General Headquarters — Columbus, Ohio

For Immediate Release: May 1, 2006
Contact: OSHP - Lt. Rick Zwayer or Sgt. Jon Gray (614) 752-2792
American Motorcyclist Association - Tom Lindsay (614) 856-1900 ext. 1357

Patrol and American Motorcyclist Association continue
Ride Smart. Drive Smart. motorcycle safety partnership
Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers will return to motorcycles after 50 year absence

COLUMBUS – After an absence of over fifty years and in part to combat the increase in motorcycle fatalities, the Ohio State Highway Patrol is reintroducing motorcycle units.

Last week, troopers who will be part of the unit completed training with the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety’s Police Motorcycle Operator Training. Starting in June, Motorcycle Unit troopers will begin riding in the Columbus metropolitan area, focusing on metropolitan interstate enforcement and conducting motorcycle safety speech details.

To kick-off Motorcycle Awareness Month, the Patrol and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) are continuing their Ride Smart. Drive Smart. safety education partnership for a second riding season.

Throughout the spring and summer, the Patrol will provide a series of motorcycle safety tips from the AMA to help make it a safe and enjoyable motorcycle riding season in Ohio. Three key safety messages stressed through the program will be:

• Ride trained/Ride licensed – ensuring riders have a valid motorcycle endorsement, quality motorcycle training, proper safety equipment, and resources are provided to find examination stations.
• Ride sober – incorporating the AMA’s national Ride Straight program
• Troopers are stressing the importance of drivers being aware of motorcyclists

“Continuing our partnership with the AMA for Ride Smart. Drive Smart. maintains a focus on motorcycle safety for all motorists in Ohio during the riding season,” Colonel Paul D. McClellan, OSHP superintendent, said. “Last year, there were 177 motorcycle fatalities, an increase of over 30 percent from 2004. The only way to significantly reduce motorcycle fatalities is for everyone to share the road and to understand their responsibilities and contributions toward safe travel on our roadways.”

Emphasis on motorcycle safety is important when considering in 2005 there were 4,543 crashes involving motorcycles, which included 177 motorcyclist fatalities accounting for almost 12 percent of the state’s traffic fatalities for the year. This year alone, there have been 21 fatalities involving motorcycles.

"The AMA is proud to support the Ohio State Highway Patrol in this important campaign," said Patricia DiPietro, the AMA's Chief Executive Officer. "Our connection to the OSHP goes back more than 70 years, when Jim Davis -- the winner of the first-ever AMA-sanctioned race – retired from competition and joined OSHP to help create its motorcycle-patrol unit in 1933. We're pleased to continue our ties in a way that benefits all motorcyclists."

Founded in 1924, the AMA is a non-profit organization with more than 275,000 members. The Association's purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. For more information, visit the AMA Web site at www.AMADirectlink.com, or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.

For the latest news releases, visit the AMA News Room at home.ama-cycle.org/newsroom or the OHSP Web site at www.statepatrol.ohio.gov/motorcycle.htm.

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