Sturgis Starts; Tips to Protect Motorcyclists

MINNEAPOLIS (Aug. 1, 2024) – Friday kicks off the world’s largest motorcycle rally in Sturgis, S.D., about a 9-hour ride from the Twin Cities, which means Minnesota's roadways will be chock-full of bikers headed to the event. More than 8.3 million motorcycles are registered in the U.S. – with more than 200,000 in Minnesota, alone – and there are approximately 30 percent more bikers on the road in July and August than during the rest of the year, per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Whether you choose to get around by two wheels or four, now’s a great time to brush up on motorcycle safety, since we all have the same right to our roadways.

For Motorists
Fundamentally, cars are more dangerous to motorcycles than motorcycles are to cars. That’s why motorists have a special responsibility to take some simple precautions:

• Be extra vigilant on weekends, when more motorcyclists take to the road – and during the 10-day run of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Motorcycles can be difficult to see, so keep a constant eye on the traffic around you, double- and triple-check your blind spots before merging or changing lanes and watch traffic at intersections before turning or pulling out.
   
• Provide motorcyclists adequate room to maneuver. Follow at least three to four seconds behind them. In bad weather, at night, and at highway speeds, give the motorcyclist four to five seconds of following distance.
   
• Allow extra maneuvering room in areas with potholes, pavement transitions, and railroad crossings. Motorcyclists may need to slow down, stop, or adjust their lane position.
   
• Never try to share a lane with a motorcycle. Motorcycles have the same right to lanes as any other vehicle.
   
• Always use your turn signals, so motorcyclists can plan their own maneuvers and protect themselves.  
   
• Be extra careful when turning left at intersections, since motorcycles are more difficult to see as you cross into their lane

For Motorcyclists
One of the most common reasons drivers give for cutting off or pulling out in front of a motorcycle is that they "didn't see it." Bikers can increase their visibility by:

• Keeping headlights, marker and taillights on at dusk and in dark or rainy weather.
   
• Staying three to four seconds behind a vehicle they intend to pass, checking oncoming traffic from the left side of the lane, signaling the intention to turn, and then checking for oncoming traffic before passing.
   
• Remembering ATGATT – “All the gear, all the time.” Wear proper clothing, eyewear, and sturdy, closed-toe footwear. Brightly colored gear will significantly increase visibility. 

Bikers can prevent crashes and injuries by:

• Wearing a helmet. Cars are equipped with multiple safety features designed to protect passengers in the event of a crash. Motorcycles aren’t. Riders without a helmet are 40 percent more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash, and are three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries. 
   
• Slowing down. More than 35 percent of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes were speeding. 
   
• Riding sober. In 2021 motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes had higher percentages of alcohol impairment than drivers of any other motor vehicle type (28% for motorcycles, 24% for passenger cars, 20% for light trucks, and 3% for large trucks). 43% of motorcycle riders who died in single-vehicle crashes were alcohol-impaired.
   
• Identifying oncoming hazards. Uneven road surfaces, debris and slick roads could cause you to lose control of your motorcycle. When riding, be alert. If you come across any of these hazards, ride through at a steady speed. Sudden acceleration, deceleration, or leans could cause the bike to slide out from under you and should be avoided.
   
• Approaching intersections with caution. Intersections are more than just traffic convergence points. They are chaotic, with multiple threats to motorcyclists. Cars could pull out in front of you while you are crossing uneven terrain. Debris could be scattered across the road making it difficult to stop quickly when the vehicle in front of you slams on its brakes. The key is having a plan for the “what if’s” so that you are prepared to make a split-second decision when the need arises.
   
• Taking care of preventative maintenance. Before a ride, it's important to inspect your vehicle. Check the brake lights, fuel level, chain (if applicable), tire pressure, engine oil, horn and clutch. Beyond this, regular service and maintenance are crucial to avoid equipment failure while riding. Your motorcycle is your only protection, so ensure it's well maintained to prevent crashes.

"The late summer offers some of the most stunning opportunities to take to two wheels across Minnesota and our region," said Brynna Knapp, with AAA Public Affairs. "Still, that can mean some very real risks on our roadways, many of which can be avoided altogether through a little extra time, care, and attention. Drivers and motorcyclists alike need to be mindful of everything they can do to protect one another." 

Insurance Tips for Motorcyclists

• Motorcycles aren’t generally covered under standard auto or homeowners policies. You’ll need specialty coverage specific to your bike.
  
   
• With it, you’ll get broader coverage and options, specialized claims handling, and dedicated customer service. You can also score additional discounts if you’re an experienced rider, if you complete training courses, or if you have a membership in a rider association.
  
   
• Policy costs depend on various factors: age, motorcycle type, driving history, and location, all of which can impact costs. Shop around for quotes to get the best price and coverage. Bundle with your auto, home, or renters policies to maximize savings.