WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES!
UPDATE: POSTPONED!
The Ride described below has been postponed due to inclement weather. Still, watch out for motorcycles ;)
UPDATE: THE RIDE HAS BEEN POSTPONED!
On Sunday, May 30, motorcyclists from across NYC’s five boroughs will come together for a NYPD escorted ride to promote motorcycle awareness. This ride is an effort to call attention not only to the presence of motorcyclists on the road, but also to the fact that the vast majority of motorcyclists in the city are riding legally and safely. This is contrary to the current public perception of all motorcyclists as dangerous and reckless. Michael “Rock” Whetstone, the President of the 5 Borough chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE), explains, “We are registered. We are insured. We obey the law.”
The ride comes at the end of May, which is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Throughout the winter months, many vehicle drivers become unaccustomed to watching for motorcyclists on the road, as there are fewer riders during inclement weather. This results in a higher risk of motorcycle-related accidents in the spring, when the weather begins to improve and more people begin riding again. Around the world, motorcyclists have adopted May as the month to spread awareness around safety and draw attention to the fact that motorcyclists are more at risk when car operators drive distracted.
Warming spring temperatures mean more motorcyclists are on the road. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, where drivers are encouraged to look out for motorcyclists on the road. Photos by Peter Domorak.
Sunday’s NYC ride is being organized and led by a new citywide coalition, the NYC Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC). This coalition brings together representatives and leaders from groups such as ABATE, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), the New York Motorcycle & Scooter Task Force (NYMSTF), and Riders Against Congestion. Since 2018, these organizations have been meeting monthly with the DOT and NYPD in an effort to reduce motorcycle fatalities and discuss motorcycle-related issues. Through this new coalition, they will act as an advisory board to the NYC DOT and the NYPD to promote safe and legal motorcycling in the city.
The Council hopes that in addition to motorcycle safety, these efforts bring to light the benefits of motorcycles in the city. Cheryl Stewart, a member of the MAC and president of Riders Against Congestion, explains, “Motorcycles are fuel efficient, congestion reducing transportation. We want New Yorkers to see our vehicles as practical alternatives to huge, heavy autos. We’re part of the solution.”
You, too, can be part of the solution and help the MAC raise visibility and increase safety in this Sunday’s ride. And for drivers, remember to watch for motorcyclists.
NYC MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS RIDE
When: TBD (POSTPONED)
Start Location: Black Falcons MC, 523 Bruckner Blvd., Bronx, NY 10455
End Location: Steel Horses MC, 740 E 98th St, Brooklyn, NY 11236
Related article: Motorcycling in NYC - What’s It Like?