In a little over a month it’ll be tough to find a parking spot in downtown Johnstown.  The streets will be filled with motorcycles for Thunder in the Valley, but before it kicks off officials are issuing a few safety reminders.

“It brings hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists into the area, so we just want to make sure that we are proactive,” says PennDOT District 9 safety press officer Anthony Scalia.

In 2015 there were 139 more motorcycle crashes according to PennDOT, but it was also a 10-year low for motorcycle fatalities.  Officials are looking to lower the statistic as we head into this riding season.

“Drivers want to make sure they keep their eyes focused on the roadway and pay attention.  If they’re at an intersection, look both ways.  Make sure they do not tailgate motorcyclists because they cannot stop as quickly as some other vehicles.”

They also have a few tips for the hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists that will be in town for Thunder in the Valley.  PennDOT says they want everyone to have a good time, but make sure they are not speeding, are paying attention, and that they are scanning the roadways for any potential debris.

“We also want to let motorcyclists know that whether they are beginners, long-timer riders, or even people that are just thinking about getting into the sport, there is a free training program for state residents through the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety program.”

That training is going on through September.  To further encourage folks to stay safe Motorcycle Awareness Day will be this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Zepka Harley Davidson in Richland Township.

“We would just like to have everyone come out and participate because May is Motorcycle Awareness Month and maybe learn something new that they didn’t know,” Todd Bridges, Cambria County ABATE president says.