State of Alaska > Governor > Proclamations  > Full Proclamation

Motorcycle Awareness Month   Printer Friendly

WHEREAS, Alaska has more registered motorcycles per capita than any other state, yet motorcycles are still the minority users of the Alaska road system; and

WHEREAS, in 80-90 percent of all accidents involving a motorcycle, it is the other motorist’s fault. Motorcyclists everywhere face a constant threat to personal safety caused by a lack of alertness of the driving public. It is imperative all motorists operate with caution near motorcyclists; and

WHEREAS, Alaska Bikers Advocating Training and Education (ABATE) is a nonprofit organization of motorcycle riders and non-riders dedicated to both education and preservation of freedom of the road. ABATE believes that with training we can all become more proficient motorists. Fewer risks for motorcyclists will be the result of well-educated drivers; and

WHEREAS, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is a member of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and uses its testing procedures to license Alaska’s motorcycle riders; and

WHEREAS, DMV recognizes ABATE’s MSF training and rider education curriculum. In 2002, ABATE was approved by the Alaska DMV to administer regular DMV motorcyclist endorsement testing. MSF training through ABATE will provide the rider with a motorcyclist endorsement without any further testing from the DMV upon the rider’s successful completion of the course;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the state of Alaska, do hereby proclaim May 2009 as:

Motorcycle Awareness Month

in Alaska, and encourage all Alaska motorists to make themselves more aware of what is going on around them, so our highways can be safer for all who use them.

Dated: April 20, 2009