Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month Kicks Off as Riders Share Road Hazards and Safety Tips

Key facts

• May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the United States.
• Reading Standard Motorsports in Exeter Township, Pennsylvania, was founded in the 1960s by Michael Miller's father.
• Michael Miller is the current owner of Reading Standard Motorsports.
• The Reading Standard motorcycle brand dates back to the early 1900s and was originally produced in downtown Reading.
• Michael Miller emphasizes that proper helmet fit is critical for safety.
• Pam Smart, Michael Miller's wife, reports frequent distracted driving by other motorists.
• Motorcyclists face hazards including pebbles, potholes, and inattentive drivers.
• Spring is the busy season for motorcycle sales and riding.

A Historic Brand Revived for Safety Month

In Exeter Township, Pennsylvania, the arrival of spring brings a surge of motorcyclists onto the roads — and with it, the annual observance of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. At Reading Standard Motorsports, a business that traces its lineage to a motorcycle brand produced in downtown Reading in the early 1900s, owner Michael Miller sees the May campaign as a timely platform to stress the importance of rider safety. Miller’s father started the company in the 1960s, and the shop now serves as a hub for enthusiasts who appreciate both the heritage and the practical aspects of motorcycling. “Almost every bicycle manufacturer back in the day started putting motors on them and that’s how motorcycles started,” Miller said, linking the brand’s history to the broader evolution of the machine.

Safety Gear and Proper Fit Take Center Stage

Before any ride begins, Miller urges motorcyclists to wear appropriate safety gear: long pants, long shirts, boots, and a helmet. He stresses that a helmet must fit properly to be effective. “If a helmet doesn’t fit you properly, you’re not going to want to wear the helmet so that’s very important and it’s not going to do its job either,” he said. The emphasis on gear comes as part of a broader message that safety, not speed, should define the riding experience. “Motorcycles aren’t about speed, yes they’re quick but it really comes down to the safety aspect more than anything,” Miller added.

Riders Describe Constant Threats from Distracted Drivers

Pam Smart, Miller’s wife and a fellow motorcycle enthusiast, describes the joy of riding in terms of “the adventure, the excitement, the beauty.” Yet her daily experience on the road is shadowed by the behavior of other motorists. “All the time, people are on their cellphones not paying attention. I’m always looking out for cars switching lanes and cutting us off,” she said. Smart’s observations highlight a persistent danger: distracted driving. Beyond inattentive car and truck drivers, motorcyclists must also navigate road hazards such as pebbles and potholes, which can destabilize a two-wheeled vehicle at speed.

Spring Season Brings More Riders — and More Risks

Spring marks the busy season for motorcycle sales and riding, more motorcycles take to the roads, increasing the potential for collisions with vehicles whose drivers may not be looking for them. Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, observed each May, is designed to remind all road users to share the road responsibly. The campaign encourages drivers to check blind spots, avoid distractions, and give motorcyclists ample space. For riders, the message is to wear visible gear, obey traffic laws, and never assume they have been seen.

A Family Business Carries a Century-Old Legacy

Reading Standard Motorsports is more than a dealership; it is a keeper of local history. The Reading Standard motorcycle, originally manufactured in downtown Reading in the early 1900s, is a piece of Pennsylvania’s industrial past. Miller’s father founded the current business in the 1960s, and Michael Miller now carries on the tradition. The shop’s longevity reflects a community of riders who value both the heritage and the ongoing evolution of motorcycle culture. As Safety Awareness Month unfolds, the Millers hope to channel that enthusiasm into safer practices on the road.

The bottom line

• May is designated Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in the U.S., focusing on rider and driver education.
• Properly fitted helmets and protective clothing are essential for reducing injury risk.
• Distracted driving, especially cellphone use, is a top concern among motorcyclists.
• Road hazards like pebbles and potholes pose additional dangers unique to two-wheeled vehicles.
• Spring is the peak season for motorcycling, increasing the need for heightened awareness.
• The Reading Standard brand, revived by a family business in Exeter Township, connects modern riding to early 20th-century motorcycle history.