WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of Washington motorcyclists travel the
roads, streets, and highways of the Evergreen State in their regular
work and school commutes, and in their weekend adventures and vacation
rides; and
WHEREAS, Motorcycles are fuel-efficient, congestion-busting users
of our transportation infrastructure for which they help provide the
funding; and
WHEREAS, Our state and nation are world leaders in motorcycle
safety and licensing, and in rider training and public awareness; and
WHEREAS, The vast majority of the members of the motorcycling
community are genuinely committed to upholding safe and sane policies
and procedures for themselves and their passengers, and certainly also
for their fellow motorists with whom they share the highways and roads
of our state; and
WHEREAS, A recent comprehensive study of crashes involving
motorcycles and motor vehicles - the "Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors
and Identification of Countermeasures" report - found that in
approximately two-thirds of the cases, the driver of the car, pickup,
or some other motor vehicle was in fact the cause of the crash; and
WHEREAS, A stronger emphasis on motorcycle safety and awareness
will make our roads, streets, and highways safer for everyone; and
WHEREAS, Although every day of the year in a very real sense can
and must be considered "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Day," May is in
fact a month set aside at the national level for special and particular
emphasis on safety on the part of the riders of the road and respect
from their fellow users of the road; and
WHEREAS, The month of May enjoys special status as Motorcycle
Safety Awareness Month;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives
join the rest of the state and nation in saluting and celebrating May -
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be
immediately transmitted to the AAA Washington office, to the ABATE of
Washington office, and to the headquarters of the Washington State
Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation.