ABATE of FLORIDA Palm Beach Chapter

April 14, 2009 Irvine, CA - The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a resolution April 2, supporting the goal of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, encouraging riders to get trained and licensed, always wear protective gear, never drink and ride, and ride within their limits. Another key message of the month is aimed at motorists, who need to be aware of two-wheel traffic and look out for riders.

The resolution, H. Res. 269, introduced by Reps. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and Michael Burgess, R-Texas, is similar to one unanimously passed by the full House last year.

"The resolution presents a valuable opportunity for Congress to recognize the importance of focusing on motorcyclists' safety," said Duane Taylor, MIC Director of Federal Affairs. "We're calling on riders everywhere to contact their representatives to urge them to cosponsor the resolution."

Advertisement Among many safety related organizations, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, May has long been designated as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The messages for all road users are especially timely as motorcyclists nationwide gear up for the upcoming riding season. In approximately two thirds of fatal car/motorcycle crashes, the driver of the car is at fault.

"We applaud the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for passing this resolution and we look forward to continuing to work with Representatives Burgess and Giffords and other members of Congress as this resolution moves to the full House for consideration," said MIC's Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Kathy Van Kleeck.

Motorcycles are fuel-efficient and decrease congestion while having little impact on our nation's transportation infrastructure, making them a valuable component of the transportation mix. With more than 7 million motorcyclists benefiting from the advantages of riding, it is important to remember their safety and to encourage safe and responsible behavior.

Provided by the Motorcycle Industry Council and posted on Harley Palm Beach’s website.

This event is now a not-to-be-missed day to celebrate the passion shared by enthusiasts, not only from Canada, but also from United States, Israel,Australia, France, Poland, Italy and more. "It's really quite uncomplicated to be part of the event, because women are invited to simply be on their motorcycles or scooters on the firstof May - JUST RIDE!" says Vicki Gray, campaign founder and Director of MOTORESS. "There's a real camaraderie among women and a real pride to participate in this one day event,dedicated entirely to women riders.The day has become a terrific incentive for women's rider clubs andfriends to get together and celebrate their common interest in theactivity. In some localities, International Female Ride Day signifiesthe kick-off to riding season."For Vicki, it's clear that the enormous success of this day comes fromthe fact that it is up to each woman to decide how she wants to participate and every women who does participate has a role - she's an example of what motorcycling can be in a woman's life. Adding to thesuccess is the support received by the motorcycling industry-at alllevels. Since its introduction in 2007, International Female Ride Day"fever" has caught on with such a force that, for this third edition,women from Poland, Israel and Italy are counting themselves in,contributing to the campaign on May 1st in their country. A recently formed women's rider club in Israel will ride through the streets of Tel Aviv. After the ride, the club has planned a big marketwhere manufacturers feature gear and products for women. It is the firsttime in history that a women's motorcyclist club exists in Israel. "International Female Ride Day has become an event that helps promoteawareness for women and motorcycling in their own culture," says Vicki."With the synchronisation of this campaign all around the world, itmeans the same thing happens in countries such as France, Canada, UnitedStates, Italy and even Israel!" More info here: http://www.motoress.com/femalerideday.asp