FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 1, 2025) – Team Kentucky reminds everyone that as the weather warms up, more people will be out on the roads. Whether you ride, pedal, or drive — look twice and share the road.

 

“Safety is a mutual responsibility on our roadways,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Let’s all do our part in making sure everyone makes it to their destination safely. Please, slow down and look twice for folks on bikes and motorcycles.”

 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind all road users to work together to help prevent crashes, injuries and deaths on Kentucky roadways.

 

A motorcycle or bicycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and responsibilities of any motor vehicle; however, as one of the smallest vehicles on the road, a motorcycle or bicycle may be in a vehicle’s blind spots.

 

“The simple act of looking twice can be the difference between life and death for a motorcyclist or bicyclist,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “Be aware of your surroundings and others around you when changing lanes, turning, or traveling down the road.”

 

In 2024 there were 1,665 crashes involving motorcycles in Kentucky, resulting in 1,235 injuries and 106 deaths (106 motorcyclists). Of those crashes, 904 involved a motorcycle and at least one other vehicle.

 

Team Kentucky is committed to continuing our efforts to improve accessibility and safety for everyone,” said Secretary Gray. “Whether you ride, pedal, or drive — we all have a role to play in making our roadways safer. A moment of attention can save a life.”

 

The KOHS offers the following tips for drivers:

 

  • Be aware: Put your phone down and eliminate all distractions.
  • Check surroundings: Regularly check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or entering intersections.
  • Signal intentions: Use turn signals to communicate your actions.
  • Respect all road users: Maintain a safe following distance, give adequate space when passing and do not obstruct bike lanes.
  • Drive responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Obey speed limits to better identify and react to potential hazards, drive sober and always wear a seat belt.

 

The KOHS offers the following tips for motorcyclists:

  • Stay safe and visible: Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and brightly colored protective gear with reflective elements. Position yourself in the lane where you are most visible to other drivers.
  • Be aware: Maintain focus on the road and traffic at all times.
  • Signal intentions: Use turn signals and hand signals for every maneuver.
  • Ride responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Obey speed limits to better identify and react to potential hazards, and always ride sober.
  • Take a rider training course: Find information on classes at ride.ky.gov.

 

The KOHS offers the following tips for bicyclists:

 

  • Stay safe and visible: Always wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards and brightly colored protective gear with reflective elements.
  • Be aware: Maintain focus on the road and traffic at all times. Scan ahead for possible obstacles in your path, such as parked cars or cars pulling out or into parking spaces or driveways.
  • Signal intentions: Use hand signals when changing lanes or turning.
  • Ride responsibly: Adhere to traffic laws. Ride in the same direction as traffic and always ride sober.
  • Check equipment. Make sure your brakes are working and tires are properly inflated before riding.

 

For more information visit https://bikesafeky.com/ and https://www.ridesafeky.com/.