In recognition of May as Motorcycle Awareness Month, State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro (R-Hanover Park) announced passage of HB2980, a bill she sponsored to modernize and expand Illinois’ motorcycle safety education system.

“Every Illinoisan should be able to access high-quality motorcycle safety training no matter where they live,” said Sanalitro. “This bill strengthens our approach by improving access, accountability, and safety for riders statewide.”

An Illinois lawmaker wants driver education teachers to spend more time warning beginner motorists to be on the lookout for motorcycles.

Under a proposal by state Rep. Tom Bennett, R-Gibson City, teachers would be required to incorporate more time behind the wheel to helping students learn about motorcycle safety.

Bennett, a freshman member of the House who is not a motorcycle rider, said he drafted the legislation to ensure students understand their surroundings when they are operating a vehicle.

"This is a concern raised by the constituents in my district," Bennett said. "I think I've ridden a motorcycle one time

"We've often heard motorists say, `I hit him but I didn't see him,'" Bennett said. "We'd like to get a little more focus on that." Read more in the Southern Illinoisan.