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 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," the month of May is set aside at the national level for special and particular emphasis on both safety on the part of riders of the road and respect from their fellow users of the road; and
     WHEREAS, The month of May enjoys a special status as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives joins the rest of the state and nation in saluting and celebrating the month of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted to the AAA Washington office, the ABATE of Washington office, and the headquarters of the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation.