New York City saw a record high of 55 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in 2023. To address this concerning trend, the Commissioner of NYC’s Department of Transportation, Ydanis Rodriguez, along with Philip P. Rivera, Chief of the Traffic Division of the NYPD, and representatives from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and advocacy groups, held a press conference at the NYPD headquarters on May 3. They promoted the “Vision Zero” initiative and urged motorcycle riders to register their vehicles, wear helmets, and obey traffic rules for safe riding.
Despite a decrease in pedestrian deaths in 2023, the number of motorcycle rider fatalities reached an all-time high of 55 in New York City. Shockingly, only 13 of the riders held valid licenses, and only 20 of the involved motorcycles were properly registered. Rodriguez stressed the importance of registering motorcycles with the DMV before they hit the road.
Under New York State vehicle and traffic laws, all motorcycle riders must possess a valid Class M (motorcycle) license. Riding a motorcycle with just a regular driver’s license is illegal. Additionally, motorcycle registrations expire on April 30 every year.
Chief Rivera of the NYPD Traffic Division urged riders to master their riding skills, hold valid motorcycle licenses, and register their vehicles. These measures ensure not only the safety of riders but also of all New Yorkers.
Inspector Louron Hall, in charge of the Highway Unit of the NYPD Traffic Division, advised riders to maintain their motorcycles properly, choose models that fit them well, conduct pre-ride inspections, wear certified helmets, and gear up appropriately. Hall cited research showing that helmeted riders have a three times higher survival rate in accidents compared to those without helmets.
Regarding accidents on highways in 2023, 11 fatalities were reported, showing a slight upward trend compared to 2022. Despite the stable overall traffic fatality rate since the beginning of the year, injuries among motorcycle riders in 2024 increased by 33%, with 728 injuries reported compared to 548 during the same period last year.
On Saturday, May 4, from 10 am to 2 pm, the New York City Motorcycle Advisory Council will collaborate with the NYC Department of Transportation and the NYPD to host a four-hour motorcycle skills practice session at Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island. This event aims to provide motorcyclists with a safe environment to enhance their riding abilities on a closed track.