Motorcycle Fatalities In Minnesota On Near-Record Pace This Year

On this date in 2025, there had been 13 motorcycle deaths on June 24th for the year. As of today, for the year 2026, there have already been 32 motorcycle deaths on Minnesota roads.

BENTON COUNTY MOTORCYCLE SAFETY 

The Benton County Sheriff's Office recently took to social media to update people on just how deadly this season has been so far:

 

This has been a difficult year for motorcycle fatalities. Last year at this time, there were 13 recorded motorcycle fatalities. This riding season, Minnesota has experienced 32 motorcycle fatalities. All of us have a part to play in reducing this number. Riders must ride cautiously and defensively, anticipating other drivers may not see their bike. Always wearing proper safety apparel will put the odds in your favor as well. Drivers of the 4 wheeled variety need to be expecting motorcycles on the road being watchful for motorcycles at intersections, when changing lanes, and in traffic. Together, we can make the road safer for everyone.

NEW LAWS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS IN MINNESOTA 

New laws are on the books this year in Minnesota that allow motorcyclists to 'lane split' and/or 'lane filter.' Lane splitting allows a biker to pass a vehicle in the same lane as long as their speed is under 25 mph, while lane filtering allows motorcyclists to move through stopped traffic.

KSTP spoke to Minnesota Department of Public Safety Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson, who told the outlet that his department has not found a direct link between the new laws and the increased number of motorcycle fatalities so far in 2026.

LACK OF TRAINING 

Instead, Hanson says new riders without proper safety training appear to be a big factor in the increase, adding that they are 'operating their bikes too fast for their skills or the roadway at that particular point.'

The KSTP story notes that the highest number of motorcycle fatalities in Minnesota history was 82 deaths in 2022, while the lowest number was 44 in 2019. This year, Minnesota is on pace for 65 motorcyclist fatalities.