HARRISBURG — As both temperatures and motorcycle traffic on commonwealth roadways are on the rise, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania State Police join agencies throughout the nation in recognizing May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

“As more and more people enjoy the fun and excitement of motorcycling, we want to remind both motorcyclists and motorists to share the road safely,” said PennDOT Secretary Yassmin Gramian. “Staying aware while driving or riding, obeying speed limits and being responsible will help keep fatalities and injuries as low as possible.”

There were more than 3,400 crashes involving motorcycles on Pennsylvania roadways in 2020, resulting in 217 fatalities. Crashes rose by more than 300 from the 2019 number of 2,977, while fatalities also rose from 174 in 2019.

“Remember to slow down, don’t drink and ride, and keep yourself upright and ready for the next riding adventure,” said Col. Robert Evanchick, commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police. “All levels of motorcycle riders are encouraged to enroll in a free safety training class and refresh their skills or even learn a new technique.”

PennDOT has contracted with several third-party motorcycle training providers to offer free motorcycle safety training classes to Pennsylvania class M permit and motorcycle license holders. Class sizes may be limited, as safety guidelines are in effect to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, and classes can be scheduled at multiple training sites throughout Pennsylvania. Class schedules are coordinated by each third-party training provider for their individual locations and additional information can be found at www.penndot.gov/PAMSP. Additional classes and locations will continue to be added.