House Concurrent Resolution 105 - Introduced HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 105 BY HUSER , MERTZ , D. OLSON , STRUYK , BELL , SWAIM , ARNOLD , KRESSIG , T. OLSON , JACOBY , WHITEAD , WATTS , WINCKLER , REASONER , BURT , STECKMAN , H. MILLER , KEARNS , LYKAM , SWEENEY , HUSEMAN , WINDSCHITL , and PALMER A Concurrent Resolution designating May 2010 as 1 Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. 2 WHEREAS, motorcycle riding is a popular form of 3 recreation and transportation for thousands of people 4 across Iowa and the nation; and 5 WHEREAS, motorcycle riding can be an enjoyable 6 activity when safety is of paramount consideration and 7 all laws and regulations are observed; and 8 WHEREAS, the safe operation of a motorcycle 9 requires the use of special skills developed through a 10 combination of training and experience, the use of good 11 judgment, and a thorough knowledge of traffic laws and 12 licensing requirements; and 13 WHEREAS, the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Campaign 14 is intended to reduce the number of accidents, 15 injuries, and fatalities associated with motorcycling 16 by encouraging motorcycle operators to participate in 17 rider education programs, wear proper apparel, not 18 drink and ride, and operate their vehicles defensively 19 according to the rules of the road; and 20 WHEREAS, motorcycle organizations, clubs, 21 dealerships, and groups and highway safety officials in 22 our state should join Iowa motorcyclists in actively 23 promoting safe motorcycle operation, increased rider 24 -1- LSB 6057HH (4) 83 jr/nh 1/ 2

H.C.R. 105 training, improved licensing efforts, and motorist 25 awareness of motorcycles; and 26 WHEREAS, the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Campaign 27 encourages operators of other motor vehicles to be 28 cautious and observe these smaller vehicles, especially 1 during the seasonal return of motorcycles to Iowa’s 2 streets and highways; and 3 WHEREAS, a motorcycle is a vehicle with all of 4 the privileges of any vehicle on the roadway, so a 5 motorcyclist should be allowed the use of a full lane 6 of travel; and 7 WHEREAS, other motorists need to take a second look 8 for motorcycles on the highway, at intersections, and 9 when a motorcyclist may be changing lanes or making a 10 left turn; and 11 WHEREAS, other motorists should clearly signal their 12 intentions, not follow motorcycles too closely, and 13 allow enough room for motorcyclists to take evasive 14 action by allowing plenty of space; and 15 WHEREAS, obstructions that other motorists might 16 ignore, such as debris and potholes, can be deadly 17 for a motorcyclist, so other motorists should learn 18 to predict when a motorcyclist might take evasive 19 action; NOW THEREFORE, 20 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE 21 SENATE CONCURRING, That the General Assembly designates 22 the month of May 2010 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness 23 Month and encourages all Iowa motorists to strive to 24 improve motorcycle safety in this state. 25 -2- LSB 6057HH (4) 83 jr/nh 2/ 2