Collaboration is the heart of the Florida Motorcycle Safety Program’s (FMSP) mission to strengthen motorcycle safety awareness throughout Florida. That’s why members in ABATE of Florida, Inc., the American Legion Riders – Department of Florida (FL-ALR), and the Latin American Motorcycle Association (L.A.M.A.) regularly attend the Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition meeting.
Ride Smart Florida is a communication and outreach campaign run by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), which leads the Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition with support from the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR). Together, these partners unite safety advocates and transportation experts who share a common goal of reducing fatalities and serious injuries among motorcycle riders. Their work and dedication to motorcycle safety make this a key partnership for FMSP.
During the most recent Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition meeting in November, FMSP Program Administrator and longtime ABATE safety instructor Lana Lang shared a presentation she has delivered to new drivers and aspiring safety instructors for many years. ABATE’s Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program emphasizes the shared responsibility of all road users to Share the Road and keep each other safe. The presentation touches on common misconceptions about motorcyclists’ behavior, such as why they position themselves on roadways as they do. For instance, sometimes motorcyclists ride to the far side of the lane to improve visibility of the road ahead. Best practices also remind motorists to allow an appropriate following distance when driving behind a motorcycle.
The goal of these partners remains at the forefront of motorcycle safety – reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Florida roads.
The Florida Motorcycle Safety Coalition meetings are open to the public. To learn more, visit Ride Smart Florida here.
