Across Canada, people ride motorcycles for both transportation and recreation. According to Statistics Canada's vehicle registration data, the number of motorcycles registered for on-road use grew 2.7% from 729,687 in 2017 to 749,306 in 2020, with the 2019-to-2020 period observing the lowest annual increase (+0.2%) when compared to each of the two previous years (+1.2%). While these vehicles are an increasingly popular form of transport, there is associated potential for injury and death for riders. According to Transport Canada, 242 motorcycle and moped riders (i.e., drivers and passengers) died in 2020. This is the highest number of deaths recorded in over 20 years and a 24% increase from 195 deaths in 2019. Previously, the number of motorcycle-related deaths fluctuated by less than 17% year to year. The rise from 2019 to 2020 may in part be explained by the increase in number and rate of motorcyclist deaths among riders aged 25 to 39 years and 60 to 79 years. While many steps have been taken to reduce harm to Canadian motorcyclists, such as legislation, safety programs, driving courses, and safety features for both motorcycles and motorcycle gear, riders continue to be considered vulnerable road users. Representing 2% of road users, motorcyclists account for over 10% of all road user deaths.
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