Deaths rise among older motorcyclists

State statistics show an increase in fatalities among Utah motorcycle riders ages 45 and older.

Utah Department of Public Safety motorcycle program safety manager Derek Miller says biker fatality trends typically reflect a younger demographic.

In 2008, the average age of those killed in motorcycle accidents was 36.1 years.

In 2009, only four of 24 motorcyclists killed in accidents through August were younger than 45. The average age of the victims rose to 49.5 years.

Nine people were killed in August alone. Eight of those were 46 or older.

Motorcycle safety instructor Dan Terry says most older riders now getting licenses either never previously rode a motorcycle or are rusty after decades without a bike.

"A lot of them are paying with their lives," said Terry, who teaches at Salt Lake Community College and is a longtime rider.

Anyone who hasn't ridden a motorcycle in a long time will overestimate his or her skills, Terry said. Many of his students are returning after 20 or more years out of the saddle. He said many need reminders about staying alert for other motorists or wildlife and should practice cornering and swerving.

Miller said the fatality increases among older riders have prompted his division to retool its safety campaigns. A billboard campaign can't be implemented until January, he said, but state employees will start spreading the word at gatherings for older crowds.

Only two of the riders killed through the end of July had completed a state-sanctioned motorcycle training course, said Kurt Stromberg, education coordinator with the Utah Driver License Division. Both of those had been licensed for less than two years.

Two other riders who died had held motorcycle licenses for a month or less and neither had taken a safety course, Stromberg said.

The state has not compiled data to show what percentage of new riders are in various age groups.