WHEREAS, the safety and security of the people of North Carolina are vitally important; and
WHEREAS, motorcycle riding is a popular form of recreation and transportation for thousands of people in our state; and
WHEREAS, the month of May is traditionally the time that the number of motorcycles on roadways increases; and
WHEREAS, in 2021, there were 3,615 motorcycle-related crashes in North Carolina that resulted in 689 people being seriously injured and 206 fatalities; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative that the people of North Carolina be aware of motorcycles on our roadways, recognize the importance of motorcycle safety, and share the roadways; and
WHEREAS, the safe operation of a motorcycle is enhanced through a combination of rider education and training, experience, good judgment, knowledge of traffic laws and licensing requirements, and the use of highly visible safety gear, including a compliant helmet; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program and its initiative, BikeSafe North Carolina, join the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program and other interested organizations in promoting motorcycle safety and awareness, and encouraging all motor vehicle operators to join in the effort to keep our highways safe;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May, 2022, as “MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.