The motorcycle riding season's first fatalities were identified by authorities, who are noting that last year saw a sharp uptick in rider deaths from the previous year.

The Anoka County Sheriff's Office said that Duane G. Bixler, 52, of Fridley, and his passenger, Joni S. Miranda, 48, of St. Paul, were killed midafternoon Monday when their three-wheeled motorcycle went through a red light and collided with a minivan in Fridley at 79th Way and East River Road NE.

Neither rider was wearing a helmet, the Sheriff's Office said. There was no indication that alcohol played a role in the crash. A woman and a child in the van were treated for noncritical injuries.

Bixler has had a number of driving violations over the years, including two convictions since 2011 for failing to observe a traffic signal.

There were 61 people on motorcycles killed on Minnesota roads in 2015, up from 44 in 2014, according to the state Department of Public Safety (DPS).

"It's the time of year when motorcyclists and motorists need to be extra cautious out on the roads," said Bill Shaffer, safety coordinator with the DPS's Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center.

"Riders haven't been out on the road for a few months," Shaffer added, "so it's a good idea for them to take some time to brush up on their skills. Motorists also need to remember to look twice for motorcycles."

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482