IRVINE, Calif., May 6, 2009 – The full U.S. House of Representatives voted unanimously May
5th to pass a resolution (H. Res. 269) supporting the goals of May is Motorcycle Safety
Awareness Month. The measure, introduced by Reps. Giffords, D-Ariz., and Burgess, RTexas,
also encourages all road users to be more aware of motorcycles, all riders to get trained
and ride responsibly and recognizes the contribution that motorcycles make to our nation’s
transportation mix.
Burgess said, “Thousands of riders take to the highways each day, and it is important that we
recognize and help promote their safety and needs. The Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
resolution encourages riders to always wear helmets and other protective gear; never drink and
ride; be properly licensed; and get training - important messages for motorcyclists. As co-chair
of the Motorcycle Safety Caucus, as well as a doctor, I believe it is important that Congress
help promote safe riding practices, and today’s passage of this resolution does just that.”
"I have been riding and racing motorcycles for over 20 years so the issue of motorcycle safety
is of great importance to me," said U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. "The resolution passed by the
House today comes as motorcyclists across the country gear up for the upcoming riding
season. It is a timely reminder to all riders and motorists to always share the road respectfully."
House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee on Highways and Transit
Ranking Member John Duncan R-Tenn., said, “As the popularity of this mode of transportation
increases, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month will continue to help drivers of cars, trucks,
and motorcycles consider the safety of all users of the road. Additionally, this resolution
recognizes the transportation benefits associated with motorcycling.”
Motorcycle Industry Council’s (MIC) Senior Vice President for Government Relations, Kathy
Van Kleeck stated, “We applaud Congress for highlighting Motorcycle Safety Awareness
Month once again this year. This resolution brings much needed attention to motorcyclists’
safety as many riders throughout the country are gearing up for the riding season.”
Duane Taylor, MIC’s Director of Federal Affairs, said “We would like to thank Representatives
Burgess and Giffords for their continued leadership and commitment to motorcycle safety, and
would also like to thank Ranking Member Duncan for his efforts.”
The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through
government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research,
aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities
surrounding technical and regulatory issues.
It is a not-for-profit, national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of
motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied
trades such as publishing companies, advertising agencies, insurance firms and consultants.
The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to
Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since
1914.
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