New York emphasizes the need to "Watch for Motorcycles" by participating in a national campaign called "Motorcycle Awareness and You" (MAY) making it an appropriate time to remind all motorists to be more aware of motorcyclists and to respect their right to safely ride on our highways; and

 the motorcycle effectively reduces fuel consumption and contributes to the lessening of traffic and parking congestion, and is an increasingly popular means of transportation for commuting, as well as for touring and recreation; and

  the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued more than 618,261 motorcycle licenses and currently registers more than 306,629 motorcycles annually the registration numbers have increased by 47% over the past ten years; and

  New York has 113,341 miles of roadways across all regions of New York that provide motorcyclists and motorists alike access to scenic rural areas as well as suburban and metropolitan areas and include beautiful touring routes and destinations where ev;ents of interest to motorcyclists are held, such as the Americade Touring Rally in Lake George, which annually attracts tens of thousands of motorcyclists; and

 riding a motorcycle involves certain risks not encountered when operating other vehicles; motorcycles do not have the stability of cars because they must be balanced, and motorcyclists are more vulnerable in a crash because there is less protection and because motorcycles are not as readily visible to other drivers; and

  the safe operation of a motorcycle requires the use of special skills developed through a combination of training and experience, use of the proper rider gear, an awareness of the risks of riding, the use of good judgment and a knowledge of and compliance with traffic laws and licensing requirements specific to motorcycling;

 DMV supports a motorcycle safety program and provides the motorcycle road test waiver as well as license point and insurance reduction benefits to those who successfully complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's beginning rider course which is offered through the Motorcycle Association of New York State, Inc. at training sites across the state and is available by calling 1-888-4NY-RIDE; and

  during this month and throughout the riding season, New York State urges all motorists to be alert, conscientious and safety-minded, and to share the roadways with motorcyclists;

 I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim May 2008 as