AMA Invites You to Fight.

Called Motorcyclists Matter, this multi-pronged effort is aimed directly at some of the most common accident scenarios involving motorcycles and other vehicles--cases in which drivers turn left in front of an oncoming motorcyclist, pull into the path of a motorcycle from a side street or cut into a lane occupied by a motorcycle.

The Motorcyclists Matter campaign seeks to raise public awareness of motorcycles and to increase penalties for those convicted of harming vulnerable roadway users such as motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

The AMA Government Relations Department is working with AMA Community Councilsnationwide, as well as many State Motorcyclists Rights Organizations (SMROs), tocontinue this initiative. The AMA encourages all motorcycling organizations and individuals to get involved in the effort.

Under the initiative, the AMA encourages state legislators to get tough on drivers who operate in a careless, reckless or distracted manner and inflict harm on vulnerable roadway users.

In addition, the AMA is asking states to develop a course for offenders, focusing on the vulnerabilities of motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. This class could be mandatory for right-of-way violators, or could be offered as an alternative to stiffer penalties.

Another component of the project is to encourage the creation of public information campaigns reminding drivers to watch for motorcyclists. These campaigns should include billboards, posters, radio spots, government proclamations and letters to newspapers.

Anyone who would like to get involved in this project should contact Imre Szauter at (614) 856-1900, ext. 1125, or by e-mail at [email protected], and ask for the Motorcyclists Matter information kit. You can also get information by going to the AMA's website at www.AMADirectlink.com and clickingon the "Protecting Your Right to Ride" button on the left side of the screen.