PHOENIX — While many Valley bikers are gearing up for Valentine’s Day weekend, these riders hit the roads taking them to the state capitol on Thursday for “Motorcycle Day at the Dome.”
“Motorcycle Day at the Dome” is an annual event held at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix. The purpose of the event is to bring together motorcyclists to advocate for safer roads and to have their voices heard by state legislators.
During the event, riders gather to discuss various issues affecting motorcyclists, such as the renewal and improvement of the “Motorcycle Safety Fund,” which allocates money from bike registration fees to safety programs. The event also provides an opportunity for riders to meet with their district legislators and discuss key points affecting motorcyclists in Arizona1.
The event is sponsored by organizations like ABATE and the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (ACMC), and it encourages all bikers to participate and show their support
“It has come to our attention that the money doesn’t always get to the departments that it needs to go to,” rider Ronald Long said.
Arizona State Senator Shawnna Bolick is leading the effort to renew the fund this year and she’s including language in the bill this time around preventing the money from being swept and used for other budgetary needs.
“This way it’s guaranteed those dollars they’re personally investing into the program stay there,” Bolick said.
The fund also can give discounts for life-saving equipment, like helmets. Riders are encouraged to wear Department of Transportation-approved helmets, and the fund helps make the price tag manageable for riders.
“That $400 helmet can cost them $75,” Mick Degn, with the Arizona Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Foundation, said.
The safety fund bill passed the Senate, and it now heads to state representatives for approval. If passed there it will go to the governor’s desk.
Key Points:
- Motorcyclists gathered at the state capitol to advocate for road safety.
- A major focus is the continuation and improvement of the “Motorcycle Safety Fund,” which allocates money from bike registration fees to safety programs.
- Concerns were raised about funds not always reaching the intended departments.
- Arizona State Senator Shawnna Bolick is working to ensure the funds are used exclusively for motorcycle safety by adding protective language to the bill.
- The fund provides discounts for life-saving equipment like helmets and offers scholarships for rider safety classes.
- The bill passed the Senate and is awaiting approval from state representatives before heading to the governor.
