SRES-740-119
Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2381; text: CR S2380-2381)
Sponsored by Gary Peters (D-MI)
What it does
This resolution expresses the Senate's support for designating May 2026 as "Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month." It does not create law, appropriate funds, or establish any regulatory requirements. It encourages motorcycle safety education, proper rider training and gear, and awareness among all road users.
Who benefits
The approximately 30 million Americans who ride motorcycles annually, who may benefit from increased public awareness of motorcycle safety. Road safety advocacy organizations and motorcycle industry groups such as the Motorcycle Industry Council, whose safety messaging receives congressional endorsement. NHTSA, whose existing Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month campaign gains formal Senate recognition. All road users who may benefit from reduced motorcycle crash rates.
Who is hurt
No group faces a direct material harm from this resolution. There are no mandates, spending changes, or regulatory burdens created. Opponents of symbolic congressional resolutions may object to the use of Senate floor time for non-binding measures, but no specific group bears a concrete cost.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that motorcyclists face disproportionate fatality risks — NHTSA data cited in the resolution shows 46% of two-vehicle fatal crashes involving motorcycles occur when another vehicle turns left into the motorcycle's path, a preventable scenario. They contend that raising public awareness through a nationally recognized month has measurable safety value, as similar awareness campaigns have been linked to increased helmet use and rider training enrollment.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that non-binding resolutions consume limited Senate floor time without producing enforceable policy outcomes, and that motorcycle safety would be better addressed through direct funding for NHTSA safety programs or mandatory training requirements. They contend that symbolic designations may create the appearance of action while substituting for substantive legislative measures that could more directly reduce the motorcyclist fatality rate.
Constitutional context
No significant constitutional issues are raised by this resolution. It is a non-binding expression of Senate sentiment and does not invoke Commerce Clause authority, delegate rulemaking power to any agency, or impose any regulatory burden that would trigger scrutiny under West Virginia v. EPA (2022) or Loper Bright v. Raimondo (2024).
Checks and balances
The Senate expresses a non-binding opinion; no branch gains or loses authority, and no executive agency receives new powers or mandates under this resolution.
Historical precedent
Congress has passed similar motorcycle safety awareness resolutions in prior sessions, including designations of May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in multiple Congresses, making this a routine commemorative action.