Beginning April 2 and running through April 6, Arizona Bike Week—and its estimated 80,000 bikers—will take over WestWorld of Scottsdale. Ahead of the event, Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky just officially proclaimed April as Motorcycle Awareness Month in the city—a move that strengthens Scottsdale’s commitment to rider safety and awareness ahead of one of the event, which is one of the bike industry’s biggest.
With that many motorcyclists taking to city’s roadways, the proclamation serves as a reminder of the importance of staying alert and prioritizing safety on city roads. Motorcyclists and bicyclists share many similar safety concerns, like distracted drivers, road hazards, and a lack of protective attire, among others.
LAWS TO KNOW
For motorcyclists, specifically, the Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month proclamation comes at a time when understanding motorcycle-specific laws is more important than ever. In 2022, the state enacted a new “Lane Filtering” law, which permits motorcyclists to move between stopped vehicles on roads with at least two lanes in the same direction and a posted speed limit of 45 mph or less. Motorcyclists may not exceed 15 mph when lane filtering. Intended to reduce rear-end crashes and enhance safety for motorcyclists, the law is especially relevant during high-traffic events like Arizona Bike Week, and law enforcement officials with the Scottsdale Police Department are reminding riders to exercise caution and comply with the law to prevent accidents.
The Scottsdale Police Department is also reinforcing its “Look Twice, Save a Life” messaging, warning all motorists to check blind spots, maintain a safe distance behind others and exercise extra caution when changing lanes.
SAFETY TIPS
Some additional safety tips to help reduce the risk of crashes include:
Safety tips for motorcyclists:
- Always wear a helmet and protective gear.
- Stay visible by wearing bright clothing and using reflective materials.
- Obey speed limits and traffic signals.
- Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Safety tips for other drivers:
- Always check twice for motorcycles, especially at intersections.
- Give motorcyclists a full lane and maintain a safe distance.
- Be extra cautious when making left turns.
- Avoid distractions like texting or eating while driving.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
While safety is always a major focus of Arizona Bike Week, so is fun. The event will see a concert lineup featuring Stone Temple Pilots, Marilyn Mansion, Jackyl and MuDvAyNe, the highly anticipated return of flat track racing, eight bike shows, death-defying stunt shows and the largest vendor showcase to date.
