As National Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Month kicks off in May, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind all road users that safety is a shared responsibility, whether you’re driving a car or riding on two wheels.
Bicycles are legally considered vehicles in Alabama, meaning bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists. At the same time, drivers must treat bicyclists with the same care and respect as any other vehicle on the roadway. Awareness, patience and mutual respect are critical to preventing crashes and saving lives.
Motorcycle safety remains a serious concern across the state. In Alabama, 2024 marked the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in the past decade, with 125 lives lost, an increase from 92 in 2023 and 95 in 2022. While serious injuries saw a slight decrease in 2024 (1,138 compared to 1,178 in 2023), the data underscores the ongoing risks riders face. Notably, individuals ages 20 to 24 experienced the highest number of motorcycle crashes and injuries.
Nationally, NHTSA reports there were 31.39 motorcyclist fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2023, compared to 1.13 fatalities for passenger car occupants, highlighting the increased vulnerability of motorcyclists.
Alabama law requires all motorcycle operators and passengers to wear a properly fastened, DOT-approved helmet. Failing to do so is a misdemeanor offense punishable by fines up to $100 and up to 180 days in jail. More importantly, helmets save lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head injury by 69 percent.
Bicycle safety is equally important. In 2024, Alabama recorded eight cyclist fatalities and 181 injuries, compared to 11 fatalities and 171 injuries in 2023. The majority of bicycle crashes, 86 percent, occurred on urban streets, while 14 percent took place on rural routes. Data also shows that individuals ages 41 to 50 experienced the highest number of injuries, while fatalities were most common among those ages 51 to 60.
ALEA encourages all motorists, motorcyclists and bicyclists to take simple but critical steps to stay safe:
• Obey all traffic laws and speed limits.
• Never drive or ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Stay focused and avoid distractions behind the wheel or handlebars.
• Yield to motorcyclists, especially at intersections.
• Increase visibility by wearing bright or reflective gear.
• Always wear a DOT-approved helmet when riding a motorcycle.
• Consider completing a certified motorcycle rider education course.
“Every time you get on the road, you’re making choices that affect not just your safety, but everyone around you,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. “A few extra seconds of awareness can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy.”
Throughout the month of May, ALEA will continue working with local and state partners to promote education, enforcement and outreach efforts aimed at reducing crashes and protecting lives across Alabama.
For more information on bicycle and motorcycle safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov.
**Stats in this release were provided by the Center for Advanced Public Safety (CAPS) and Drive Safe Alabama. These stats reflect data from Trooper-investigated crashes as well as local law enforcement agencies.
