IDOT, State Police and Motorcyclists Celebrate 30 Years Of Safety Training for Riders

Springfield—In recognition of the 30th Anniversary of the Illinois Department of Transportation's motorcycle safety program, IDOT, Illinois State Police (ISP) and motorcycle riders from throughout Illinois are joining together to urge drivers to "Share the Road" with cyclists as part of Motorcycle Awareness Month. During May dozens of motorcycle groups from across the state will team up with IDOT at rest areas to remind motorists that as summer comes to Illinois, more and more riders will be out on our highways.

"Our Cycle Rider Safety Training Program has been giving people the basics they need to know in order to ride safely for 30 years," IDOT Secretary Timothy W. Martin said. "We've seen the demand for these safety classes grow as we've seen the popularity of riding increase, with motorcycle sales almost doubling from 60,000 in 2002 to 112,000 in 2004."

IDOT's Division of Traffic Safety's Cycle Rider Safety Training (CRST) Program began in 1976, training approximately 200 riders during that first year. This year the Department expects to train 14,724 riders in 972 CRST courses at dozens of locations around Illinois. Since the CRST program was begun 30 years ago, 222,963 students have been trained in the classroom and hands-on sessions. The CRST program is supported through motorcycle license and registration fees. Classes are free to any Illinois resident 16 year of age or older who holds a valid drivers license or permit.   

May is also Motorcycle Awareness Month and this year marks the 19th year for the "Windshield Washing Project," a public service campaign designed to raise awareness during the busy summer riding season. During weekends in May, at least 32 clubs will wash the windshields of cars and trucks at rest areas and distribute a "Share the Road" brochure.  

"We live to ride, but the bottom line is and always will be safety," said Toney Buzick, Assistant Director of the Illinois Gold Wing Road Rider's Association. "That's why we partner with IDOT to get that safety message out, both in training for motorcyclists and education for the people we share the road with, urging them to keep their eyes out for motorcyclists during this summer season.

Since 2002 the number of licensed riders has increased from 560,000 to almost 580,000 in 2005, and sales of new and used motorcycles have almost doubled. As the popularity of cycling has increased, the numbers of riders killed has also increased, from 97 in 2002 to 152 in 2004.

"Proper training is an important tool for all riders, however, you also need to be aware of your speed and the other drivers around you," said Illinois State Police Director, Larry Trent. "This summer we'll be working to make sure all drivers are moving at the proper speed, whether it's on a motorcycle or in a car, we all have the share the road and obey the rules."