COEUR d'ALENE - About 70 motorcyclists on Saturday braved the pouring rain and chilly temperatures and cruised down Sherman Avenue and beyond as part of a motorcycle parade to celebrate Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Before the parade, the American Bikers Aimed Toward Education sponsored a pre-ride rally at the Kootenai County Courthouse here.

"It went pretty good for pouring down rain," said Norman Burch, coordinator of the ride. "It usually makes a greater impression when people see more bikes. This was the least we've ever had."

He said he's been part of the event for nine years.

Burch, 48, of St. Maries, said about 70 bikes participated, down from about 300 last year.

"There weren't that many people on the sidewalks this year" watching the parade, also because of the pouring rain, he said.

The motorcycle riders left the courthouse and traveled to the annual Cataldo Swap Meet and Antique Bike Show, which is put on by the Northwest Classic Motorcycle Club, Burch said. The show is at the Mission Inn in Cataldo.

The pre-ride rally at the courthouse featured speeches from politicians and from David Dickson, Idaho STAR statewide site manager. Idaho STAR is a motorcycle safety program, and STAR stands for skills training advantage for riders.

The Idaho Transportation Department has partnered with Idaho STAR and Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety to encourage drivers to be more aware of motorcyclists.

Throughout this month, motorists will be reminded to be extra alert and cautious of motorcycle riders on Idaho highways, the transportation department said.

Thirty-four motorcycle fatalities occurred in Idaho last year, which was an increase from 29 in 2008.

For Idaho, the economic cost of crashes involving motorcyclists was $285 million in 2009, according to state statistics.

The top five contributing circumstances for motorcycle crashes are failing to yield, inattention, improper turns, following too closely, and alcohol and drug impairment, the transportation department said.