Concerning motorcycle safety awareness month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Drew MacEwen

Designates May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Washington to boost safety, promote road-sharing, and urge outreach to motorists and riding groups.

Adopted.

Overview

SR 8650 is a Washington Senate resolution adopted on April 8, 2025, sponsored by Senator MacEwen. The resolution designates May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Washington and expresses the Senate’s support for safety, awareness, and community involvement related to motorcyclists. It is a ceremonial acknowledgment rather than substantive legislation.

Purpose and Intent

Promote safety programs, policies, and actions related to motorcyclist safety and roadway awareness.

Recognize the contributions of motorcyclists to Washington state, including fuel-efficient travel, access to HOV lanes, and support for transportation infrastructure.

Highlight the motorcycling community’s commitment to safety and charitable activities.

Key Provisions

Formal proclamation: The Senate celebrates May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

National and state alignment: Acknowledges that May is recognized nationally and within Washington as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Emphasis on safety and awareness: Notes efforts such as the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) “Get Up to Speed on Motorcycles” campaign to educate motorists on sharing the road safely with motorcyclists.

Community and charitable activity: References motorcycle clubs and organizations (e.g., Bikers Against Child Abuse, American Legion Riders) that support veterans, children, and vulnerable communities.

Information and outreach: Directs that copies of the resolution be transmitted to specified organizations and agencies to raise awareness.

Who/What Is Affected

Motorcyclists and the broader driving public in Washington, as the resolution emphasizes safety awareness and shared road responsibility.

The following organizations and agencies are specifically designated to receive copies of the resolution to help disseminate the message:

AAA Washington
ABATE of Washington
Bikers Against Child Abuse
Washington Road Riders Association
Washington State Patrol
Washington State Department of Transportation

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced: April 8, 2025

Status: Adopted by the Senate on April 8, 2025

Effective/Operational impact: As a resolution, it serves a commemorative and exhortatory function; it does not create enforceable laws or new regulatory requirements.

Dissemination: Copies of the resolution are to be transmitted immediately to the listed organizations and agencies.

Background Context

The resolution cites statistics indicating motorcyclists comprise about 3% of registered vehicles but account for roughly 15% of traffic fatalities (as of 2017), underscoring the rationale for heightened safety awareness.

It references national safety campaigns (notably NHTSA’s efforts) and acknowledges the positive role of motorcycling communities in safety, charitable work, and infrastructure support.

This resolution serves to publicly affirm Washington’s commitment to motorcycle safety awareness during May and to encourage collaboration among government agencies, safety organizations, and motorcycling communities.

Bill