TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Motorcycle safety is important for every driver and rider.
The City of Topeka told 13 NEWS the city has seen only one reported motorcycle crash in 2025 so far.
KDOT reported that, in 2024, Kansas had 54 people die and more than 850 were injured in crashes involving motorcycles.
A few extra steps before hopping on could be the thing that prevents any more from happening.
“Whenever someone gets lost in a motorcycle accident, you always wonder how it could have been prevented,” Cycle Zone Powersports General Manager Randy Chenoweth said.
Kansas law requires eyewear for most motorcycle riders unless you have a 10-inch windshield.
The state also says riders under 18 must wear a helmet, but Cycle Zone Powersports recommends everyone wear a helmet and brighter colored clothes to be cautious.
“The old saying in the motorcycle industry, ‘don’t dress for the ride, dress for the slide,‘” Chenoweth said. “You never know when you’d have to put your bike down to make an evasive maneuver, so you need to have the proper safety gear on to be prepared for that.”
Drivers need to always watch their surroundings.
“The big thing people need to understand is cars are not going to see them all the time,” Chenoweth said. “They need to not take the chance that they have made eye contact with the driver of the car and they may not be seen. They need to ride over.”
As a passenger, they have another rule that applies before you head down the road.
“Passengers need to hang on, you never know when the driver might have to take evasive action to brake, accelerate, or something to get away from a situation, so they need to be paying attention as well.”
They also recommend taking motorcycle S.M.A.R.T. safety classes. You can sign up HERE.
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