FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 4, 2026) – Warmer weather means there are more ways Kentuckians may choose to travel on state roadways. Whether riding, biking or driving, Team Kentucky urges everyone to stay alert, look twice and share the road to keep all travelers safe.
“Let’s all do our part to make our roads safer by sharing them with those traveling on motorcycles or bicycles,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Safety is a shared responsibility and looking out for each other can save lives.”
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind all road users to work together to help prevent crashes, injuries and deaths on Kentucky roadways.
While motorcycles and bicycles have the right to use most roadways, they are typically much smaller than other vehicles in the traffic stream. As such, a motorcycle or bicycle may be in a larger vehicle’s blind spots.
In 2025, Kentucky recorded 1,490 motorcycle crashes, resulting in 1,092 injuries, and 114 deaths (109 were motorcyclists.) Compared to 2024:
- 175 fewer crashes (10.5% decrease)
- 143 fewer injuries (11.6% decrease)
- 8 more total deaths (7.5% increase)
- 3 more motorcyclist deaths (2.8% increase)
- 72 fewer multi-vehicle crashes (8.0% decrease)
There were 465 crashes involving bicycles, resulting in 305 injuries and 10 fatalities. Compared to 2024, bicycle crashes and injuries have increased in 2025; however, Kentucky’s total fatalities are down by two from 2024.
“Be aware of your surroundings. Looking twice and knowing who is near you can save a life,” said Transportation Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “When changing lanes, turning, or traveling on the road, ensure no one is in your blind spot.”
One way Team Kentucky is working to keep motorcyclists safe is through the RideSmartKY program. Administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Office of Highway Safety and overseen by the Motorcycle Safety Education Commission, the program was established in 1992 to help both new and experienced riders stay safe on Kentucky roadways.
With 11 training centers across the state, motorcycle riders can enroll in courses ranging from basic to advanced. Successful completion of a course waives both the written and skills tests required to obtain a motorcycle endorsement.
Whether you ride, pedal, or drive, we all have a role to play in making our roadways safer.
The KOHS offers the following tips for drivers:
- Be aware: Put your phone down and eliminate all distractions.
- Check surroundings: Regularly check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or entering intersections.
- Signal intentions: Use turn signals to communicate your actions.
- Respect all road users: Maintain a safe following distance, give adequate space when passing and do not obstruct bike lanes.
- Drive responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Obey speed limits to better identify and react to potential hazards, drive sober and always wear a seat belt.
The KOHS offers the following tips for motorcyclists:
- Stay safe and visible: Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and brightly colored protective gear with reflective elements. Position yourself in the lane where you are most visible to other drivers.
- Be aware: Maintain focus on the road and traffic at all times.
- Signal intentions: Use turn signals and hand signals for every maneuver.
- Ride responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Obey speed limits to better identify and react to potential hazards and always ride sober.
- Take a rider training course: Find information on classes at ride.ky.gov.
The KOHS offers the following tips for bicyclists:
- Stay safe and visible: Always wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commissionstandards and brightly colored protective gear with reflective elements.
- Be aware: Maintain focus on the road and traffic at all times. Scan ahead for possible obstacles in your path, such as parked cars or cars pulling out or into parking spaces or driveways.
- Signal intentions: Use hand signals when changing lanes or turning.
- Ride responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Ride in the same direction as traffic and always ride sober.
- Check equipment. Make sure your brakes are working and tires are properly inflated before riding.
For more information visit https://bikesafeky.com/ and ht
