“ASK A TROOPER” by Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: It seems like I am seeing more motorcycles than ever. Can you talk about their safety?

Answer: Here is some information that was shared on the Department of Public Safety’s blog: https://dps.mn.gov/blog/Pages/20200824-make-every-motorcycle-ride-safe.aspx

“With everything going on in the world today, a motorcycle ride can be the perfect escape. Leave your worries behind, put that helmet on, and head for the open road. Wearing proper protective gear can help keep you safe in case of a crash, but having good riding skills and a strategy can prevent a crash from happening in the first place.

The number of motorcycle fatalities is high this year compared to past years with 42 rider deaths, according to preliminary reports. At this time last year, there were 31 rider deaths. August through fall is prime riding time for many Minnesota motorcyclists.

Here are steps you can take to reduce your risk of crashing:

• Ride sober.
• Wear highly visible protective gear, including a brightly colored helmet.
• Have a good riding strategy for every ride.

Motorcycle training is a great way to develop and improve safe riding skills, but time is running out to register for the Basic Rider Course (BRC) to earn your endorsement. So register now for one of the 22 locations throughout Minnesota. More than 1,300 riders took the BRC in the first two months of the training season, which started the first week of June, and nearly 300 more riders took other MMSC training courses.

There are a limited number of intermediate courses still available too. This course is a great way to practice riding a new motorcycle or riding with a passenger. You can take the intermediate course with a passenger for no additional charge. MMSC offers advanced and expert training courses too, but those have wrapped up for the season. Challenge yourself to take a training course every year or two to keep your riding skills sharp — after all, training can make a huge difference in avoiding crashes. You can find details about all the training courses on the MMSC’s website, including eligibility requirements for each level.

You can register online for the motorcycle training courses that are available through September, but don’t wait. Courses are filling up. If you can’t take a training course this season, follow other safe riding tips to keep yourself and your passenger safe. Happy summer and happy riding!”

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).