WHEREAS, motorcycle riding is a popular form of recreation and transportation for thousands of residents across our great state; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina has over 250,000 registered motorcycles and over 490,000 licensed riders who have either a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle learners permit, according to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles; 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, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is designed to increase public awareness about motorcycles and to encourage their safe and proper use among motorcycle riders; and
WHEREAS, the safe operation of a motorcycle is enhanced through a combination of rider training, experience, good judgment, and motorist awareness of motorcycles sharing the roads of North Carolina; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program, NC Highway Patrol, and 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, 2023, as “MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.