A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT designating the month of may as motorcycle awareness month.
Whereas, motorcycle riding is a popular form of recreation and transportation for thousands of citizens across North Carolina and the United States; and
Whereas, North Carolina has over 132,000 registered motorcycles and over 260,000 licensed drivers who have either a motorcycle endorsement or a motorcycle learner's permit; and
Whereas, it is important that the citizens of North Carolina be aware of motorcycles on the roadways and recognize the importance of motorcycle safety and of sharing the roadways; and
Whereas, the safe operation of a motorcycle is enhanced through a combination of rider training and experience, good judgment, and a knowledge of traffic laws and licensing requirements; and
Whereas, several organizations, such as the Concerned Bikers Association/ABATE of North Carolina, along with the North Carolina Motorcycle Safety Education Program, and other State and local motorcycle clubs and riding or social clubs, are committed to increasing the safe operation of motorcycles by promoting rider safety education programs; their goal is to alert the motorists of North Carolina to a safety promotion known as "Look Twice, Save a Life, Motorcycles are Everywhere"; and
Whereas, Motorcycle Awareness Month is designed to increase public awareness about motorcycles and to encourage their safe and proper use among motorcycle riders; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Chapter 103 of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:
"§ 103‑12.  Motorcycle Awareness Month.
The month of May of each year is designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month in the State of North Carolina."
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.