BOISE — With warmer days bringing more motorcycles to Idaho’s roads, May marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month; a time to highlight the importance of safe driving and riding practices. The Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety (ICMS), in partnership with the Office of Highway Safety (OHS), invites riders and drivers alike to stay alert and help prevent crashes.
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, riders are invited to the Motorcycle Awareness Rally at Sandy Point, Lucky Peak State Park (9723 ID-21, Boise). The event begins at 10 a.m. with an escorted ride to the Idaho State Capitol at 1 p.m., followed by a community BBQ at Kristen Armstrong Municipal Park hosted by the Christian Motorcycle Association.
Recent crash data from 2023 reveals concerning trends:
• 609 motorcycle crashes, up 11% from 2022
• 39 motorcyclist fatalities, a 38% increase from the previous year
• 86% of riders involved in crashes were injured
• 44% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved only the motorcycle
• 21% of fatal motorcycle crashes involved impaired riders
• 82% of motorcyclists killed were 30 or older, and more than half were over 50
• Helmet use among riders 18 and over in crashes remains under 67%, despite Idaho law requiring it only for those under 18
“These are more than statistics. They’re lives lost, families grieving,” said Lane Triplett, ICMS member and longtime safety advocate. “Motorcycles are less visible and less forgiving. A second glance can save a life.”
“The increasing number of motorcyclist deaths is very concerning and as Idahoans, we look out for one another,” said OHS Motorcycle Safety Coordinator Jillian Garrigues. “We can all do our part to make our roads safer. Drivers can watch out for motorcyclists, riders can improve their skills through training, and all of us can respect speed limits and ride and drive sober.”
Safety Tips
For drivers:Check your blind spots, watch for motorcycles when turning or changing lanes, and give riders plenty of space.
For riders: Wear a helmet, ride sober, and keep your skills sharp through regular training.
Triplett adds, “Safety doesn’t take the fun out of riding. It keeps the ride going.”
Learn more about safe riding practices and upcoming safety events at www.idahostar.org or follow OHS on social media.