Thus far in 2011 there have been 22 deaths of motorcyclists. This is 5 ahead of this time last year. This is a cause for concern as we have already passed the record low of 24 in 1997. But there are many more riders. Experts have been pointing to increased gas prices, overall economics, and the advantages concerning parking as the reason for more riders. Others just point out the joy of getting out on the open road. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety numbers show 112,551 registered riders in 1996, 149,000 in 2002 and 224,625 in 2008 and there are more now more then 230,000.

A past Minneapolis Star Tribune editorial got a number of comments after it made the following suggestions to deal with the increase:

• Increased training of new drivers.
• More emphasis on sober riding.
• The Increased use of safety equipment.
• Drivers paying more attention on the roads.

The discussion about helmets dominated most of the responses. Clearly, this is one there may not ever be an agreement on, but as to the other suggestions, they really make a lot of sense. Every new driver needs to get the all important training that riding a motorcycle isn't like a bike or a car.

As a law firm that represents a large number of riders, we've seen the devastation caused by car/bike collisions. If we can go into the rest of the riding season with an eye to reducing vs. increasing the number of deaths it will make for a much better finish.

I've from time to time, touch on the issues that surround the number of motorcycle deaths on Minnesota roads.

Death on Minnesota Roads: 2010 Motorcyclist Deaths Down and Crashes are Up, Mike Bryant | July 06, 2011 9:17 AM

Buying Motorcycle Coverage in Minnesota, Mike Bryant | May 07, 2011 9:33 AM

Official Numbers For 2009 : Better Numbers Concerning Motorcycle Highway Deaths, Mike Bryant | June 30, 2010 9:11 AM

Minnesota Troop Offers Good Advice For Motorcycle Riders, Mike Bryant | June 04, 2010 7:05 PM

Motorcycle Attacked By A Dog? Is There A Claim? (update), Mike Bryant | May 25, 2010 10:54 PM

European Motorcycle Accident Study Is Worth Reviewing For Riders, Mike Bryant | May 07, 2009 12:07 PM

With The Annual Sturgis Rally coming up this next week, it is important that all of the riders will be looking to make this a safe ride for the rest of 2011. The way to do this:

Is to watch your speed

For bikes and cars to start seeing each other

For riders to be well trained and safety conscience

And no drinking, texting, or talking on the phone while driving.

With a goal for the rest of the season to be safe here are a great list of Sturgis facts from the Examiner:

• In 1976 the average attendee spent $50.

• In 2009 the average attendee will spend more than $1000.

• 1/3 of western South Dakota's motorcycle accidents connected to the event.

• The rally features hundreds of thousands of bare, saggy breasts. And that's just the men.

• Sturgis businesses make 95% of their annual revenue from the rally.

• South Dakota collects approximately $1,000,000 in sales tax from the event.

• The town of Sturgis, population 6,000, adds $200,000 of taxes to its coffers.

• The first rally was in the summer of 1938, and has been in Sturgis every year except during WWII.

• In 2005 a rider was killed by a flying toilet.

• A conservative estimate of beer consumed in the two weeks surrounding the event: 3 million gallons

I've from time to time, touch on the issues that surround the number of motorcycle deaths on Minnesota roads.

Death on Minnesota Roads: 2010 Motorcyclist Deaths Down and Crashes are Up, Mike Bryant | July 06, 2011 9:17 AM

Buying Motorcycle Coverage in Minnesota, Mike Bryant | May 07, 2011 9:33 AM

Official Numbers For 2009 : Better Numbers Concerning Motorcycle Highway Deaths, Mike Bryant | June 30, 2010 9:11 AM

Minnesota Troop Offers Good Advice For Motorcycle Riders, Mike Bryant | June 04, 2010 7:05 PM

Motorcycle Attacked By A Dog? Is There A Claim? (update), Mike Bryant | May 25, 2010 10:54 PM

European Motorcycle Accident Study Is Worth Reviewing For Riders, Mike Bryant | May 07, 2009 12:07 PM

With The Annual Sturgis Rally coming up this next week, it is important that all of the riders will be looking to make this a safe ride for the rest of 2011. The way to do this:

Is to watch your speed

For bikes and cars to start seeing each other

For riders to be well trained and safety conscience

And no drinking, texting, or talking on the phone while driving.

With a goal for the rest of the season to be safe here are a great list of Sturgis facts from the Examiner:

• In 1976 the average attendee spent $50.

• In 2009 the average attendee will spend more than $1000.

• 1/3 of western South Dakota's motorcycle accidents connected to the event.

• The rally features hundreds of thousands of bare, saggy breasts. And that's just the men.

• Sturgis businesses make 95% of their annual revenue from the rally.

• South Dakota collects approximately $1,000,000 in sales tax from the event.

• The town of Sturgis, population 6,000, adds $200,000 of taxes to its coffers.

• The first rally was in the summer of 1938, and has been in Sturgis every year except during WWII.

• In 2005 a rider was killed by a flying toilet.

• A conservative estimate of beer consumed in the two weeks surrounding the event: 3 million gallons

As with the overall motor vehicle numbers, it was great to see less motorcyclist deaths on Minnesota highways in 2010. But, the number of injuries are up.In 2010, there were 1,377 crashes that involved at least one motorcycle. This represents a 4% increase from the previous year.

In 2010, there were 45 deaths which is down from 53 in 2009. Injuries increased 8% (from 1,200 to 1,296). As with motor vehicle deaths the greatest number of deaths are taking place in rural areas of the state.

For safety purposes it is also worth considering that most deaths are taking place in June and between 3 and 5 pm. Of those riders killed 35% tested positive for alcohol. Suggesting that any drinking and riding isn't a good idea. A review of the law enforcement factors for the collisions shows speed playing a big role for the riders killed and inattentive driving as a cause with other vehicles.

In looking at the numbers, a couple of things are clear:

- Don't drink and drive,

- Start seeing motorcycles and their smaller friends the mopeds, and

- and let's make sure all drivers share the road!

As with the overall motor vehicle numbers, it was great to see less motorcyclist deaths on Minnesota highways in 2010. But, the number of injuries are up.In 2010, there were 1,377 crashes that involved at least one motorcycle. This represents a 4% increase from the previous year.

In 2010, there were 45 deaths which is down from 53 in 2009. Injuries increased 8% (from 1,200 to 1,296). As with motor vehicle deaths the greatest number of deaths are taking place in rural areas of the state.

For safety purposes it is also worth considering that most deaths are taking place in June and between 3 and 5 pm. Of those riders killed 35% tested positive for alcohol. Suggesting that any drinking and riding isn't a good idea. A review of the law enforcement factors for the collisions shows speed playing a big role for the riders killed and inattentive driving as a cause with other vehicles.

In looking at the numbers, a couple of things are clear:

- Don't drink and drive,

- Start seeing motorcycles and their smaller friends the mopeds, and

- and let's make sure all drivers share the road!