May 8, 2012 2 min read

Gov. Tom Corbett has proclaimed May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

“By riding within the limits of their ability and by wearing the proper safety gear, motorcyclists can do a lot to protect themselves,” state Department of Transportation Secretary Barry J. Schoch said.

Motorcycle use is on the rise, but crashes and fatalities were down from 2010. There were more than 3,600 crashes resulting in 199 fatalities in the state in 2011 and more than 4,000 crashes and 223 fatalities in 2010.

Last year, motorcycle registrations climbed by more than 5,600 and 8,500 new motorcycle licenses were issued.

PennDOT created the Live Free Ride Alive website. The interactive site challenges motorcyclists to ride safely. With a focus on receiving proper training to operate a motorcycle, the site allows visitors to share riding stories and take the “Be One Less” pledge to avoid becoming a crash statistic.

Currently, more than 1,700 people have taken the “Be One Less” pledge and more than 850 people have posted messages. The website is www.LiveFreeRideAlive.com.

Additional safety tips for motorists are available by selecting the Motorcycle Safety link under the Traffic Safety Information Center at www.justdrivepa.org.

Taking an approved motorcycle safety training course decreases the chances of being killed or injured in a crash. New and seasoned riders can take advantage of free Basic, Basic Rider 2, Advanced Rider and Three-Wheeled Basic Rider motorcycle safety courses through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program. Information on the program is at www.pamsp.com.