Folks..Governor Pataki has declared May, Motorcycle Awareness and You Month.  Following is the text of the proclamation.

Larry Schwartz

Whereas, an economical means of transportation and a popular form of

recreation, motorcycling continues to see increasing levels of ridership

nationwide; in New York State, there are approximately 201,600 registered

motorcycles and 524,329 licensed motorcyclists; each spring, a growing

number of motorcyclists take to the State's highways to enjoy the pleasures

of riding, making it an appropriate time to remind other motor vehicle

operators to use caution upon noticing these smaller vehicles on the roads;

and

Whereas, New York has 1,493 miles of Interstate Highway that allow travelers

access to scenic rural areas as well as suburban and metropolitan areas;

every region of New York provides beautiful touring routes and destinations

where events of interest to motorcyclists are held, such as the Americade

Touring Rally in Lake George, which annually attracts tens of thousands of

motorcyclists; and

Whereas, in an effort to raise motorcycle awareness, the Governor's Traffic

Safety Committee and the New York State Broadcasters Association have

jointly embarked on an initiative to encourage motorists to "Drive Right -

Watch for Motorcycles"; - the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles

(DMV) reminds all drivers to be aware of motorcycles and urges motorcyclists

to seek rider education; DMV supports the motorcycle safety program and

provides the motorcycle road test waiver as well as license point and

insurance reduction benefits to those who successfully complete the

Motorcycle Safety Foundation's beginning rider course; the recommended

training is offered through the Motorcycle Association of New York State,

Inc. at twenty-one training sites across the State and is available by

calling 1-888-4NY-RIDE; and

Whereas, New York State also participates in a national campaign called

"Motorcycle Awareness and You" (MAY) designed to inform motorists, truck

drivers and pedestrians that the motorcycle season has begun; such public

service initiatives help reduce the risks associated with motorcycling by

reminding all motor vehicle operators to drive with heightened awareness and

caution; and

Whereas, during this month and throughout the riding season, all highway

users should work to achieve greater levels of safety by sharing roadways,

obeying traffic laws and developing other smart transportation habits; by

promoting rider education and motorist awareness of motorcycles, all

citizens can help make New York a "motorcycle-friendly" State that affords

motorcyclists a safe and enjoyable riding season;

Now, Therefore, I, George E. Pataki, Governor of the State of New York, do

hereby recognize May 2002 as

MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS AND YOU MONTH

in the Empire State.

George E. Pataki

Governor