Boosting Road Safety: May's Bicycle & Motorcycle Focus

May brings warmer weather, longer days, and a surge in motorcycles and bicycles on Massachusetts roads. With this increased activity comes heightened responsibility for all road users — and an important reminder to review insurance coverage for two-wheel travel.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) designates May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a crash per mile traveled than passenger vehicle occupants. The most common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents include cars turning left in front of motorcycles, lane splitting, and driver impairment.

For Motorcyclists.. Always wear a DOT-approved helmet — Massachusetts law requires it. Take a motorcycle safety course through the Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP). Make yourself visible: wear bright colors, use your headlight, and never ride in a vehicle's blind spot.

For Drivers.. Share the road. Motorcycles are legally entitled to the full lane width. Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Give motorcycles extra following distance — they can stop faster than cars.

National Bike Month.. May is also National Bike Month, promoted by the League of American Bicyclists. Cycling injuries and fatalities are disproportionately high in urban areas. Massachusetts law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing.

Motorcycle Insurance in Massachusetts.. Massachusetts requires all registered motorcycles to carry minimum liability insurance. But minimum limits may not be enough to fully protect you or cover the cost of your motorcycle. Consider comprehensive and collision coverage for your bike, and review your liability limits to ensure they're adequate.

Does Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Your Bicycle?. Bicycles are personal property, and many homeowners and renters policies cover bicycle theft. However, coverage limits vary, and high-end bikes may require a scheduled endorsement. Ask your agent about your current coverage.

AMD Insurance Group helps riders and cyclists in Massachusetts get the right coverage. Contact us for a motorcycle insurance consultation.