WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — You may have seen many motorcycles out in the beautiful weather, and a month-long safety campaign is making sure they all stay safe while on the roads.
28/22 News has more on how May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
The roar of a motorcycle ready to hit the road is a common sound with the warmer temperatures in the month of May.
“This time of year, a lot of people are getting out for their first time, and people in cars have to be aware of motorcycles on the road,” explained Mark Scappatura, salesman/manager at Two Jacks Cycle and Powersports.
Two Jakes Cycle and Powersports in Wilkes-Barre is in its busy season, and manager Mark Scappatura says they’re sharing tips and education about Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month with its customers.
Motorcyclist Matt Ceklosky has been riding for about five years.
Lane restrictions on I-81 to last through Friday
“When I first got my bike, the first thing I noticed like riding on the road is you see people on their phones all the time. You see people swerving and stuff, you realize like how little you are compared to other drivers, and they’re not as worried because they’re in a car,” said Cekolsky.
Jaiden Rodriguez, who just started riding a month ago, says he’s experienced the same problem.
“I had one person swerve into me, but I luckily got out of it a lot faster than I thought I could… He was just on his phone, no turn signal, and just kind of swayed into the lane,” explained Rodriguez.
According to PennDOT in 2023, there were more than 3,400 motorcycle crashes statewide, with 238 of those being deadly.
Startling statistics that make Rodriguez dress the part.
“Helmets a big thing and everything else. I mean, I don’t want to get hurt in case something happens,” said Rodriguez.
Some tips for motorists to be more mindful of bikes on the road are to take an extra moment to look for motorcyclists, keep a safe distance, and always predict a bike is closer than it seems.
“You might not know how fast they’re going, you might cut into them or something. I have people cutting me off all the time,” explained Cheklosky.
State law doesn’t require motorcyclists to wear a helmet, unless you’re younger than 21 or haven’t completed a PennDOT-approved safety course.
However, riders are strongly encouraged to gear up for their protection.
