Скачать или смотреть Bike Blessing 2011

By Jackie Bartz
Channel 2 News

3:40 p.m. AKDT, May 7, 2011
ktuu-anchorage-park-strip-motorcycle-season
...ANCHORAGE, Alaska—
Today hundreds of bikers gathered at the Park Strip to celebrate the upcoming summer and to remind drivers they are no longer the only ones on the road.

May is Motorcycle Awareness month in Alaska, and today hundreds of motorcycle enthusiasts kicked off the riding season with the annual "Gathering and Bike Blessing." The event is hosted by Anchorage City Church and ABATE of Alaska. Motorcyclists had the opportunity to have pastors bless their bikes before the upcoming season.

"Any extra help with some of the crazy drivers on the road, I'm not turning that down," said David Ellis, who had his bike blessed for the first time.

"I do this every single year," said motorcyclist Robin Brandt. "It's always risky out there, so you want to make sure you are covered."

With more than a thousand bikes lining the Park Strip, the event aims to remind drivers that they are not the only ones on the roads.

"I think the big thing is being aware of your surroundings, so you're paying attention before you change lanes," said Pastor Richard Irwin, with Anchorage City Church.

According to the Alaska Department of Transportation, there were 10 motorcycle related fatalities in Alaska in 2010.

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