May raises awareness when it comes to sharing the road with motorcyclists.
Ohio State Highway Patrol New Philadelphia Post Lt. Johnnie Maier says riding can be enjoyable but with over 20,000 motorcycle-involved wrecks in the state over the last five-year, safety is paramount.
“Riding is a responsibility of all drivers, and we need to consider those motorcycles out on the roadway. For those in motor vehicles and cars, we need to make sure that we’re looking over our shoulder, we’re checking our blind spot, we’re looking for those motorcycles cause they’re a smaller vehicle. They’re not as visible.”
Riders should also take additional steps.
“It’s very much about proper gear. Always wearing protective padding, reflective gear that’s very helpful to the other motorists. Making sure they’re riding within their skill level and a lot of times that means following the speed limits that we have posted, and they also need to keep safe distance from those vehicles around.”
For motorcyclists, wearing proper gear can help protect in the event of an accident. Wearing a helmet should also be considered.
“Ohio law does not have a law requiring riders to wear a helmet. Some riders might fall into what we would call the novice license. Novice permit to ride and those novice riders are required to wear a helmet.”
Helmets are required for riders under 18 years.
OSP’s crash dashboard data indicates that, so far in 2025, Tuscarawas County has had five motorcycle-related crashes, one was fatal.
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