Dear Governor of Pennsylvania,

As concerned citizens and motorcyclists, we urge you to reconsider the use of oil and chip on roads in Pennsylvania. This method of road maintenance has proven to be unsafe for motorcyclists and poses a significant risk to their safety.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle fatalities have increased by 5.1% in 2020, with over 5,000 deaths reported nationwide. In Pennsylvania alone, there were 170 motorcycle fatalities in 2019.

Oil and chip is a cost-effective way to maintain roads but it creates an uneven surface that can be hazardous for motorcycles. The loose gravel can cause loss of traction, leading to accidents that result in serious injuries or even death.

As responsible citizens, we believe that the safety of all road users should be a top priority. We urge you to consider alternative methods such as asphalt paving or seal coating which provide a smoother surface and are safer for motorcyclists.

We understand that budget constraints may limit your ability to implement these changes immediately but we hope that you will take steps towards phasing out oil and chip from road maintenance plans over time.

We urge you to take action now before more lives are lost on our roads due to unsafe road conditions caused by oil and chip maintenance methods.

Sincerely,

James L Rice II