Sharp surge in deaths at outset of motorcycle riding season in Minnesota

Motorcycle riders in Minnesota — where an early blooming of spring made riding more enticing — are dying at a higher rate so far this riding season, according to the latest data from the state.

Since motorcyclists got back on the roads in earnest this spring, there have been 11 rider deaths through Wednesday, with four of those occurring since Saturday.

That tally equals the number of motorcycle deaths at that time in 2014 (1), 2013 (3) and 2012 (7) combined, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The 11 fatalities through Wednesday is the highest total at that point in the riding season on record dating to 1994, the DPS said. There were 10 at that time in 2003.

With an early arrival of pleasant spring weather, "we have had more riders on the road, and can expect through the rest of summer and fall [that] motorcyclists will be out," said State Patrol Lt. Tiffani Nielson.

Nielson, who says she's been a regular motorcycle passenger and intends to get her operator's endorsement this summer, said riders can help their own cause by "wearing protective and reflective clothing, wearing helmets, and never mix alcohol with riding."

Of the 11 riders who have died this season, seven were not wearing helmets, according to state statistics. Helmets are not mandator for riders in Minnesota.

Nielson emphasized that drivers of all vehicles, not just those with two wheels, share responsibility for motorcyclists' safety.

"Every driver plays a role in preventing crashes, regardless of the vehicle they operate," she said. "Being alert, checking blind spots frequently, fully stopping at stop signs to be certain there are no vehicles that are difficult to see due to visual obstructions, are simple ways to keep everyone safe."

Megan Matthews, spokeswoman for the state's Motorcycle Safety Center, said preliminary reports show that factors "in several of the crashes this year [include riders] speeding, losing control, negotiating curves."

Matthews said motorcyclists need to "brush up on their skills early in the riding season. Take a training course. There are courses for novice and experienced riders." For course information, visit http://bit.ly/1E9yJN9.

The age breakdown of those killed on motorcycles so far this year, according to the DPS: seven over 45, two in their late 30s and two in their early 20s.

A pickup turning left at a four-way intersection collided with a motorcycle heading the other way, killing rider Dale S. Rolfes, 52, of Rice, Minn. The other crashes since Saturday occurred in Sauk Centre Township, St. Francis and Le Sueur County.