# Kentucky urges 'look twice' for motorcycle, bike safety in May  
**Published:** 2026-05-05T04:36:19.000Z  
**Source:** [NKY Tribune](https://nkytribune.com/2026/05/may-is-motorcycle-and-bike-safety-awareness-month-look-twice-and-share-the-road/)  
**AI-generated:** yes (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001)  
**Canonical:** https://feeds.lexingtonky.news/article/kentucky-urges-look-twice-for-motorcycle-bike-safety-in-may

As warmer weather brings more motorcycles and bicycles onto Kentucky roadways, state officials are urging drivers, riders and cyclists to work together to prevent crashes and save lives.

May is [Motorcycle and Bike Safety Awareness Month](https://nkytribune.com/2026/05/may-is-motorcycle-and-bike-safety-awareness-month-look-twice-and-share-the-road/), and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Office of Highway Safety is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to promote safer roads for all users.

"Safety is a shared responsibility and looking out for each other can save lives," Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement. "Let's all do our part to make our roads safer by sharing them with those traveling on motorcycles or bicycles."

The need for heightened awareness is clear from recent data. In 2025, Kentucky recorded 1,490 motorcycle crashes resulting in 1,092 injuries and 114 deaths—109 of them motorcyclists. While crashes and injuries decreased from 2024, motorcycle fatalities rose slightly, with 3 more motorcyclist deaths recorded compared to the previous year.

Bicycle safety also remains a concern. There were 465 bicycle crashes in 2025, resulting in 305 injuries and 10 fatalities, according to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety.

The challenge stems from motorcycles and bicycles being much smaller than other vehicles, making them more likely to disappear into larger vehicles' blind spots. [The state's RideSmartKY program](https://ride.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx), established in 1992, works to educate both new and experienced riders on safe practices. With 11 training centers across Kentucky, riders can enroll in courses ranging from basic to advanced, with tuition at $150 or less.

The Kentucky Office of Highway Safety recommends drivers eliminate distractions, regularly check mirrors and blind spots, use turn signals, maintain safe following distances, and obey speed limits. Motorcyclists should wear DOT-compliant helmets and brightly colored gear with reflective elements, while bicyclists should wear properly fitted helmets and use hand signals.

"Be aware of your surroundings. Looking twice and knowing who is near you can save a life," Transportation Secretary Rebecca Goodman said. "When changing lanes, turning, or traveling on the road, ensure no one is in your blind spot."

## Sources

- [NKY Tribune](https://nkytribune.com/2026/05/may-is-motorcycle-and-bike-safety-awareness-month-look-twice-and-share-the-road/)
- [RideSmartKY motorcycle safety education program](https://ride.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx)

---

This article was generated by AI (claude-haiku-4-5-20251001) based on source material from NKY Tribune, enriched with 3 web searches. The original source is available at https://nkytribune.com/2026/05/may-is-motorcycle-and-bike-safety-awareness-month-look-twice-and-share-the-road/.