California continues to see a growth in the number of motorcyclists on its roadways. With increasing numbers of both cars and motorcycles, educational efforts and motorcycle safety awareness continue to be an important issue for the California Highway Patrol. With an overall goal of reducing motorcycle-involved fatal and injury collisions and victims, the CHP has been awarded a motorcycle safety grant to help promote and provide education on motorcycle safety.

“We want our roadways to be safe for everyone,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “With a grant like this, we are given the opportunity to help educate both motorcyclists and passenger vehicle drivers about the safest way to share the road.”

According to the CHP’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, data for 2012 indicated there was a 4.8 percent increase in motorcycle-involved fatalities and an 8.2 percent increase in motorcycle-involved injuries from the previous year. Without a continued focus on motorcycle safety awareness and “Share the Road” campaign efforts, these numbers could continue to rise.

Between October 1, 2014, and September 30, 2015, the CHP plans to use the “Have a Good Ride” grant to meet its goal of reducing motorcycle collisions and the injuries and deaths associated with them. A yearlong series of public outreach campaigns are planned throughout the state, including the CHP’s month-long “Motorcycle Safety Awareness” campaign in May 2015. There will be many local and statewide motorcycle safety and road-sharing presentations held at venues throughout California. A major component of the outreach campaigns will be to emphasize the “Share the Road” message to educate motorcyclists and drivers alike about their shared responsibility of safety while on the road.

Creating a safer highway environment is the shared responsibility of drivers and motorcyclists alike. This is achieved by staying alert and using common sense and courtesy while on the road. It is also important for motorcyclists to minimize their risks by riding responsibly, always wearing a helmet and other protective gear, and to never ride under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.