Look twice, save a life!

Secretary Johnson addresses trends and concerns for 'boomers' on bikes

Noting their disproportionate involvement in crashes, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson encouraged baby boomers who ride a motorcycle or are thinking about it to take a returning-rider safety course, even if they rode in their younger days.

“Riders in their 50s and 60s who are getting back into motorcycling are strongly encouraged to take one of the rider education refresher courses we offer,” Johnson said. “People joke about never forgetting how to ride a bike, but operating a motorcycle is different. It requires constant practice to develop the judgment and skills necessary to identify and avoid hazardous situations on the road.”

Watch Secretary Johnson's message on safe motorcycling

Boomers interested in refreshing their riding skills should look into the department’s Returning Rider Basic Rider Course and the Advanced Rider Course. The department also offers a class for three-wheeled motorcycles, and a Basic Rider Course designed for those who are new to or wish to review the fundamentals of motorcycling.

Johnson noted that male motorcycle riders aged 50-69 were involved in 34.1 percent of all two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and 33.6 percent of all single-vehicle crashes (crashes just involving the motorcyclist). Female riders aged 40-59 are at the greatest risk of being involved in either a multiple vehicle or single vehicle crash.

“Our goal is to keep everyone safe on the road,” she added. “Motorcyclists should take a rider education safety course, always wear the proper gear and make sure they have the motorcycle endorsement before they ride.”

Johnson made her remarks at a news conference on May 24 celebrating Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Johnson, on a 883 cc Harley-Davidson Sportster, rode to the news conference with a group of riders, starting from parking lot of the Capital Area SUPER!Center in Lansing, and ending at the State Capitol. Speakers at the event were Special 1st Lt. Jim Flegel, Michigan State Police, Eric Larson, state director for the Gold Wing Touring Association, and Steve Lick, a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach, trainer and coordinator for the motorcycle safety program at Grand Rapids Community College.

Secretary Johnson held similar news conferences on May 22 at Vehicle City Harley-Davidson in Flint and on May 2 at ABC Harley-Davison in Waterford.

SOS offices closed
for Memorial Day

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson reminds residents that all branch offices and the Office of the Great Seal will be closed in observance of Memorial Day on Monday, May 28. Secretary of State SUPER!Centers normally offer Saturday hours but will be closed on Saturday, May 26.

Residents are encouraged to use online services at ExpressSOS.com, especially on the days after holiday weekends, which are very busy in SOS offices.

Johnson delivers OCC Commencement address

Secretary Johnson was very pleased to deliver the Commencement address and to meet many of the wonderful graduates at her alma mater, Oakland Community College, on May 19..

"Remember, you're going to face challenges," Johnson told them. "If you don't give up, the biggest challenges will become your biggest successes."

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