Kane County Board members voted unanimously Tuesday to proclaim May 2014 at Motorcycle Awareness Month in Kane County, and a few board members spoke from personal experience.

Thomas (T.R.) Smith made the motion, which supports a motorcycle-safety initiative by Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education of Illinois, Inc.

ABATE is celebrating the 27th anniversary of its efforts to promote motorcycle safety, education, awareness and respect of the citizens of Kane County and the state of Illinois. As efforts go on, there are still drivers on the road that are reckless and are a risk to motorcyclists. If you have been hit by a dangerous driver then you may want to get in touch with someone like the San Francisco Injury Law Firm Wakeford Gelini. It is hoped that as the program gets more popular, fewer cars will act so aggressively to the motorcyclists.

“As more and more motorcycles (get) on the road, it’s imperative we get behind the program,” Smith said.

Mike Kenyon said it is important for drivers to be aware of motorcyclists and for motorcyclists to be held accountable for following the law.

“There’s a reason why you wear that helmet,” he said.

Jesse Vasquez said he has driven hundreds of miles on a motorcycle in California without an incident, but it wasn’t until he came to Illinois that he encountered a number of close calls. He said that is why awareness is so important in Kane County.

“Here we only see motorcycles three or four months a year,” he said.

PROCLAIMING MAY 2014
MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, safety is the highest priority for the highways and streets of our County and State; and

WHEREAS, the great State of Illinois is proud to be a national leader in motorcycle safety, education and awareness; and

WHEREAS, motorcycles are a common and economical means of transportation that reduces fuel consumption and road wear, and contributes in a significant way to the relief of traffic and parking congestion; and

WHEREAS, it is especially meaningful that the citizens of our County and State be aware of motorcycles on the roadways and recognize the importance of motorcycle safety; and

WHEREAS, the members of A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Inc. (A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education) continually promote motorcycle safety, education and awareness in high school drivers’ education programs and to the general public in our County and State, presenting motorcycle awareness programs to over 100,000 participants in Illinois over the past five years; and

WHEREAS, all motorcyclists should join with A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Inc. in actively promoting the safe operation of motorcycles as well as promoting motorcycle safety, education, awareness and respect of the citizens of our County and State; and

WHEREAS, the motorcyclists of Illinois have contributed extensive volunteerism and money to national and community charitable organizations for the enhancement and support of these organizations; and

WHEREAS, during the month of May, all roadway users should unite in the safe sharing of the
roadways within the County of Kane and throughout the great State of Illinois.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Kane County Board, in recognition of the 27th Anniversary of the efforts of A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Inc., and the over 615,000 registered motorcyclists statewide, and in recognition of the continued role Illinois serves as leader in motorcycleage 2 of 2, Res. #14-132 safety, education and awareness, do hereby proclaim the month of May, 2014, Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Passed by the Kane County Board on May 13, 2014.