Riding for those who can't - Run for the Wall passes through Kansas



Hundreds of motorcyclists are participating in the Run for the Wall on the central route to Washington, D.C. Above, the group arrives at the KTA service area east of Topeka around 9 a.m. on Monday, May 21,

for a quick stop for gas and supplies.



Above, participants line for gas during the stop at the KTA

service area east of Topeka. Below, Secretary Richard Carlson

(left) chats with one of the riders.

The 30^th annual Run for the Wall made a stop at the KTA’s Topeka service area yesterday as more than 1,600 motorcyclists are participating in the event that extends from Ontario, Calif., to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. Some are riding for a day or two, while some are riding all 10 days.

The event started on May 16 and includes three different routes across the country. About 670 are traveling on the central route, which extends through Kansas. The ride ends on May 25.

According to the website, “Founded by Vietnam Veterans, Run for the Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by all veterans who have served our nation. Veterans of recent conflicts, those currently on active duty, non-veteran supporters and patriots are especially welcome to join and ride with us, as we ride for those who can’t.”



Riders head out Monday morning to continue their trip across the country.

Motorcycle Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and today we are taking a trip back in time to a blog written in 2010 by Phyllis Marotta, who works in our Traffic Safety Office.

It's May...and that means Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! It's been so cool & rainy around Topeka until this past weekend that I haven't seen as many bikers out as usual. However, with warmer temps the past few days, I saw lots of them hitting the roads.

Unfortunately, "hitting the roads" can mean something much more tragic to motorcyclists than the phrase means to the rest of the motoring public. This past month, I've had two acquaintances involved in crashes. Thankfully, neither of them was seriously injured, but both crashes served as a reminder to me of how precious life is...and how quickly a relaxing ride on a sunny day COULD have turned tragic.

The first of the crashes involved a good friend, an experienced rider who was wearing his helmet, leather jacket, jeans & boots. He pulled out in front of a pickup that had just turned left. In this case, my friend made the error of not looking twice before pulling out. Neither vehicle was going very fast, but the pickup hit the bike in the saddle bag area, pitching the bags, the seat, and my friend to the pavement. Thankfully, the helmet served its purpose - although the bill is now crumpled, my friend's forehead was not! And, although he is still pretty stiff & sore, he had no broken bones or road rash from hitting the pavement, thanks to the protective clothing.

The second crash happened just last Friday, involving a 28-year-old who graduated high school with my son.  In this crash, a car pulled out from a stop sign on a busy highway without yielding to the motorcyclist.  Although I don't have all the details from that crash, I have heard that the young man hit the car, flew off the bike, and after taking a bounce on the pavement, was able to run to the ditch to avoid oncoming traffic.  Again, thankfully, this young rider's injuries were not severe.

Both of these incidents could have been avoided altogether if someone had taken that second look before pulling out.  Please...look twice, save a life! 

Sharing the road: It’s our responsibility

Earlier this month we shared that Gov. Sam Brownback signed a proclamation declaring that the month of May is Motorcycle Awareness Month.

Sharing the road is all drivers’ responsibility. Motorists are required to share the road with all types of vehicles, from the small 10-speed bicycle to the large 18-wheeler semi-trucks.  Today we will discuss how to share the road with motorcycles.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, motorcycles have the same rights to the road as any other vehicle. Driving safely in the company of motorcycles does require extra caution.

Due to their size, motorcycles can be more difficult to see. This can make it difficult to judge their distance and speed. Giving an extra three to four seconds while following behind these vehicles is the best way to give them time to maneuver or stop if an emergency were to arise. Keep in mind that since motorcycles are smaller than cars or trucks, they come to a full stop much more quickly than other vehicles.

Despite the smaller size of motorcycles, a full lane width is still required when traveling around them. Just because it may appear that there is a great deal of extra space doesn’t mean that the lane can be safely shared.

Motorcycles may be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot. Check all mirrors and always look twice before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections. Motorcyclists are encouraged to be safe and be seen by wearing bright colors and a helmet to avoid head injuries.

One of the best ways to avoid a tragedy is though communication. Always signal what you intend to do before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This will signal to the motorcyclist what to expect so they can adjust accordingly.

Remember: Getting behind the wheel of any vehicle requires a sense of responsibility, and it is up to all of us to share the road.  

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.