FARGO — The rate of motorcycle deaths in North Dakota is more than triple that of neighboring Minnesota, according to preliminary state data.
Between January and June 2025, 20 people died in motorcycle crashes in Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. In the same period, the North Dakota Department of Transportation reported 10 motorcycle deaths.
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That puts Minnesota’s motorcycle fatality rate at 0.35 per 100,000 people, while North Dakota’s rate stands at 1.2 per 100,000 people.
Minnesota’s numbers are trending downward, while North Dakota’s are trending upward.
A local motorcycle safety instructor said education is the most important tool to prevent crashes.
“The thing with our program is we educate to try and help people understand ways to not be involved in crashes. So it’s not so much about you have to wear a helmet. It’s more about being educated in ways to ride safely,” said Margie Hohnadel, motorcycle safety instructor with ABATE of North Dakota.
Hohnadel also said riders can help reduce risk by wearing brightly visible clothing such as neon helmets, vests and jackets.
Kjersti Maday joined WDAY as a reporter in May of 2024. She is a native of Granada, Minnesota and graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2015.
