The number of registered motorcycles in Utah is growing and since year 2000 have almost quardrupled to 80,000.  The last time there were this any where as many bikes on Utah roads is back in 1984 when there was about 68,000.  I do not know about you but I sure see a lot more bikes out on the road.

So why are there so many motorcycles?  I think there are various reasons.  First of all gas is expensive.  The last surge in motorcycle registrations was when gas prices spiked sharply back in the 1980's.  People that commute are opting to use motorcycles and scooters to save on gas.  Second is that people are much more concerned about the environment.  Motorcycles use less gas and therefore emit less noxious chemicals into the air we breath.  The third reason there are more bikes is babyboomers.  They are discovering that motorcycling is a great way to recapture their youth, have some fun and meet great people.  The Utah Department of Public Safety states that motorcycle riders now account for one out of every nine U.S. road fatalities each year, with motorcyclist deaths from traffic crashes rising each of the last nine years. Utah has shown an upward trend in the motorcycle serious injury and fatality rate, mirroring the national numbers.

One would think that with the sharp rise in motorcycle registrations that deaths from motorcycle crashes would also be growing at a like rate.  That is simply not the case.  Yes, motorcycle deaths are increasing with the number of registered motorcycles on the road but they are increasing at a slower rate.

As a matter of fact the number of motorcycle deaths per number of registered motorcycles is actually dropping.  Why is that - what are we doing that is successful in reducing the number of motorcycle deaths?  One of the primary ways that we are successful at decreasing motorcycle deaths in Utah is becasue of the outstanding job done by the Utah Highway Safety Office.  They are speaking to the people that ride bikes in innovative ways and taking advantage of technology to spread the message of safety.  For example you can follow the Utah Highway Safety Office on line at facebook.

People that ride motorcycles are also becoming educated by taking motorcycle rider training offered throughout the state and even seasoned riders are going back to rider school.

We can make a difference is we all just slow down and watch out for each other.  That goes for motorcycle riders and drivers of vehicles as well.  Become educated, take a motorcycle safety class and ride aware.  Most of all be safe and have fun out there - after all isn't that what riding is all about?

Utah Bike Law is a law firm dedicated to representing injured motorcycle riders and their families. If you or a loved one were involved in a motorcycle crash in Utah we invite you to call for a free confidential consultation. There is no obligation and you are not charged any fees whatsoever unless we recover money for you.

We represent motorcycle riders and their families across Utah including the counties and cities of Beaver, Box Elder, Cache, Carbon, Daggett, Davis, Duchesne, Emery, Garfield, Grand, Iron, Juab, Kane, Millard, Morgan, Piute, Rich, Salt Lake, San Juan, Sanpete, Sevier, Summit, Tooele, Uintah, Utah, Wasatch, Washington, Wayne, Weber, American Fork, Beaver, Bountiful, Brigham City, Cedar City, Delta, Draper, Duchesne, Fillmore, Heber, Kamas, Kanab, Kaysville, Layton, Lehi, Logan, Moab, Murray, Nephi, Ogden, Orem, Park City, Price, Provo, Richfield, Riverton, Roy, Salt Lake City, Sandy, South Jordan, St. George, Tooele, Vernal, West Jordan, and West Valley City.

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