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Proclamation declaring the month of May 2015 as "Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Month" in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, the safety of all Pennsylvania motorists is an issue of the highest consequence, all highway users should unite in the safe sharing of roadways throughout Allegheny County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, motorcycle riding is a popular form of recreation and transportation for 806,000 licensed motorcyclists across the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) reports that in 2013 there were 3,427 motorcycle crashes, with 181 resulting in fatal crashes, and 3,322 people sustained injuries in Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, in efforts to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities, PennDOT encourages all motorcyclists to take advantage of free training courses through Pennsylvania's Motorcycle Safety Program and pledge to Be One Less crash statistic by visiting www.LiveFreeRideAlive.com; and
WHEREAS, it is especially important that the citizens of Allegheny County and the Commonwealth be aware of motorcycles on the streets and highways and recognize the importance of staying alert, practicing safe driving techniques and promoting motorcycle safety; and
WHEREAS, during the month of May, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education of Pennsylvania (ABATE) and the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Dealers Association (PMDA) will continue their advocacy of motorcycle safety;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Allegheny County Council does hereby proclaim May 2015 as MOTORCYCLE SAFETY & AWARENESS MONTH, and we encourage all motorcyclists to continue their efforts to promote safety and motorcycle awareness and all drivers to share the road and respect the unique safety needs of motorcyclists.