Governor Brownback signs proclamation designating May as Motorcycle Awareness Month

Last Thursday, Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation that designates the month of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. The proclamation states:

“TO THE PEOPLE OF KANSAS, GREETINGS:

WHEREAS, many Kansans are concerned about making our streets and highways safe for motor vehicles, motorcycle, bicycle, pedestrian traffic, and

WHEREAS, many organizations have demonstrated that concern, including ABATE of Kansas, the American Motorcyclist Association, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, motorcycle clubs and riding groups, Kansas rider education programs, and Kansas motorcycle dealers and

WHEREAS, education, awareness, and safe driving habits for motorcyclists, motor vehicle operators, and bicyclists are high priorities worthy of special recognition and wider public interest:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sam Brownback, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF KANSAS, do hereby proclaim May of 2017, as

Motorcycle Awareness Month

in Kansas and urge all motorcyclists, bicyclists, and other motorists to participate in this effort to promote safe driving habits through increased education and public awareness. “

Governor Sam Brownback signed a proclamation designating the month of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month on Thursday, April 27. 

KDOT encourages riders and motorists to be aware and share the road. Looking twice before you make a traffic move may safe a life. 

KDOT road preservation in full swing

A section of I-70 in NW Kansas before preservation work was done. 

Preserving Kansas roads, ranked among the top five states in America, is a priority at KDOT.

The right maintenance at the right time—whether it’s chip sealing, crack sealing, asphalt overlay, resurfacing or patching—helps extend the life of the pavement for many years and protects the investment we have made in our Kansas highways.

The same section of road following preservation work completed. 

In fiscal year 2016, over 700 miles of preservation work occurred. Under current KDOT budgeting, preservation is projected to increase to 1,000 miles in fiscal year 2017 and 1,200 miles in fiscal year 2018.

One-hundred bridges were estimated to be repaired or replaced in fiscal year 2016, but by the end of the year, 117 projects were completed. In fiscal year 2017, 160 bridges are scheduled for work under current KDOT budgeting.

 “Orange barrels are blanketing Kansas roadways as KDOT continues to provide one of the best transportation systems in the nation,” Interim Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson said. “Preservation is an essential element of KDOT and is a proactive approach to meeting the transportation needs of our state.”

This fiscal year, KDOT will spend two times more on preservation projects than the year Governor Brownback took office. Expansion and enhancement projects will jump over $10 million during the same period, while modernization projects will increase by nearly $10 million.