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HR 8566

HOUSE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING MAY OF 2026 TO BE "MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island proclaims May 2026 as Motorcycle Awareness Month to promote safety and shared road responsibility for motorcyclists and all drivers.

05/19/2026 House read and passed
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Bill Summary · HR 8566

Bill Overview

  • Bill: HR 8566
  • Session/Jurisdiction: 2026, Rhode Island House of Representatives
  • Title: House Resolution proclaiming May 2026 to be "Motorcycle Awareness Month" in Rhode Island
  • Introduced By / Sponsors: Representatives Bennett, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Nardone, Solomon, Edwards, Shanley, Craven, Caldwell; with co-sponsors including Joe Shekarchi, Mike Chippendale, Joseph Solomon, Justine Caldwell, George Nardone, Jay Edwards, Robert Craven, Chris Blazejewski, David Bennett, Evan Shanley
  • Status: Introduced May 19, 2026; read and passed by the House on the same day

Purpose and Intent

  • Proclaims May 2026 as “Motorcycle Awareness Month” in the State of Rhode Island.
  • Encourages awareness and safety for motorcyclists and all motorists.
  • Emphasizes shared responsibility for road safety under the theme: “Share the Road: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility.”

Key Provisions

  • Formal declaration by the Rhode Island House of Representatives declaring May 2026 as Motorcycle Awareness Month.
  • Encourages motorists to avoid distracted driving and to be mindful of motorcyclists.
  • Directs the Secretary of State to transmit a certified copy of the resolution to the Rhode Island Motorcycle Association.

Background Information Included

While the primary action is the proclamation, the bill includes background statements to support the resolution:
- The Rhode Island Motorcycle Association (established 1974) is highlighted as a nonprofit focused on safety, education, and legislation for riders.
- The theme and goals of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month emphasize safety practices for riders (defensive riding, protective gear, visibility) and for drivers (giving space, obeying traffic laws, maintaining motorcycles, taking safety courses).
- Industry and safety data cited:
- Motorcycling is an economical, popular mode of transportation (about 8% of Americans ride motorcycles).
- Motorcycle crashes are disproportionately deadly relative to their share of vehicles (small share of vehicles but a notable share of fatalities).
- In 2023, 6,335 motorcyclists died in the U.S.; distractions are a major risk factor.
- Rhode Island had 28,376 registered motorcycles in February 2024.
- Motorcycles lack seat belts and airbags; riders are at higher risk in crashes.

Who/What Would Be Affected

  • Citizens and Drivers in Rhode Island: Awareness messaging and a behavioral expectation to share the road and reduce distractions during May 2026.
  • Rhode Island Motorcycle Association: Recognition and distribution of the resolution to promote awareness initiatives.
  • State Government: Secretary of State tasked with transmitting the certified resolution to the Rhode Island Motorcycle Association (administrative action).

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • The resolution is a ceremonial/recognition measure rather than substantive regulatory changes.
  • No fiscal impact, penalties, or regulatory mandates are described in the text.
  • Timeline: Proclaimed for May 2026; action recorded as passed in the Rhode Island House on May 19, 2026.

Summary

HR 8566 is a House Resolution that designates May 2026 as “Motorcycle Awareness Month” in Rhode Island. It underscores the safety dangers faced by motorcyclists, highlights the importance of reducing distracted driving, and urges all motorists and riders to engage in safe practices under the theme “Share the Road: It’s Everyone’s Responsibility.” The resolution directs the Secretary of State to provide a certified copy to the Rhode Island Motorcycle Association. It serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment to promote safety awareness and collaboration between riders, drivers, and state authorities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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