Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week okayed by Milw. leaders

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It was June 30th of this year when a tragic motorcycle accident took the life of Vinencia Dawson.

During her vigil just days later, loved ones felt the pain of this all too common problem.

"You could see the frustration and the tears on their face wishing that something would be done because this just can't continue," says Peace for Change Alliance President Tracey Dent

According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, in 2011, there were more than 2,300 motorcycle crashes across the state.

Recognizing this issue, Dent proposed having Milwaukee host a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Day.

"It's just alarming to hear that you almost have 3,000 accidents state-wide and we have no safety awareness events," says Dent.

Dawson's family and Alderwoman Milele Coggs supported the proposal.

But the Milwaukee Common Council revised the resolution to make this effort last a week instead of just a day.

"It was more than we were even asking. The family was overwhelmed, I am overwhelmed and pleased," says Dent.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week passed the Common Council unanimously.

"The city is taking it seriously, the police will take it seriously, the riders will take it seriously because they are tired of losing their fellow riders," says Dent.

The campaign will take place the first week of May, promoting motorcycle safety through education and awareness with the goal of saving lives.

State Senator Lena Taylor recently heard about this initiative.

She is currently working on drafting a bill to take Motorcycle Safety Awareness Week to the state level.