Council Created in Response to Increased Number of Motorcycle Crashes

The Greater Pittsburgh Motorcycle Safety Council was just created in response to the increased number of motorcycle crashes occurring regionally.

According to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation data, there were nearly 4,000 motorcycle crashes in Pennsylvania last year. Tragically, 210 people lost their lives in those crashes.

In PennDOT's District 11-0, which encompasses Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence counties, there were 429 motorcycle crashes in 2012, resulting in 13 fatalities.

With the growing number of licensed motorcyclists statewide, the council is charged with raising safety awareness among motorists and motorcyclists. The organization is composed of motorcycle groups, local police officers and safety advocates.

Representatives from the Greater Pittsburgh Motorcycle Safety Council and PennDOT held a press conference on Sunday at PNC Park to mark Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and to announce the council's creation. 

As part of the event, PennDOT's Live Free Ride Alive campaign display provided an interactive station for participants. Live Free Ride Alive is a comprehensive, multimedia motorcycle safety campaign effort that spreads the safety message. 

Several rider coaches from the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program (PAMSP) were also on hand to discuss free motorcycle courses offered in Pennsylvania. The PAMSP offers a variety of training to help to develop safe riding skills for all motorcyclists, no matter their levels of experience. The courses include: a six-hour Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2); an eight-hour Advanced Rider Course (ARC); and a 12-hour 3-Wheeled Motorcycle Basic Rider Course (3WBRC).

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