Press Release  Ahead of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period, MassDOT Reminds All Motorists Roadway Safety Is a Shared Responsibility

Ahead of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period, MassDOT Reminds All Motorists Roadway Safety Is a Shared Responsibility  

Operators urged to wear visible clothing, obey speed limits 

Vehicle drivers reminded to “look twice” when changing lanes and turning 

Statistics show 71 motorcycle operator deaths in Massachusetts in 2024 – more than 20% higher compared to 2023 

BOSTON – As spring weather sets in, Governor Maura Healey has signed a Proclamation, designating the period of March 23 through April 30, 2025, as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Period.  In addition, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is raising awareness for motorcyclist safety, reminding all travelers that roadway safety is a shared responsibility, that vehicle drivers should look twice for motorcycles when pulling out onto roads and changing lanes, and motorcycle operators should be visible and obey the rules of the road. 

“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we urge everyone to stay especially vigilant when driving or riding near motorcycles,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Motorcyclists and their passengers are more exposed and vulnerable than those in cars, making it critical for all road users to follow traffic laws and remain aware of their surroundings to help keep everyone safe.”  

“For motorcycle enthusiasts, riding can be an exhilarating leisure activity, but it demands safety precautions from everyone on the road,” said Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “Everyone riding needs to wear their protective gear and should opt for clothing that is easily visible to motorists. Operating a motorcycle also requires a specific type of license, so make sure you have that taken care of before going out on the road, and be sure to look into the Massachusetts Rider Education Program, which is designed for riders of all levels.” 

Data on MassDOT’s crash data portal, IMPACT, shows there were 71 motorcycle operator fatalities across Massachusetts in the year 2024, which represents a 22% increase from 58 fatalities in 2023. Additionally, in 2024 there was one motorcycle passenger fatality. Motorists and other members of the public are encouraged to access the interactive data portal, to see where different types of crash incidents have taken place and how the data compares from year to year.    

Motorcyclists face an increased risk of severe injury and death when crashes occur. The two most common roadway fatality crashes are single-vehicle crashes that involve a motorcycle driver failing to negotiate a curve in the road, and crashes involving a left-turning vehicle striking a motorcycle.

Motorcyclists are encouraged to be prepared and participate in educational training courses that are offered through the state-sponsored Massachusetts Rider Education Program (MREP). The program seeks to increase rider skills and safety on the road by providing quality rider education and training to both novice and experienced motorcycle riders. The program is specifically designed to assist riders of all levels and to promote the safe operation of motorcycles.  

Waiver courses include Basic Rider Course, Basic Rider Course 2, Returning Rider - Basic Rider Course, and 3 Wheel - Basic Rider Course.  MREP also offers additional non-licensing courses for motorcyclists that already have their motorcycle license. 

The RMV has published a series of PSA “At Home” motorcycle safety videos which highlight 14 licensed motorcyclists who are MassDOT employees sharing their riding experiences and discussing common safety problems facing motorcyclists on roadways. The interviews have safe driving tips, suggestions for motorcycle training, mention the dangers posed by vehicles making unsafe left turns, and include the slogan: “RIDE SMART.”  The motorcyclists say riding smart includes taking your time, being bright and visible, anticipating, and riding cautiously.  One interviewee states that motorcyclists are not “invincible.” The videos can be found on MassDOT’s YouTube channel: MassDOT Motorcycle  Safety PSA. 

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