May is Motorcycle and Bike Safety Awareness Month, and officials said it’s important for drivers to share the road with vehicles of any wheel count.
Erik Hubbard, Executive Director of Backroads of Appalachia, said safe driving is a result of a combination of efforts. One good way to stay safe on the road is making sure the vehicle is visible.
“There’s an old saying in the motorcycle world where people get upset about, but loud pipes save lives, because you actually can hear that motorcycle coming by. But ultimately, I think the biggest thing is just being knowing of your surroundings, but most importantly keeping your eyes on the road and your mirrors verses looking at a screen, either by phone or all the new gadgets on these cars,” said Hubbard.
Hubbard said his organization, which works with all drivers to help them enjoy scenic routes through the region, sees an uptick of motorcyclists this time of year. These are drivers who come to the area with plans to take in the scenery but may not be familiar with the roads in the same way locals are.
“Us as a community, as a region, need to be respectful and also have the understanding that they’re probably not from around here. And they might be holding you up on the road to the store or business but that’s because they’ve never been on that road before. They’re just trying to be observant and a good steward and also be safe and go home to their families,” said Hubbard.
Hubbard said road safety is always important, and that a motorcycle or bicycle has all the rights and responsibilities of any motor vehicle. However, as one of the smallest vehicles on the road, a motorcycle or bicycle may be in a larger vehicle’s blind spots.
The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety offers many recommendations for how bikers can keep themselves safe on their website.