Motorcycle Riders Foundation Response
| The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is highlighting newly released 2024 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which shows a modest but important decline in motorcyclist fatalities, while reinforcing the need for continued focus on rider safety and education. According to NHTSA, 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in 2024, a decrease of 138 lives or 2.2% from 2023 levels. While any reduction is a step in the right direction, the number remains historically high, underscoring the ongoing risks faced by riders on America’s roads. Motorcyclists continue to represent a significant portion of roadway fatalities, even as overall traffic deaths declined nationwide by 4.3% in 2024. At the same time, the data shows a concerning trend in injuries, with motorcyclist injuries increasing by more than 5% year-over-year. For the MRF, these numbers tell a nuanced story: progress is being made, but serious challenges remain. “Seeing fatalities decline is encouraging, but no one in our community is celebrating,” said MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. “This should be a wake-up call to double down on what works, strong rider training programs and effective licensing systems. If we want to continue reducing deaths, states and the federal government must invest in preparing riders before they ever hit the road.”The MRF also noted that behavioral factors such as alcohol impairment and lack of proper training continue to play a role in crashes involving motorcycles. Rather than pursuing broad federal mandates that could restrict the motorcycling lifestyle, the organization is urging policymakers to focus on targeted, proven solutions. As federal regulators examine these trends, the MRF cautions against policy approaches that may not reflect the realities of motorcycling. While improving safety outcomes is a shared goal, overly broad regulations risk undermining the independence and personal responsibility that define riding in America. The MRF continues to advocate for a balanced path forward, one that prioritizes education, training, and licensing compliance while preserving the freedoms that riders value. As is often the case, MRF Vice President Jay Jackson noted, “A crash that never happens is better than a safer crash.” To achieve this goal, the MRF is committed to reducing crashes and protecting our friends and family members, who make up our community. |
Message from your MRF Rep and Safety & Education State Director: Sherry Hill
While I completely agree with MRF’s stance on safety across the nation, I will add to that statement. Here is Ohio more than the past 3 years running 49% of the time it is OUR fault. Speed is the number one reason and failing to negotiate a curve is second when it comes to reasons for a motorcyclist fatality. WE need to do MUCH better in policing ourselves out on the road. In closing it is not always the other person, it is us. Strive to do better in 2026!
