Motorcycle groups join campaign to save lives

SPRINGFIELD — Nearly 150 motorcyclists died in crashes last year in Illinois. In an effort to prevent accidents, motorcycle groups joined Wednesday in Springfield with the Illinois State Police and transportation officials to kick off a safety campaign.

The groups are urging Illinois motorists to “Start Seeing Motorcycles” and “Look Twice — Save a Life.”

Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider praised motorcyclist volunteers who spend weekends at highway rest areas, washing windshields and handing out literature on motorcycle safety and awareness.

More than 20,000 motorcyclists are expected to receive training this year through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s free safety classes.

Gold Wing Road Riders Association and A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education — also known as ABATE — are supporting the safety campaign.