Accidents involving motorcyclists and bicyclists are notoriously dangerous to the riders involved. Too many of these incidents are the result of negligence or unpreparedness on the part of the passenger vehicle, which consequently is both heavier and more powerful than the two-wheeled vehicles involved. In an effort to increase awareness and safety for all types of vehicles on the road, Michigan legislators recently passed a new law that would make motorcycle and bicycle safety education a mandatory element of driver’s education training.

Nathan’s Law, now referred to as the Nathan Bower Act, passed in the Michigan Senate and House on Thursday, October 2. The law which requires that driver education courses in Michigan include lessons on bicycle and motorcycle awareness and safety is now on it’s way to the Governor’s office for signing into law.

The law was proposed in memory of Nathan Bower, who died on May 6, 2009, at age 19 after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his motorcycle in Brown City only a few miles from his home.

Lisa Cook-Gordon, a friend of the Bower family suggested the bill and has been in touch with my office for the last few months (requesting we post on our Facebook page) is extremely pleased that a curriculum will now be in place to teach young drivers more about motorcycle and bicycle awareness. “This is the first step to saving more lives.”