You've no doubt seen the signs around....

Introduced in 1982 by Bob Doiron of Moultonboro, New Hampshire this phrase has become the motto for motorcycle safety and awareness.

For those that don't know March 22^nd through April 30^th is also Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Period in Massachusetts. As per Massachusetts General Law, Governor Deval Patrick signed a proclamation to this effect.

Please remember to watch for not only motorcyclists but also bicycles who'll be sharing the roads as the weather gets warmer.

Excerpt from the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association's press release

“Safety & Education is a critical part of the MMA's mission”, commented Dave Condon, MMA Chairman, “the 2010 Proclamation is crucial to our vision of working closely with the Commonwealth to assure that the roads of Massachusetts are safer for all motorists, especially Motorcycles.”

“The Safety Awareness Period seems to work”, added Doc D'Errico, MMA Safety & Education Director. “Road signs and Radio spots seem to help alert motorists to Motorcycles and the accident and fatality rates are significantly lower in the early part of the season. It's our mission to continue to drive that awareness throughout the short Motorcycle season in Massachusetts.”

Won't you take a moment to share this and spread the word? Together we can help raise awareness and reduce accidents.

I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by. But, you didn't see me, driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children. But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you, stare at my long hair. But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves. But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere. But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be. But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car. But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road. But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you, race down the road in the rain. But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time. But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.

I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in. But, you didn't see me, leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass. But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you, go home to your family. But, you didn't see me. Because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker. A person with friends and a family. But, you didn't see me.