SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol has received a federal grant to develop the Get Educated and Ride Safe, or GEARS, program to promote motorcycle safety and awareness.

With more than 1.4 million Californians licensed to ride motorcycles, the GEARS goal is to reduce the number of motorcycle-involved crashes and crash victims.

In Federal Fiscal Year 2016, the number of motorcyclist victims increased approximately nine percent over the previous year.

Provisional FFY 2017 data for motorcyclist victims shows a six percent decrease within CHP jurisdiction.

“Our intent is to raise motorcycle awareness on the roadways,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “The continuing focus on motorcycle education and enforcement will improve safety for motorcyclists and motorists alike.”

The CHP will deploy officers on enhanced motorcycle safety enforcement operations in regions with a high number of motorcycle incidents.

A year-long series of motorcycle traffic safety education campaigns, including the “May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month,” is planned. The campaigns will promote the use of properly approved helmets for all riders and raise motorists’ awareness of sharing the road with motorcyclists.

The campaigns will also focus on the most dangerous traffic violations, including speeding, improper turning, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

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