Motorcycle Safety as Rally Turns 86

The largest motorcycle gathering in the world, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, is currently operating at full throttle in Sturgis, South Dakota. 

This year marks the 86th annual event that takes place from Aug. 7–16, drawing around 500,000 visitors annually with live music, rides, and races. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2024, there were 6,228 motorcyclists killed equating to 16% of all traffic fatalities in the US. NHTSA data show that this is one of the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975.

A good rule of thumb recommends a two second following distance or more to allow drivers time to react should a motorcycle operator have an incident. In inclement weather a three to four second follow time may be required.

With an estimated half a million riders attending the rally, many have been riding through Sheridan and Johnson Counties. During a past appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Wyoming Highway Patrol Captain Erik Jorgensen urged drivers to be aware of the increased motorcycle traffic in the region. 

Capt. E. Jorgensen

The NHTSA data shows that per vehicle miles traveled fatality rate in 2024, motorcyclists were almost 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were almost 5 times more likely to be injured. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination, and good judgment. The WHP Captain also urged riders to be cautious while in tight corners on mountain roads. 

Capt. E. Jorgensen

Learn more about motorcycle safety by clicking here. Learn more about the 86th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally by clicking here.