LANSING – Motorcycle deaths and the number of registered bikes are on the rise while overall traffic fatalities are on the decline, according to the State Police.  The number of motorcycle accidents increased by 5.5 percent while fatalities have more than doubled from 79 in 2004 to 122 last year. 

Steve Lick, program coordinator for Allegan Intermediate Safety Program, said that the grim trend could be curtailed by tighter restrictions on license endorsement requirements.

“It would be good legislation, but hard to enforce,” said Lick.  “Do officers stop every cyclist to see if they’re endorsed?  You need a reason to stop someone – you can’t just stop someone to see if they have an endorsement.”

To legally operate a motorcycle in Michigan, an operator must be 18, pass a written test at the local Secretary of State office and also pass either a rider skills test by an independent agency or a motorcycle safety course approved by the Department of State or Motorcycle Safety Foundation. 

Lick predicted there would be fewer accidents if more motorcyclists took a safety course instead of simply passing the skills test.

The Allegan program is expected to train more than 600 students this year for motorcycle endorsements.  Demand for classes already exceeds its capacity. 

The course, established in 2001, has been in constant high demand. Lick said 50 to 65 percent of the participants are female.

Since 1998, the proportion of women bikers has increased nationally by 36 percent, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. 

“Women accept better coaching than men, who have ego problems,” Lick said.  “Older guys are more set in their ways and wouldn’t come as much on their own personal time.  That’s my personal observation.”