Media Advisory: Agencies Join Together to Urge Drivers and Riders to “Share the Road”

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security is teaming up with the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, the Motorcycle Awareness Foundation of Tennessee, Walk/Bike Nashville and several other agencies to promote May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and National Bicycle Month. A “Share the Road” festival (www.sharetheroadtennessee.com) and media event will be held Saturday, May 21, 2011, at Scoreboard Bar and Grill in Nashville. The media event is scheduled for 5 p.m.

 

WHO:   Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Governor Highway Safety Office, Motorcycle Awareness Foundation of Tennessee, Motorcycle Rider Education Program, Tennessee Truckers Association, AARP Senior Driver’s Course, Tennessee Operation Lifesaver, Tennessee Bikers Education Association & Rider’s Edge Program.

WHAT:  “Share the Road” Festival

WHEN:  Saturday, May 21, 2011

            Festival begins - 2 p.m. CDT

            Media Event – 5 p.m. CDT

            Motorcycle Riders depart various locations in Tennessee to Nashville: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: Scoreboard Bar and Grill

              2408 Music Valley Drive

           

More than 500 motorcyclists are expected to attend the festival featuring a bike show with a “Best of Show” prize, Police Rodeo Riders and Stunt Riders, as well as a THP Motor Unit demonstration. Information on motorcycle rider courses around the state will also be made available. The event will also have live bands and a DJ, as well as a jump house and slide for children. Nationwide, 2009 was the first year motorcyclist fatalities decreased since 1997. Last year, preliminary data indicated the number of motorcyclists killed in crashes on Tennessee roadways increased from 122 in 2009 to 138 motorcycle fatalities in 2010.