Kankakee Times

State Rep. Jason Bunting supports legislation that declares the month of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month to help raise awareness for motorcycle safety and education. 

House Resolution 0255 was filed by State Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit on May 16. The bill "Declares May of 2023 as Motorcycle Awareness Month in the State of Illinois. Recognizes the 36 years of ABATE of Illinois, Inc., the more than 352,318 registered motorcyclists statewide, and the continued role that Illinois serves as a leader in motorcycle safety, education, and awareness."

"I was proud to support legislation in committee today which designates May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois. Start seeing motorcycles and be safe out there!" Bunting wrote in a May 16 Facebook post.

On May 8, Gov. J.B. Pritzker issued a press release recognizing May as Motorcycle Awareness Month and announcing the Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign. The program launches as summer months approach and more motorcyclists take to the roads. Numbers indicate that motorcyclists are disproportionately at risk of traffic accidents and deaths. Motorcycles make up only 3% of total vehicle registrations in Illinois, but according to preliminary data, they represent more than 11% of traffic fatalities in 2022. 

"While motorcyclists are a statistically smaller portion of total roadway users, they represent a disproportionately higher number of fatalities on Illinois roadways," ISP Division of Patrol Col. Margaret McGreal said, according to the press release. "ISP reminds drivers to be aware of the vulnerabilities of motorcyclists and encourages riders to get quality rider training and wear proper gear."