[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. JAY KIM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 1997

  Mr. KIM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize May as Motorcycle 
Awareness Month. In my home State of California alone, there are over 1 
million motorcycle riders and passengers. Having owned a motorcycle 
myself, I know that motorcycles are efficient and a fun means of 
transportation. Motorcyclists are an equal partner on the road and 
because of their small size, it is important for all road users to be 
aware of each other and learn to share the road. Though many people 
believe motorcycle drivers represent a select group, they are quite a 
diverse group of individuals that include lawyers, doctors, teachers, 
engineers, architects, law enforcement officers, military personnel 
laborers, business owners and operators, veterans, city, county, State, 
and Federal employees, elected officials, both male and female. 
Therefore it is important to recognize that motorcyclists are a large 
part of our community.
  Since motorcyclists are at more of a risk due to their size, most 
riders take the California Motorcycle Safety course in order to be 
better equipped to share the road. Furthermore, since the inception of 
the course, motorcycle accidents have decreased by 30 percent. But, 
they are only half of the equation because it is also important for 
cars, trucks, buses, and all other motor vehicles to realize it is 
necessary to look out for one another on the road and be cognizant of 
each other. If this were to be possible, accidents were decrease by 
even an larger percentage.
  Motorcyclists are also recognized for their substantial contributions 
to the community given as individuals as well as through a number of 
organizations such as the Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs, the 
Modified Motorcycle Association, the American Motorcylist Association, 
the California Motorcyclist Association, the Harley Owners Group, the 
Goldwing Touring Association, the Goldwing Road Riders Association, the 
American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education Motorcycle Rights 
Organization, and many more. Through these organizations, motorcyclists 
are able to promote motorcycle awareness and safety throughout their 
community areas.
  It is important to recognize the need for keen awareness on the part 
of all drivers that motorcycle riders are sharing the road with them. 
It is also essential to honor motorcyclists for their many 
contributions to the communities in which they live and ride. Thus, we 
should all take time out this month to make ourselves aware of 
motorcyclists and keep this awareness alive with every month that 
follows.

                          ____________________