BOISE — It is that time of year again — the time when more motorcyclists are out on Idaho roads. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and to mark the occasion, the Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety is hosting a Motorcycle Awareness Rally on Saturday.

Motorcycle riders are invited to join ICMS, the Idaho Office of Highway Safety and partners for the event on Saturday at Sandy Point in Lucky Peak State Park, 9723 ID-21 in Boise. Motorcyclists can meet in the park starting at 10 a.m. An escorted ride from Sandy Point to the Idaho State Capitol starts at 1 p.m. Following the ride, the Christian Motorcycle Association is hosting a barbeque at Ann Morrison Park, 1000 S. Americana Boulevard in Boise.

“We want to remind the drivers out there that they are sharing the road with motorcyclists, who are more exposed than people in cars. Looking twice for motorcycles can save someone’s life,” explained ICMS rally organizer Lane Triplett.

According to OHS data, in 2022 there were 529 motorcycle-related crashes, and 29 motorcyclists were killed. Most fatalities that year were clustered in the months of June, July and August. Drivers can help protect motorcyclists by:

— Checking blind spots. Motorcycles are small compared to other vehicles, so don’t rely on mirrors alone.

— Always use turn signals. Signaling helps motorcyclists anticipate traffic flow.

— Look twice. Sun and rain glare can make motorcycles hard to see. Snow, rain and fog can obscure your vision too. Always check twice for bikes.

Motorcyclists can protect themselves in the following ways:

— Wear brightly colored, reflective clothing.

— Ride with headlights on.

— Establish lane positions that increase visibility — don’t ride in blind spots.

— Enhance your skills. Idaho Skills Training Advantage for Riders has classes across the state and for all experience levels.