Governor George E. Pataki has proclaimed May to be "Motorcycle Awareness and You Month" and State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Richard E. Jackson, Jr., today announced a new traffic safety program that provides motorcycle safety training courses to thousands across New York State.

In issuing the proclamation, Governor Pataki urged all motorists to show extra caution in sharing the road with motorcyclists.

"As I have repeatedly said, increasing public safety is government’s top priority. Whether it’s keeping criminals behind bars or increasing highway safety," Governor Pataki said. "By promoting knowledge of each other’s special needs and the importance of exercising added caution, we can make our roads safer and ensure that motorcyclists have an enjoyable riding season."

At a training range at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, Rensselaer County, Commissioner Jackson today announced that DMV has contracted with the New York City-based Motorcycle Association of New York State, Inc. (MANYS) to promote motorcycle safety and develop motorcycle rider education programs across New York State. State-sponsored motorcycle safety training programs are offered at 12 locations and others are being developed. DMV’s five-year contract with MANYS, a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to motorcycle safety, runs through August 1, 2003.

"Under Governor Pataki’s leadership, New York State is continuing to make its roads and highways safer with initiatives like this motorcycle safety training program," Commissioner Jackson said. "Working with the Motorcycle Association of New York State and other organizations, the State is providing motorcyclists with potentially life-saving safety training and improving other drivers’ awareness of motorcycles on the road."

MANYS President Michael Melis said, "Thanks to the cooperative effort by the Legislature and the Department of Motor Vehicles, motorcycle rider education in New York State has made great advances in the last four years. As we continue to work together, we expect to make even greater strides in the future to reduce motorcycle related crashes, fatalities and injuries."

The rider training classes offered by MANYS feature a course curriculum called "Motorcycle RiderCourseã : Riding and Street Skills," which was developed by the national Motorcycle Safety Foundation . The non-profit foundation is dedicated to improving the safety of motorcyclists.

"This training goes beyond basic riding techniques by emphasizing safety education and the need to share the road with other types of traffic," Commissioner Jackson said. "Better prepared riders ensure safer highways for all of us."

Legislation signed by Governor Pataki in 1997 provides for New York State’s motorcycle safety program to be financed by revenues from motorcycle license and registration fees. The program’s goal is to enhance motorcycle safety and make rider education available and affordable throughout the state.

Larry Schwartz, District 3 president of the American Motorcyclist Association, said: "We’re all very excited about this defensive rider course being given by New York State. The program is the most important development for motorcycle safety in New York State in the last 10 or 15 years because training and education is what prevents accidents."

Bob "Prospector" Boellner, legislative coordinator for the Rensselaer County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE), said: " I’d like to thank Governor Pataki for declaring May ‘Motorcycle Awareness and You Month.’ I’m pleased to have a rider education program in place because that is the best tool to prevent accidents, injuries and fatalities."

DMV offers incentives for motorcyclists to seek rider education by providing a waiver of the motorcycle road test, plus license point and insurance premium reductions for those who successfully complete the state-sponsored motorcycle training course.

The 20-hour course is usually offered in weekend sessions that include both classroom instruction and riding experience. Those who take the course use motorcycles provided through the safety program. Enrollment fees range from $150 upstate to $370 in the New York City area.

Rider education is one element of a comprehensive DMV strategy to improve motorcycle safety. The strategy also focuses on other factors affecting the safe operation of a motorcycle. Motorcyclists should be properly licensed, wear proper riding attire and avoid the dangers of riding while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. DMV also is working to educate motorists about the need to be aware of motorcyclists on the road.

DMV is working with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the Motorcycle Industry Council, the American Motorcyclist Association, the Motorcycle Association of New York State, Inc., the American Bikers Aimed Toward Education of New York, Inc., and others to promote safe riding in New York State.

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