With riding season upon us and an end to our PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome), it’s more important than ever to remind motorists to stay alert and share the road. As riders, we have a responsibility to practice safe riding habits and stay aware of our surroundings.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to push for increased recognition and action. Chapter Public Relations Officers and Legislative Coordinators—this is your opportunity to work with your local government to officially declare May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in your community!

HOW TO OBTAIN A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS PROCLAMATION
1. Contact City Hall: Visit or call City Hall and ask to speak with the City Secretary or request their email address.

2. Request the Mayor’s Support: Ask if the Mayor would be willing to sign a proclamation declaring May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Additionally, inquire about the possibility of presenting the proclamation at a City Council
meeting.
       o Need a template letter for your request? Email me at Sonja.Mauk@ abatepa.org for assistance.

3. Explain the Importance:
   o The proclamation helps raise public awareness about motorcycle safety.
   o Media coverage of the Mayor’s support will increase visibility and remind motorists to watch for motorcycles.
   o If a City Council meeting isn’t an option, ask if a separate meeting with the Mayor can be arranged for a proclamation signing and photos with chapter members.

4. Alternative Presenters: If the Mayor is unavailable, ask if the City Secretary or another official can present the proclamation and participate in a photo opportunity.

5. Provide a Proclamation Template: Some cities prefer to customize their proclamations. If they don’t have a format, offer to email them a copy. If email isn’t an option, provide a printed version via mail or in person.

6. Involve Your Chapter:
   o Inform members of the proclamation meeting date and time.
   o Encourage attendance for visibility—some meetings are even broadcast on local PBS channels.
7. Capture the Moment:
   o Bring a camera to document the event.
   o Contact local newspapers to cover the story. Since May is recognized statewide, many outlets are willing to feature it.
8. Share the News:
   o Provide newspapers with key details about Motorcycle Safety & Awareness and A.B.A.T.E.’s role in the community.
   o If a newspaper doesn’t cover the event, submit your own article with a clear photo and caption.
9. Save the Coverage: Once published, collect extra copies of the newspaper article for your chapter and community members.

BEYOND THE PROCLAMATION: PROMOTING MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS
Even if your proclamation is still in progress, your chapter can actively promote Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month through various events and initiatives:
   • Kickoff Press Conference & Rally: Organize a motorcycle rally ending at City Hall, a shopping mall, or a dealership to promote awareness.
   • Community Outreach: Distribute information that encourages drivers to “Look Twice - Save a Life” and Start Seeing Motorcycles Clearly.
   • Awareness Booths: Set up booths at fairs, malls, or schools with safety materials, stickers and yard signs.
   • Encourage Motorcycle Safety Training: Promote the PAMSP (Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program), which offers free training for new and experienced riders.
   • Impactful Displays: Place a wrecked motorcycle in a visible public space with a
sign that reads, "Share the Road with Motorcycles." (Obtain necessary permissions first.)
   • Billboard Campaigns: Arrange for awareness billboards on major highways.
   • Digital Signs: Work with local businesses to have their digital sign display a message pertaining to motorcycle safety for the month of May or even longer.
   • Partner with Dealerships: Work with local motorcycle dealers to host public open houses featuring safety education.

Example letters and proclamations are available on the website: abatepa.org.
Click on resources and scroll down to the 2025 PR Handbook pages 43-46.
Let’s make this year’s campaign bigger and better! Together, we can ensure every county,
city, town, and borough in Pennsylvania recognizes May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness
Month. Let’s spread the message far and wide!
BY SONJA “SONNIE” MAUK,
PR OFFICER