LANGLEY, Ill. (KWQC) – With the arrival of spring temperatures, the presence of bicycles and motorcycles on the roads are on the rise.
A bar in Bureau County has been marking the beginning of the season with a “Blessing of the Bikes” event for 11 years.
Hundreds of riders showed up Saturday at Psycho Silo Saloon for the blessing of their bikes.
The purpose of the event is for riders to seek a blessing for a safe and positive riding experience for the year.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign, Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users.
Motorcyclist deaths occurred 28 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles, based on 2016 fatal crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
As a part of the campaign, the IDOT has a program called Ride S.M.A.R.T., which, according to the IDOT, stands for:
- Sober: Don’t Drink and Ride, 39% of motorcyclists killed in a fatal crash had a BAC of .01 or above.
- M Class: More than 20 percent of all motorcyclists do not ride with the proper classification. Riding legally ensures you have the training and skills necessary to operate the motorcycle safely. The CRSTP offers free license waiver courses to get your motorcycle endorsement. For more information on courses contact your closest regional center.
- All The Gear All The Time (ATGATT): We encourage all riders to wear All The Gear All The Time.
- Helmets: A bright, reflective DOT-approved helmet is your best protection. Unfortunately, an overwhelming majority of those killed in motorcycle crashes are not wearing a helmet. Not only will it help protect against head injuries, but will make riders more visible to other drivers.
- Eye Protection: Eye protection is legally required and should be worn at all times. It protects the operator from dust and other hazards that may irritate or injure the eyes.
- Gloves: Full fingered gloves should be worn at all times to protect hands from injury and weather conditions.
- Jackets, Pants and Boots: A motorcycle jacket, pants and boots should always be a part of the riding outfit. Wearing proper protective gear will protect from major skin loss, road rash and mutilated toes or feet in the event of a crash.
- How to tell if a helmet is unsafe
- What You Should Know About Motorcycle Helmets
- Rider Training: Make sure to keep riding skills in the best shape and take a refresher rider training course every few years. Skills can diminish with age. Take our free rider training courses to keep skills sharp and road ready.
- Tires/Wheels, Controls, Lights/Electrical, Oil/Fluids, Chassis and Stands (T-CLOCS): This is an acronym for a motorcycle pre-ride safety check. Before every ride check the Tires/Wheels, Controls, Lights/Electrical, Oil/Fluids, Chassis and Stands. Taking a moment to check your motorcycle for proper operation before the ride could mean the difference have a safe enjoyable ride or one that may result in problems. The owner’s manual will address specific items and details to check on your motorcycle. Download T-CLOCS inspection sheet from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Another program in the Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign is Saved By the Helmet award.
Research shows that a DOT-certified helmet is 37 percent effective in reducing motorcycle fatalities and 67 percent effective in reducing serious brain injuries in the event of a crash, according to the IDOT.
To increase awareness of the benefits of helmets and to recognize riders who implemented this lifesaving strategy and survived a crash, the IDOT created the Saved by the Helmet award.
Learn about Saved by the Helmet nominees’ stories.
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