New York City and State Governments Start Engines for New Efforts to Increase Motorcyclist Safety, Including Increased Law Enforcement by the New York City Police Department (NYPD), New Training Programs and greater public awareness.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the rate of accidents involving motorcycles has only grown.
In 2023, deaths from this specific type of accidents in the Big Apple reached record levels, most involving unregistered units or unlicensed drivers.
Last year, 55 motorcyclists died in fatal accidents, of those deaths, only 13 had a license to drive and only 20 of the motorcycles involved were properly registered.
While records of road deaths for other reasons have remained stable to date, injuries to two-wheel motor drivers increased by 33 percent in 2024, with 728 injuries reported so far, compared with 548 during the same period last year.
It is mandatory: license and registration
Please note that New York Vehicle and Traffic Law requires that all motorcycle drivers have a valid Class M (motorcycle) license. It is confirmed that it is not legal to operate a motorcycle with a Class D (passenger vehicle) license.
Additionally, all motorcycle registrations expire annually on April 30.
Although all motorcycle licenses can be renewed online, up to one year after they expire, it is always against the law to drive an unregistered vehicle.
“While New York City has seen positive trends in traffic fatalities declining since the end of the pandemic, including a record decline in pedestrian fatalities, motorcycle fatalities remain high and continue to be a serious challenge for public safety,” reinforced Ydanis Rodríguez, commissioner of the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT).
The NYPD Traffic Task Force will increase the number of highway safety awareness initiatives, including additional Community Council briefings at police stations in all five boroughs.
Additionally, a safety information graphic will be shared through NYPD social media accounts, as well as photos of various educational and law enforcement initiatives. Car drivers will also be periodically reminded to change lanes carefully.
Your motorcycle can be confiscated
Officers will remind motorcyclists to always obey the rules of the road and be properly licensed and registered in the state.
“Driving recklessly, not using appropriate safety equipment, or using machines with inadequate maintenance can expose motorcyclists to arrests and citations, and the confiscation of their units,” spokespersons for the Uniformed Police highlight.
NYPD personnel will also routinely conduct safety inspections and briefings, prior to all officially authorized and permitted motorcycle rides throughout the city.
“It is vital that every time a driver takes to our streets, they understand that they are taking charge of their own safety and the safety of everyone else,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban.
Be aware of motorcycles
Among the recommendations that will be reinforced for car drivers, it is called to remember that motorcycles share the roads during all seasons, but especially during the spring and summer months, when driving is most popular.
The basic advice is to never turn quickly in front of an approaching motorcycle, as it may be traveling faster than it appears.
The campaign that begins this spring encourages checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
10 basic rules for motorcyclists:
- Always wear a DOT approved helmet and eye protection. ‘Novelty helmets’ do not offer protection in the event of an accident. In fact, it is illegal to use them on New York roads.
- Always use high quality riding equipment. Designed to protect the cyclist during a fall. This includes over-the-ankle boots, full-fingered, padded gloves, plus jackets and pants with armored protection at impact points.
- If you are preparing to cross traffic or turn left, look twice to make sure it is safe to continue.
- Slow down, take your time and maintain control of the motorcycle.
- Leave adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Observe and obey all traffic laws and signs.
- Wear high visibility vests, clothing with reflective elements and accessories to increase your visibility to other drivers.
- Make sure the lights and horn are working and both mirrors are adjusted.
- Check that your tires are properly inflated and have the legal tread depth.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
More information and prevention:
- For more details on this safety campaign visit: NYC DOT – Motorcycle Safety
- The DMV offers a complete guide for motorists at: New York DMV | Motorcycle Manual: Motorcycle Licenses, Ownership, Special Rules (ny.gov)