May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

by John Stumpner

Almost everyone looks forward to the changing seasons in Wisconsin. Most of us like to see winter because of the fun in the snow and the Holidays. However, after a couple of months of cold cars and shoveling sidewalks, we’re usually again ready for warm weather. While Spring officially starts in March, the really nice weather usually doesn’t come to Wisconsin until around May.

Bikers especially, eagerly wait for the warm weather so they can start riding again. Some bikers do get out riding whenever the weather allows. However, many wait for April’s showers to wash away Winter’s salt and grime from the roads before heading out. Which means that May is really the start of motorcycle riding season here in Wisconsin.

Because more and more bikers are getting out on the road, May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Wisconsin. The drivers of cars, trucks and vans no longer have to watch out for snowplows, but now have to look out for the increase in the numbers of motorcycles and scooters sharing the road. ABATE of Wisconsin and other organizations will be spending some time and money to make sure the drivers of four wheeled vehicles are aware of and looking out for motorcycles on the roads and highways.

You may be interested to find out that new technology, such as self-driving cars, may not be aware of or looking out for motorcycles. The computers that run the self-driving cars have to be programmed to “see” other things on the road and these programs don’t always include “seeing” motorcycles. As ABATE of Wisconsin Junior Patriots and future bikers, you can join the adult members of ABATE of Wisconsin in making sure new technology will “see” and avoid hitting motorcycles or other roadway users. That way, in a few years when you take your own motorcycle on the road, you can be confident that the Google cars will be aware of you and your bike.

John