2021 was another deadly and dangerous year for motorcyclists on Minnesota roadways.
Preliminary data from the Office of Traffic Safety shows 68 people were killed in 1,108 motorcycle crashes last year compared to 64 deaths and 1,000 motorcycle crashes in 2020.
"Traffic safety concerns everybody," said Jay Bock, Motorcycle Safety Coordinator. "That's regardless of the vehicle they're in or the method of transportation they're using."
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With warmer temperatures making their way into the state in the days and weeks ahead, people behind the wheel of automobiles are reminded that simply looking twice could save a life.
"We talk about the same thing with school buses in the fall because we haven't had them on the streets for awhile, the same thing holds true for motorcycles," Bock said. "We continue to ask people to start seeing motorcycles. That's been a campaign for many years."
Bock says the responsibility to stay safe falls on the motorcyclist, too. He urges new and longtime riders to brush up on their skills on yearly basis.
"I think a lot of times it's a new rider profile, but that's not necessarily the case. We have classes that range from novice and new to expert. And anyone in the riding community can benefit from taking those courses."
Part of the critical training, according to Bock, is knowing the level of experience one might have.
"I emphasize that people ride their ride," he said. "Ride within the limitations that they have in their skillset and comfort level. If you're in groups, be patient. Don't over exert yourself. Sometimes it's a long ride and sometimes it's a short ride."