Kick off New Riding Season with ABATE’s 25th Annual Safety and Awareness Ride

ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz was joined on the steps of the Edward A. Rath county office building by Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs, NYS Assemblyman Sean Ryan, Erie County Commissioner of Central Police Services John Glascott, elected officials, community members, and officials from the American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (“ABATE”) of NY Buffalo-Erie Chapter to start the motorcycle season with a call for increased safety and awareness. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, with increased ridership and more bikes on the road.

“More motorcycles are on the road each year, and more drivers in general. It’s always a good idea to practice good driving skills, especially as warm weather approaches, and be aware of road conditions and the other drivers sharing the road,” said Poloncarz. “I urge all motorists to be vigilant and on the lookout for smaller vehicles. If everyone does so, it will be a safer driving season for all.”

ABATE has 25 chapters across New York state dedicated to promoting motorcycle safety, awareness and education. The organization also pursues fair treatment for all motorcyclists, monitors proposed motorcycle-impacting legislation, and works for freedom of choice regarding safety equipment. ABATE advocates for individuals’ “Right to Ride” while striving to keep members educated on all issues affecting motorcyclists.

“There are currently over 21,000 registered motorcycles in Erie County, along with thousands of other riders who travel our roads seasonally,” said Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs. “In an era of distracted driving, motorists must always be aware of their vehicle’s blind spots and alert to the presence of motorcycles so we can safely share the road together.”

NYS Assemblyman Sean Ryan said, “I thank ABATE and County Executive Poloncarz for hosting today’s important event to bring awareness to motorcycle safety in Western New York. We have seen motorcycle fatalities and injuries in our state and our region far too often. In 2012, there were nearly 6000 motorcycle crashes in New York, resulting in 173 fatalities. Just last month, Western New York saw three consecutive days of fatal motorcycle accidents. All of these terrible incidents should serve as a reminder that we all need to be aware that the nice weather has returned, and motorcycles are hitting the road once again.”

Commissioner of Central Police Services John Glascott said, “As a former accident investigator, one of the things I learned was that in the event of an accident involving a motorcycle, the motorcyclist usually loses. It is incumbent on those of us sharing the highways with our friends driving their bikes to be aware of their presence at all times, and be extra cautious while driving.”

For more information:

On ABATE of Buffalo-Erie, visit   www.buffaloerieabate.com

On the NYS Motorcycle Safety Program, visit   www.nysmsp.org