EXETER TWP., Pa. – With more riders heading out this time of year safety is taking center stage as this month marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
69 News Reporter Sydney Kay stopped by a Motorsports fixture in Berks County to hear what bikers see on the road.
A piece of history on two wheels, the Reading Standard dates back to the early 1900s and was produced in downtown Reading.
“Almost every bicycle manufacturer back in the day started putting motors on them and that’s how motorcycles started,” said Michael Miller.
Miller is the owner of Reading Standard Motorsports in Exeter Township, a company his dad started in the 1960s.
He says spring is their busy season and during May, which is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, it spotlights their favorite topic.
“Motorcycles aren’t about speed, yes they’re quick but it really comes down to the safety aspect more than anything,” he said.
Before the ride begins, Miller says they encourage motorcyclists to wear safety gear. That includes long pants, long shirts, boots, and a helmet.
“If a helmet doesn’t fit you properly, you’re not going to want to wear the helmet so that’s very important and it’s not going to do its job either,” Miller said.
Bike enthusiasts like Miller’s wife, Pam Smart, love the ride for many reasons.
“The adventure, the excitement, the beauty,” she said.
But she sees other things, such as distracted driving.
“All the time, people are on their cellphones not paying attention. I’m always looking out for cars switching lanes and cutting us off,” Smart said.
In addition to other vehicles, motorcyclists also deal with hazards such as pebbles and potholes.
“It doesn’t take much. Hot tar during the summer, another safety thing you have to be very aware of,” Miller explained.
That’s why they say it doesn’t hurt to utilize PA’s free safety course.
“You don’t have to buy a motorcycle, you can go through that course and learn how to ride and it kind of tells you, ‘Is it really something that I want to do?’” said Miller.
But in the end, it all comes down to making it home.
“Enjoy the ride, stay safe,” he said.
For more information about Pennsylvania’s motorcycle safety programs, you can click here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmv/driver-services/motorcyclists/pennsylvania-motorcycle-safety-program
