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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration Kicks Off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month on the Eastern Shore

Press release |

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A group of people gather around motorcycles holding signs that say "Share the road with motorcyclists"
Administrator Nizer was joined by Ken Eaton of ABATE Maryland as well as Delegate Barry Beauchamp and Maryland motorcycle riders.

SALISBURY, Md. – The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) today kicked off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month on the Eastern Shore. During the event Friday at the agency’s Salisbury branch office, MVA Administrator Chrissy Nizer was joined by ABATE of Maryland and Delegate Barry Beauchamp to recognize May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The event supports the Department’s Serious About Safety initiative to protect lives and further bend the curve on roadway fatalities and serious injuries. In Maryland, motorcyclists account for 2.4% of total injuries but account for nearly 10% of all fatal traffic crashes. This disparity underscores the heightened vulnerability of motorcyclists on the road and demonstrates the need for increased driver awareness and safer interactions with motorcycles.

“The biggest mistake riders make is overestimating their skills and underestimating the risk they face out on the road. Motorcycle riders have less to protect them from the elements and the actions of others,” said Administrator Nizer, who also serves as Governor Wes Moore’s highway safety representative. “Practicing safe riding and constantly being aware of your surrounding are critical factors for rider safety.”

Last year, Maryland saw a nearly 50% decline in motorcyclist fatalities, with 48 deaths compared to 90 in 2024. This significant progress reflects Maryland’s ongoing commitment to safety. Through its Serious About Safety initiative, the MVA has implemented targeted programs, outreach and enforcement efforts designed to reduce crashes, prevent injuries and save lives on roads across the state.

Beginning this month, and through September, the agency will offer FAST TRACK Licensing for motorcyclists. FAST TRACK option allows riders to take Class M learner’s permit knowledge test and riding test the same day, without a learner’s permit or 14-day waiting period. The process encourages proper licensing and training for motorcycle riders, which enhances rider safety, skills and confidence. MVA’s Highway Safety Office has registered a record-number of students for its Maryland MOTORS (Motor Officers Teaching Other Riders Safety) motorcycle training courses taught by experienced motor officers across the state.

MVA will hold two other Motorcycle Safety Awareness events this month in Western Maryland and Southern Maryland.

Schedule

10 a.m., Wednesday, May 6, 2026
MVA Hagerstown Branch Office
18306 Col. Henry K Douglas Dr.
Hagerstown, MD 21740

9 a.m., Wednesday, May 27, 2026
MVA Loveville Branch Office
27351 Point Lookout Rd.
Leonardtown, MD 20650