Facts About Motorcycle Riding
The popularity of motorcycling has increased in the last few years with more than 1.1 million motorcycles sold in 2006, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. The swell in ridership has resulted in an increase in motorcyclist deaths. From 1997’s historic low, to 2006, motorcycle fatalities rose 127 percent. In 2006, 4,810 motorcyclists were killed, up 5.1 percent from the 4,576 motorcyclist fatalities in 2005, marking the ninth consecutive year of higher motorcycle deaths. In addition, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2006. Motorcycle rider fatalities accounted for 11 percent of the total 2006 fatalities, 13 percent of all occupant fatalities and 4 percent of all occupants injured.
More Americans than ever have motorcycles – 6.2 million registered motorcycles are on the road at last count. Commuters across the country, pushed by soaring gas prices and a sagging economy increasingly are turning to alternate means of getting to and from work. While recreational riders have boosted motorcycle sales over the years, more recently riders have discovered that their motorcycle is a good alternative for travel to work, one which often provides access to restricted commuters lanes, easier and less expensive parking, and in many cases a faster commute. Historically, commuters become more interested in “motocommuting”-- using a motorcycle for commuting -- whenever there is a spike in gas prices.
