There's just something wonderful about spring. The weather warms up, flowers bloom and everyone is ready to get out of the house.

But as many hit the road in their pickup truck, sedan, crossover, SUV or RV, we can't forget those who think the best way to see the state is on two wheels. 

The number of motorcyclists on the road always jumps sharply once spring arrives, but we want to make sure the number of crashes involving motorcyclists doesn't do the same. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 5,014 motorcycle riders killed in crashes in 2019.

That's why May has been designated Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It's a reminder to drivers on two wheels or four to both do their part to keep motorcyclists riding.

So what can you do? Here are some simple things that will keep everyone safe on the road.

For all drivers:

• Remember: A motorcyclist has the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as any other motorist on the roadway.
• Give a motorcyclist a full lane width to maneuver safely.
• Always look for motorcycles by checking your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. You can use your mouse to interact with the graphic to the right to see how easy it is for a motorcycle to go unnoticed.
• Motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see, so keep an eye out.
• Allow more distance – three or four seconds – when following a motorcycle. This gives the motorcycle rider more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

For motorcyclists:

• Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
• Wear a helmet and use reflective tape and gear to be more visible.
• Never ride while impaired or distracted – it is not worth the risk of killing or injuring yourself or someone else. According to the NTHSA, more than 1/4 of all motorcyclists killed in 2018 were drunk.
• When it comes to riding a motorcycle, training and safety gear are critical. ADOT encourages all riders to take a state-authorized training course.

Now let's get out there and enjoy a nice (safe) spring!

By Dallas Hammit / ADOT State Engineer

Did you know that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month?

While all of us should remember to share the road year-round, I hope that you’ll use this month to reflect on your driving habits and resolve to be more aware of other motorists, whether they’re driving a vehicle with two wheels or four.

In case you need a refresher, here are some good safety tips:

For all road users

• Remember: A motorcyclist has the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as any other motorist on the roadway.
• Give a motorcyclist a full lane width to maneuver safely.
• Always look for motorcycles by checking your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see, so keep an eye out.
• Allow more distance – three or four seconds – when following a motorcycle. This gives the motorcycle rider more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.

For motorcyclists

• Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
• Wear a helmet and use reflective tape and gear to be more visible. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates motorcycle helmets saved an estimated 1,859 lives in 2016.
• Never ride while impaired or distracted – it is not worth the risk of killing or injuring yourself or someone else.
• When it comes to riding a motorcycle, training and safety gear are critical. ADOT encourages all riders to take a state-authorized training course.

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  Editor's Note: More safety messages from Dallas Hammit, ADOT's state engineer and deputy director for transportation, are available at Driving Safety Home on azdot.gov.

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

Valley motorists can expect to see more motorcycles than usual on roads this week. Arizona Bike Week, a popular event for motorcycle enthusiasts, will occur April 3-7 at WestWorld in Scottsdale.

Overhead signs on highways will remind drivers of four-wheeled vehicles to always look twice for motorcycles before changing lanes or turning. For their part, motorcyclists should avoid riding in blind spots.

Spring weather in Arizona is nearly perfect for riding. If you’ve been thinking about learning to ride, want to brush up on some skills or pick up some advanced techniques to take your abilities to the next level, there are nearly three dozen professional motorcycle training schools across Arizona to choose from.

“Rider training is a great way to develop the riding techniques and mental strategies for staying safe on the roadway,” said Ron Arieli, owner of TEAM Arizona Motorcyclist Training Centers. “Instead of relying upon a hope, wish or a prayer when a hazardous situation arises, riders who received training fall back on what they learned.”

More information on motorcycle training schools in Arizona.

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

Nearly ever-present sunshine and dry weather mean that motorcycles are our year-round in many parts of Arizona.

One of the most popular times to ride is right now, when temperatures are comfortable in most of the state. In fact, later this month motorcyclists from across the Southwest will converge on Phoenix for the Arizona Bike Week and Phoenix Bikefest events.

It’s not surprising that more motorcycles are on Arizona’s roads when weather is the most comfortable. According to crash statistics collected from Arizona law enforcement agencies since 2012, April, along with the nearly perfect-weather months of March, October and November, sees spikes in collisions involving motorcycles.

ADOT wants to remind drivers of four- and two-wheeled vehicles to make safe driving a priority.

Drivers of cars should always look twice and make sure motorcycles aren’t hidden in blind spots. For their part, motorcyclists should make every effort to avoid traveling in blind spots. And drivers of vehicles and motorcycles should obey posted speed limits – speeding is a leading factor in traffic fatalities involving cars and motorcycles.

