2021 Share The Road Tours Motorcycle Rallies Across The State
Photos by Safety Partner Jason Bennett
The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office toured motorcycle rallies across the state this year raising awareness and promoting motorcycle safety. Continuing the initial 2016 FAST Act congressional mandate that directed the Secretary of DOT to develop model language for the States, to promote and instruct motorist to share the road with motorcycles. Currently, the ‘Share The Road’ (STR) campaigns and programs from the U.S. States’ Highway Safety Offices have evolved to signify and encompass all motorist awareness messaging and educational outreach initiatives. (NTHSA, Share The Road, A Guidance Document, Jan 2017)
So, what do you need to ride a motorcycle in Arkansas? You must be at least fourteen years old to obtain a restricted license. You must be at least eighteen years old to obtain a non-restricted license. You must submit proof of name, residential address, and date of birth. You must pass a written motorcycle driver test.
Even so, with Arkansas motorcycle crash fatalities still way past the Arkansas Highway Safety Office and Multi-Safety Partners’ “Toward Zero Deaths” goal of zero, many including motorcycle rally participants felt AHSO’s booth, materials and presence on the circuit was much needed and welcomed. Safety partner Jason Bennett submitted recaps, stories and photos of the Share The Road Tour stops click one of the links below or browse the page:
MENU: Talimena Cruisin For St. Jude | Lace Grace & Gears | Friends and Freedom Poker Run | Ride To Fight Suicide | Rumble On The River | Hot Springs Bikefest | Rich Mountain Rendezvous | Rally Off Exit 86 | The Hideout Rally | More About Motorcycle Safety
TALIMENA CRUISIN FOR ST. JUDE Texarkana, AR
On Friday, May 28th, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles booth was set up at the Talimena Rally for St. Jude located in Texarkana. The booth was set up inside the Holiday Inn (rally starting point) and was fitted with a tent, Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles signs, pens, magnets, and the Fatal Vision Goggles. Outside, the inflatable motorcycle and ring light were setup for attendees to take their photos with the motorcycle. Attendees completed highway safety surveys at the booth and participated in the booth activities.
Share The Road Mini Story: One veteran stopped at the booth and shared stories of almost being run off the road by cars while on his motorcycle. He was very appreciative of the booth and the message to bring awareness to motorcycle safety.
Overall, participants were appreciative of the Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign, and many took signs home to spread the message in their communities. Aside from the event, motorcycle yard signs were also delivered to Texarkana Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki of Texarkana.
Friday, June 25th was a warm day at the Lace, Grace, and Gears Motorcycle Rally where the Arkansas Highway Safety Office was set up to meet all the riders. The AHSO promoted the message of Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles to patrons in attendance. At the booth, the large inflatable motorcycle was up so participants could take pictures and create a lasting memory of the event. Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles yard signs were handed out to everyone that shared their stories.
Share The Road Mini Story: One attendee shared a story about her friend who was recently severely injured in a motorcycle wreck and lost his leg. She was very appreciative that the campaign was traveling across the state to help raise awareness for drivers and riders in hopes that it will help others avoid the same type of crash.
The interactive and friendly crowd made for a very successful day at Lace, Grace & Gears.
FRIENDS AND FREEDOM POKER RUN Eureka Springs, AR
On Friday, July 16th, the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office’ Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles tent was set up at the Switchback Bar in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The booth was set up at the front of the Switchback bar and was fitted with Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles road signs as well as Fatal Vision Goggles. At the tent those at the bar could take surveys, pick up road signs, or try and walk the line with the Fatal Vision Goggles. Also, the inflatable motorcycle was set up close to the road for prime viewing of those driving by.
Share The Road Mini Story: One person in attendance was very appreciative of the message as they had multiple experiences of drivers not seeing him while on his motorcycle.Overall, the venue was in a prime spot for those in Eureka Springs.
RIDE TO FIGHT SUICIDE Rogers, AR
On Saturday, July 17th, the Arkansas Highway Safety Office’s Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles booth was set up at the Pig Trail Harley Davidson in Rogers, Arkansas. The booth was set up in both the parking lot of the Harley Davidson and later moved next door. At the booth participants could receive Look Twice for Motorcycles Road signs, attempt to walk the line with Fatal Vision Goggles, and take surveys. The inflatable motorcycle was also setup in the parking lot of the Harley Davidson for those driving by to see as well as for people to take pictures with.
Share The Road Mini Story: One man recounted a story of a drunk driver running him off the road. He was very appreciative of the message to look twice as well as trying to inform people of the dangers of driving after consuming alcohol.
Overall, the event was smooth and provided good access to reach some of the motorcyclist community.
RUMBLE ON THE RIVER Shirley, AR
On Friday, August 20th, the Arkansas Department of Highway Safety set up a booth promoting the Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign at Rumble on the River in Shirley, Arkansas. The booth was set up next to three other booths selling homemade artwork and clothes. ARHSO greeted guests as they entered the motorcycle rally and participated in the ARHSO survey and walk the line activity with fatal vision goggles. Guests were appreciative of the message being conveyed and many took the free yard signs, pens, and bumper stickers promoting the campaign.
Share The Road Mini Story: One attendee came to the booth to share his story of losing his leg in a motorcycle accident due to a distracted driver. He expressed his appreciation for the campaign.
