according to CHP

CHP reports Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System show that in 2010—the most recent year for which data is available—361 people died and nearly 11,000 others were injured as a result of a crash involving a motorcycle.

For this May both CHP and California Department of Transportation will adopted the tagline "Share the road and look twice for motorcyclists."

“In addition to outfitting themselves with the necessary safety equipment and riding gear, it is highly recommended that motorcyclists seek proper and professional training before beginning to ride,” added Commissioner Farrow. 

For motorcyclists who want to improve, the CHP administer the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) offers the Basic Ride to iimproving their skills. The CMSP expects to train 65,000 motorcyclists this year.