Focus on Driving
This is part of a series we’re calling “Focus On Driving.” This series looks at often-overlooked measures that keep the traveling public safe – from rumble strips and barriers to the reflective paint used in lane striping – as well as timely safety topics, such as when crashes involving particular factors occur most often.

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

If you think you're seeing more motorcycles than usual on Phoenix freeways this weekend, that's because you probably are. Arizona Bike Week and Phoenix Bikefest are occurring through Sunday in Scottsdale and Peoria.

ADOT isn't involved with either event, but we're taking the opportunity to spread awareness about sharing the road with motorcycles. Many overhead signs, especially those on the Loop 101 Agua Fria and Pima freeways, will display this message:

This safety message sometimes elicits responses from drivers of cars asking that motorcycles make safety a priority too. The fact is, vehicle blind spots can hide motorcycles. But drivers of four- and two-wheeled vehicles alike must make safe driving a priority. Speeding is a leading factor in traffic fatalities involving cars and motorcycles.

For more information on motorcycle safety, visit the Arizona Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Foundation’s website.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Kohinoor Kar, an ADOT senior project manager, collaborated on this post with Mike Cynecki, a consultant with Lee Engineering who retired after a long transportation career with the city of Phoenix.

Arizona's weather is magnificent this time of year, making it ideal time for motorcyclists and bicyclists to be out on the roads.

Whether you are riding a motorcycle or a bicycle, both require a higher level of attentiveness and personal responsibility. For motorcyclists, a proper helmet can save you from serious injuries, but that's just the start.

Here are other tips from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation:

• Be visible by using headlights and avoiding blind spots for drivers.
• Dress for safety (bright helmet, eye protection and protective clothing).
• Constantly search the road for changing conditions.
• Know your bike and how to use it by getting formal training and practicing.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation stresses that motorcyclists should always give themselves space from other vehicles because other drivers often can't see them. Even when drivers do see motorcycles, chances are they’ve never been on a motorcycle and can’t properly judge their speed or maneuverability.

With a goal of reducing crashes and fatalities involving motorcycles, ADOT has developed an online safety presentation for new riders. You can find links to it at azdot.gov/motorcyclelicense, or follow these links to the presentation for desktops and laptops in English and Español and for mobile devices in English and Español.

Those interested in riding motorcycles also can attend rider safety programs offered by state-approved schools. You'll find a list at azdot.gov/drivingschools. By completing one of these programs and receiving a Motorcycle Safety Foundation card from the school, applicants can skip both the written and road tests at MVD.

Bicyclists should wear helmets, bright clothing and eye protection and also have front and rear bicycle lights. Here are some other safety tips:

• Make sure your bicycle is in good condition, checking air pressure, brakes and chain before each ride.
• Always wear proper shoes.
• Use a mirror to see motorists approaching from the rear.
• If you ride next to parked cars, watch out for doors opening.
• Remember that rules of the road apply to you too, including stopping at red signals and stop signs and signaling your intent to turn, change lanes or stop.

If you're driving around motorcycles and bicycles, keep a close eye on them and check your blind spots instead of relying only on mirrors.

Regardless of who may be at fault when a collision occurs between car or truck and a motorcycle or bicycle, those using the latter are far more vulnerable to injuries. For drivers with four wheels, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

With 31 days to choose from, the Arizona Department of Transportation chose to observe Motorcycle Awareness Month on May 18 and 19. On those two days, hundreds of motorcycles will travel together eastward on Interstate 10 and Interstate 40 as part of the “Run for the Wall,” a cross-country motorcycle ride.

The spectacle of hundreds of motorcycles riding together – according to media reports, a group of about 400 rolled into Phoenix last year and another 400 passed through Williams on I-40 – is sure to attract attention. With motorcycles on our minds, ADOT is taking this opportunity to remind drivers of all vehicles – two-wheeled, four-wheeled and more – to be more aware of motorcycles, making roads safer for everyone.

Some overhead highway signs will display the following message on May 18-19:

To the drivers of cars, always “look twice” for motorcycles because blind spots can hide them. Did you know that in almost half of the 2,988 crashes involving motorcycles on Arizona roadways in 2015 the motorcyclist engaged in “no improper action”?

Motorcycle operators must take responsibility too. Avoid riding in vehicle’s blind spot and don’t travel at excessive speeds. In 2015, speeding too fast for conditions was a factor in 44 motorcycle operator traffic deaths.

For new riders and those that might need a refresher, seek out a driving training courses. Completing an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider courses offers the added benefit of being exempt from written and road tests in Arizona.