May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Published on May 19, 2025

The Menlo Park Police Department encourages the community to be alert to keep motorcyclists safe and reminds drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. With the arrival of warmer weather, more motorcycles are taking to the roads, making it essential for everyone to stay alert to help reduce collisions and save lives.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, 634 motorcyclists were killed in California in 2022, an increase of 3.8% from 2021.

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:
Drivers

• Always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
• Do not follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful. Be sure that the rider is turning before moving ahead.

Motorcyclists

• Always wear a U.S. DOT-compliant helmet with eye protection.
• Wear leather or other sturdy clothing such as a jacket, pants, boots with nonskid soles and gloves. Add reflective strips or decals to your clothing and motorcycle to make it easier for other drivers to see you.
• Ride defensively. Don’t assume a driver can see you. Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot.
• Always keep your lights on, even during the day.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.