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City observes Motorcycle Awareness Month
By Blaine Crimmins, bcrimmins@starlocalnews.com
On April 24, The Colony resident Stephen Edwards was seriously injured in a traffic accident while riding his motorcycle southbound on Main Street.
The accident highlights the importance of drivers being aware of motorcyclists, which are "roughly unprotected and much more likely to be injured or killed in a crash than other vehicle drivers," according to a city proclamation read by Mayor Joe McCourry at last week's city council meeting.
McCourry's words declared May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month in The Colony.
Members of several area motorcycle clubs attended the meeting, including Bikers for Christ Motorcycle Ministry, the Southern Cruisers Riding Club (Denton Chapter), the American Legion Riders, Six Skulls MC, Leathernecks MC, Ole Dawg Riders Riding Club, and members of the Patriot Guard.
Keith Goolsbee, representing Bikers for Christ Texas, accepted the proclamation on behalf the attendees.
"Drivers take care to look for other cars but not bikes," Goolsbee said. "Because of its smaller profile, a motorcycle is much harder to see. ‘I didn't see them' is the typical response when you read or hear about a motorcycle and car accident."
Goolsbee suggested drivers keep in mind the following tips in an effort to help prevent accidents involving motorcycles:
*Take a second look before going thru an intersection;
*Look over your shoulder before changing lanes;
*Allow plenty of space if you are following a motorcycle as the slightest contact can mean an accident or injury for its rider;
*Eliminate driving distractions by putting the cell phone away; and,
*Practice and promote motorcycle safety and awareness by sharing this information with family, neighbors and friends.
"You might just save the life of a rider, a friend, a father or mother, a son or daughter," Goolsbee said. "If even one motorcycle fatality is prevented, this year's statewide proclamation campaign will have been worth the effort."
Charles Hubbard of Bikes for Bikers Cycle Sales in The Colony spoke to the council on behalf of Bikes for Bikers and Six Skulls MC, the organizations which donated six "Share the Road" motorcycle awareness signs that have been posted around the city.
Hubbard, along with Annette Sitton Mullinax of Bikes for Bikers, had previously encouraged the council to install the donated signs. Two more are ready to be posted, Hubbard said, adding that he hopes efforts will be made to publicize them when the time comes.
"I feel that [the signs] will make a [difference] not only for May during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month but hopefully into the future," he said.
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