ST. PAUL, Minn. (GRAY) – Authorities reported 37 motorcycle fatalities in Minnesota as of May 5, 2026, a significant rise from 24 during the same period last year.
Mike Hanson, Director of the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, indicated the state could see nearly 90 motorcycle deaths by year’s end, a level not seen since the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Hanson and State Senator Judy Seeberger addressed the alarming trend during an awareness event at the Minnesota Capitol, emphasizing the preventability of many recent accidents.
“Just about every accident we’ve seen has been preventable,” Seeberger stated, noting that most fatalities occur during lane changes, turns, or corners.
Hanson detailed that the fatalities are evenly distributed between metropolitan and rural areas in Minnesota, highlighting a statewide issue.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Everyone has a role in it,” he added, urging both drivers and riders to exercise caution.
The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety and local organizations like the Saint Croix Valley Riders provide safety training for motorcyclists, emphasizing the importance of skill development.
Hanson mentioned that, while data is limited, anecdotally, more riders are on the roads due to rising gas prices.
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