Crime & Safety

Council Created in Response to Increased Number of Motorcycle Crashes

There were nearly 4,000 motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania last year.

The Greater Pittsburgh Motorcycle Safety Council was just created in response to the increased number of motorcycle crashes occurring regionally.

According to PennDOT data there were nearly 4,000 motorcycle crashes in Pennsylvania last year. Tragically, 210 people lost their lives in those crashes.

In District 11, which encompasses Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence counties, there were 429 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 13 fatalities in 2012.

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With the growing number of licensed motorcyclists statewide, the council is charged with raising safety awareness among motorists and motorcyclists. The organization is comprised of motorcycle groups, local police officers and safety advocates.

Representatives from the Greater Pittsburgh Motorcycle Safety Council and PennDOT held a press conference Sunday at PNC Park to mark Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and announce the council’s creation. 

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As part of the event, PennDOT’s Live Free Ride Alive campaign display provided an interactive station for participants. Live Free Ride Alive is a comprehensive, multi-media motorcycle safety campaign effort that utilizes several types of media to spread the safety message. 

Several rider coaches from the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program were also on hand to discuss free motorcycle courses offered in Pennsylvania. The PAMSP offers a variety of training to help develop safe riding skills for all motorcyclists, no matter the level of experience. The courses include: the six-hour Basic Rider Course 2 (BRC2); the eight-hour Advanced Rider Course (ARC); and the 12-hour 3-Wheeled Motorcycle Basic Rider Course (3WBRC).

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