with the arrival of summer, New York emphasizes the need to "Watch for Motorcycles" by reminding all motorists to be more aware of motorcyclists and to respect their right to safely ride on our highways, and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has issued more than 636,517 motorcycle licenses and currently registers more than 364,962 motorcycles, as registration numbers have increased by nearly 82% over the past ten years; and

  there are 113,341 miles of roadway across all regions of New York State that offer motorcyclists, and motorists alike, access to scenic rural areas as well as suburban and metropolitan areas, and they include beautiful touring routes and destinations where events of interest to motorcyclists are held, such as the "Americade Touring Rally" in Lake George, which annually attracts tens of thousands of motorcyclists; and

  the motorcycle is an energy efficient vehicle, effectively reducing fuel consumption and contributing to the reduction of traffic and parking congestion and, in light of recent increases in the cost of fuel, it has become an increasingly popular means of transportation for purposes of commuting as well as recreation; and

  motorcycles do not have the stability of other vehicles because they must be balanced and, therefore, riding a motorcycle involves certain risks not encountered with other vehicles; motorcyclists are more vulnerable in a crash since they are much less protected and not as readily visible to other drivers, particularly those who don't ride a motorcycle and who may not be aware of motorcycles in traffic, all of which have particular implications at intersections and while turning in front of on- coming traffic; and

  the safe operation of a motorcycle requires the use of special skills developed through a combination of training and experience, proper maintenance of motorcycle safety equipment, 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 to those who successfully complete the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's beginning rider course, which is available at training sites across the state by calling 1-800-446-9227; and

  increased rider education, motorcycle safety programs and public awareness leads to safer motorcycling, and the start of the warm weather months signifies an appropriate time to send a message of safety to all road and highway users;

 I, David Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as