Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety

There were 5 bicycle-related fatalities and 74 incapacitating injuries in Massachusetts in 2005. In 2005, bicycle incapacitating injuries were highest in May, June, and August, respectively.

The 10 - 14 year old and 35 - 44 year old age groups experienced the highest number of incapacitating injuries and nearly four times as many males as female bicyclists suffered incapacitating injuries. Over 50% of all bicycle incapacitating injuries occurred between 1pm and 5pm.

Massachusetts law requires bicyclists to adhere to all applicable motor vehicle laws (for instance, come to a full stop at a stop sign before proceeding). Massachusetts law was updated in January of 2009 now requiring children 16 years of age and under, who operates a bicycle (or who rides as a passenger on a bicycle), skateboard, in-line skates, or scooter on a public way or bike path to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. This law requires approved helmets to have a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission certification sticker.

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's Highway Safety Division (EOPSS-HSD) recommends that all bicyclists and passengers wear a helmet.

To encourage bicycle safety, the EOPSS-HSD supports community-based bicycle safety programs, offers trainings and conferences, and provides public information.

• 2009 Moving Together Conference

  October 14, 2009 in Boston, MA

  Bicycling and walking are becoming increasingly visible and important across the Commonwealth and across the country. This day-long annual statewide bicycling and walking conference will feature up-to-date workshops and exhibits focused on improving bicycling and walking conditions locally, regionally, and statewide. The conference will take place at the Courtyard Boston Hotel on 275 Tremont Street, Boston, MA.

  The conference registration fee is $50 ($60 at the door) and includes workshops, conference materials, continental breakfast, and lunch. Please note that registration is limited so register early to secure your place. For more registration information, please contact Baystate Roads at (413) 545-2604 or register online at www.baystateroads.org/mt/mt2009.

  This event is sponsored by the Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, MassHighway, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Public Health, the Highway Safety Division, and the Federal Highway Administration.

  
  
   

• Massbike: a non-profit organization that promotes bicycling for transportation and recreation
• City of Boston’s Bicycle Program

Motorcycle Safety

In 2005, there were 54 motorcycle fatalities and 374 motorcycle-related incapacitating injuries.

The Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP) is administered by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation website provides information on motorcycle safety efforts across the country.