"May has been the traditional start of the riding season for many across the country because the weather is getting warmer and the days longer," said Erik Pritchard, MSF president and CEO. "That's why it's a great time to remind drivers to actively look out for motorcyclists, and for riders who are taking their bikes out of hibernation to do a thorough pre-ride inspection.” It is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Two years of strong motorcycle and scooter sales, continued demand for rider training, and higher gas prices mean more riders are likely to be on the roads this spring and summer, so the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is doubling down on getting the word out to:
#SeeMotorcycles
Motorcycle and scooter sales were up 14.2% in 2021, the second consecutive year of growth. Since 2019, sales are up 21.8% according to the MIC Retail Sales Reporting System, which gathers new motorcycle and scooter retail sales data from the 14 leading OEMs in the U.S. "Demand for rider training is also robust," Pritchard added. "The Motorcycle Safety Foundation saw an estimated 48% increase in enrollment in 2021, and early data from 2022 indicates a continuing trend."
In a recent MIC survey of motorcycle owners, 57% said they plan on using their motorcycles more since gas prices increased. Of those who plan on using their bikes more often, 69% said they would use them for commuting, 69% for day trips, and 59% for errands and shopping.
"These are all indicators that more people will be out riding this year, so it's the responsibility of all road users to look out for one another," said MSF RiderCoach Armene Piper, owner of Clutch Motorcycle School in Loveland, Colorado. "Riding a motorcycle is such a fun way to get around. But a rider's No. 1 priority should be safety. That means following the rules of the road, wearing safety gear each and every time they ride, and using smart street strategies."
"We encourage drivers to use their turn signals, keep speeds down, and be vigilant when driving, especially when changing lanes," Pritchard closed. "Please remember to #SeeMotorcycles." See more at the MSF websites, MSF-USA.org and ForCarDrivers.com