The day was enjoyed by all who attended and overall, the message was received well.
HOT SPRINGS BIKEFEST Hot Springs, AR
On Thursday, September 9th, the Arkansas Highway Safety Office had a presence at the Hot Springs Bike Fest in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Despite the display being set up inside the convention center, attendees still stopped inside to interact with the message. Specifically, a few fans came to take yard signs and gave insight on what they would be doing with them. One couple said that since they live right on the highway, they would be placing their signs strategically so that everyone who passes can see and gain awareness on motorcycle safety. Multiple law enforcement officers also came up to the display, thanking staff for spreading this important message. Overall, the display resonated well with attendees and the inflatable motorcycle served as a photo opportunity for countless fans!
On Friday, September 10th, the Arkansas Highway Safety Office had a presence at the Hot Springs Bike Fest for the second day in a row. This warm evening attracted even a larger crowd than the previous day. Countless individuals came over to ask us what the inflatable motorcycle and tent represented while sharing a lot of personal stories relating to the Look Twice message. Hot Springs Police Department Policemen also came to the tent, sharing their experience revolving around motorcycle incidents and drunk drivers in the area.
Share The Road Mini-Story: One of the policemen said that he had just bought a motorcycle of his own and was nervous riding it because of recent motorcycle crashes in their community.
Overall, the Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles display attracted many attendees and sparked positive conversations surrounding highway safety.
On Saturday, September 11th, the Arkansas Highway Safety Office's Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles display was set up for the final day of the Hot Springs Bike Fest. Despite the day being generally slow, many people still stopped by to learn about the message.
Share The Road Mini Story: One event staff member recalled a recent car crash he experienced involving a motorcycle and the importance of educating the public on the topic.
Everyone who stopped by the display was excited to take the yard signs and asked for bumper stickers to be a potential giveaway in the future. Attendees enjoyed sharing their personal experiences and having conversations about the Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles message. Overall, the final day of the Hot Springs Bike Fest was a huge success and positively impacted the attendees.
RICH MOUNTAIN RENDEZVOUS Mena, AR
On Saturday, September 18th, the Arkansas Department of Highway Safety's display promoting the " Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles" campaign was at the Rich Mountain Rendezvous motorcycle rally. The display was set up in the middle of the rally, attracting all attendees to the area. Attendees were appreciative of the message and were excited to take yard signs with them. They explained why the message was important to them and their communities, even sharing their own personal experiences. People were also in awe of the inflatable motorcycle and were excited to take pictures in front of it. Overall, there was a great turnout at this event and the message was well received!
On Thursday, September 23rd, the Arkansas Highway Safety office's display was set up promoting the Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign at Pig Trail Harley Davidson in Rogers, Arkansas. The booth was set up next to other vendors for the Rally Off Exit 86 event. Attendees visited the booth to take surveys and discuss the importance of the message. Everyone was appreciative of the message being conveyed and several even took signs promoting the Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign. People also enjoyed the walk the line activity with the Fatal Vision Goggles. The day was enjoyed by all who attended, and the message made a positive impact on the community.
On Friday, September 24th the Arkansas Highway Safety Office had a presence at the Rally Off Exit 86 event, promoting the “Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign. The booth was set up next to the Pig Trail Harley Davidson dealership, making it a heavily trafficked area throughout the day. The inflatable motorcycle was also present at the event, attracting attendees to take photos. At the booth, attendees had the opportunity to try on the Fatal Vision goggles, pick up a “Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles” yard sign and discuss the importance of the campaign. Although some guests did not have enough space to take home a yard sign, they still decided to stop by to show their appreciation for the campaign. Overall, the attendees of Rally Off Exit 86 were thankful for the display and the campaign message being spread in their community.
On Saturday, September 25th, the Arkansas Highway Safety Office had a presence at The Hideout event in Ozark, Arkansas promoting the “Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign. It was a clear and sunny afternoon as hundreds of motorcyclists came out to enjoy the charity rally event festivities. The “Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles” booth was situated outdoors next to the other vendors selling food, clothing, and accessories. At the booth, there were “Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles” yard signs and pens to attendees that stopped by. Guests also had the opportunity to try out the Fatal Vision Goggles.
Share The Road Mini Story: There were a few gentlemen who stopped by to show their appreciation of the campaign with one sharing their personal experience of being in a crash because of a distracted driver.
There was also a couple who were excited to try on the Fatal Vision goggles and see how driving intoxicated affects eye coordination. Overall, the “Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign by the Arkansas Highway Safety Office was well received by the fans that attended The Hideout event.
On Sunday, September 26th, the Arkansas Highway Safety Office had a presence at The Hideout event in Ozark, Arkansas. On this sunny day, the “Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign attracted hundreds of motorcyclists. The booth was next to vendors selling food, clothing, and accessories, so the foot traffic was heavy throughout the day. Attendees could take a yard sign or pen, both of which were a hit from all who stopped by the display. Guests also had the opportunity to try out the Fatal Vision Goggles and walk the line. Attendees showed their appreciation for the campaign and discussed the need in their communities. Overall, the “Share The Road - Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign by the Arkansas Highway Safety Office was well received by the fans that attended The Hideout event.
Photos, Recaps & Stories Submitted by Safety Partner Jason Bennett, Alliance Sport Marketing
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