Don't Twist The Numbers

The state of Colorado released motorcycle fatality totals for 2008 on April 23, and the news was not good. 98 of our brothers and sisters didn’t make it to 2009.

Normally, calling attention to a climbing death toll is a move towards a bigger step, like a helmet law. And while that certainly could be in the cards in the near future, it seems the state has finally whole-heartedly embraced the idea of rider education and training, as a means to stemming the rising tide of bikers killed on Colorado roads.

Biker activists have been saying this for years, and the state started moving that direction in a noticeable way last year. Now, they look to be moving a little more.

Something else that is noticeable: at the same time the state released its report on motorcycle fatalities, which sounds dire, to be sure (more on that later), state officials rather publicly said that motorists—cagers—need to pay attention a bit more and make an effort to look for motorcycles on the road.

While this has certainly been said before, it seemed this was an attempt to get cage drivers to pay attention more…put down the cell phone or the slurpee or whatever and keep an eye out. The mainstream media largely ignored that part of the April 23 release, but at least the State made the effort, and for that we are thankful.

This report will now be used for all kinds of things that will affect those of us who prefer two wheels. As with any statistical report, figures lie, and liars figure. The numbers that were released can be, and will be, twisted for different uses.

For instance: In 1994, there were 89,897 bikes registered in Colorado. Last year there were 173, 873 - about 6000 short of doubling the 1994 figure. There were 98 deaths last year, and there were 47 in 1994. Again, double that 1994 figure…94. Pretty close to the 2008 figure. The question then becomes is the motorcycle fatality rate really any higher? In number, yes; but in percentages, or per capita, or in relation to the number of bikes on the road? That would be the debate.

Don’t misunderstand one death is too many. We just don’t want to see the numbers twisted to support actions that might not be necessary.

What is necessary is better rider education and training, and more general motorist awareness. And the state of Colorado seems to have realized that and is taking steps to try and make the roads safer for all of us.