02-05-2025
Ayotte promotes motorcycle safety, watches State Police demonstration
Sporting a leather jacket, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a proclamation Friday marking May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and watched a demonstration of bike prowess by members of the New Hampshire State Police's motorcycle unit.
Ayotte said she was surprised to learn that in 1937 state troopers used to patrol New Hampshire highways on their own motorcycles.
'They have a great history in terms of our law enforcement,' Ayotte said. 'We welcome New Hampshire motorcyclists and visitors to our state who come to ride safely in the Granite State.'
House Speaker Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, is an avid rider and a founding member of the New Hampshire Motorcyclists' Rights Organization. He has served on national boards promoting two-wheel vehicle safety on the roadways.
This year marks 50 years of involvement in that cause, he said.
Packard saluted Traci Beaurivage, the longtime president of the NHMRO, who also formed a safety task force that she chaired.
'There isn't another group of people in this country who have done as much as they have for motorcycle safety,' Packard said. 'It does make our roads much safer going forward.'
Beaurivage is known for her striking purple hairdo.
'Everyone doesn't remember my name, but they remember the hair,' said Beaurivage, whose Facebook page is called Purple Hair Safety Angels 1. 'Whatever it takes to spread the word out about safety, I will do.'
Imre Szauter is the founder and director of the group's Ride Smart education program that encourages all motorcyclists to take a safety course the Department of Safety offers statewide.
'We want other vehicles to know we are out there, be respectful to other people whether they are in cars, trucks or motorcycles,' Szauter said. 'Please ride smart if you are visiting New Hampshire.'
Others joining the ceremony were State Police Lt. and Special Services Commander Chris Sturm and several troopers; New Hampshire Motor Vehicles Director John Marasco; New Hampshire Motorcycle Rider Training Coordinator Larry Crowe; Dan Bennett, president of the New Hampshire Auto Dealers Association; and Dan Goodman, manager of public affairs and traffic safety with the Automobile Association of Northern New England.
New Hampshire is just coming off April, which was Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
Ayotte named Executive Councilor John Stephen and Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn to lead a task force to make recommendations on how to curb the growing incidence of speeders and impaired drivers.
During a recent ride-along with a state trooper, Ayotte said she saw several pulled over, including one traveling more than 100 miles per hour, who told officers he didn't know he was speeding.
'There are some on our roads going way too fast and they are putting everyone else at grave risk,' Ayotte said. 'I'm committed to getting a handle on this.'
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