HRES-367-119
Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
Sponsored by Tim Walberg (R-MI)
What it does
This resolution would express the House of Representatives' support for designating May 2025 as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month." It would formally recognize motorcycles as a valuable part of the transportation system, encourage motorcycle safety education and training, and support the goals of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's existing awareness campaign. The resolution carries no legal force, creates no new programs, and appropriates no funds.
Who benefits
The approximately 30 million Americans who ride motorcycles annually, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council, would receive symbolic federal recognition of their safety concerns. Motorcycle safety training organizations and instructors may benefit from increased public attention to their programs. Motorcycle industry manufacturers and retailers could benefit from positive congressional framing of motorcycling. Road users broadly may benefit if the resolution increases public awareness of sharing the road with motorcyclists.
Who is hurt
No group faces a direct material harm from this resolution. There are no regulatory burdens, spending redirections, or legal changes. Competing awareness causes not recognized by Congress in a given month receive no direct harm, though they receive no comparable recognition either.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that motorcyclists face disproportionately high fatality rates compared to passenger vehicle occupants, making public awareness campaigns a low-cost, high-visibility tool for reducing road deaths. They contend that congressional recognition amplifies the NHTSA's existing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month campaign, encouraging more riders to seek proper licensing and training and reminding all motorists to share the road — steps that could reduce the outsized crash fatality rate motorcyclists face.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that symbolic resolutions consume limited congressional floor time and resources without producing measurable safety outcomes, and that fatality statistics cited in the bill reflect a need for substantive legislative action — such as funding for safety programs or infrastructure changes — rather than a non-binding proclamation. They contend that without accompanying appropriations or regulatory directives, the resolution is unlikely to materially change rider behavior or motorist awareness in ways that reduce crash rates.
Constitutional context
No significant constitutional issues are raised by this resolution. It is a non-binding expression of congressional sentiment and does not invoke Commerce Clause authority, delegate rulemaking power to any agency, or impose any legal obligation on any party.
Checks and balances
The House of Representatives expresses a symbolic position; no branch gains or loses authority, and no enforcement mechanism exists because the resolution creates no legal obligations.
Historical precedent
Congress has passed similar commemorative motorcycle safety resolutions in prior sessions, including in the 115th and 116th Congresses, consistent with a long-standing pattern of annual awareness month designations.