WMBCTV: Uptick in NJ Motorcyclist Fatalities Sounds Alarm for Motorcycle Safety

New Jersey roads have become increasingly dangerous for motorcycle riders. Local police say they’re seeing the consequences firsthand now during peak riding months - responding to more serious motorcycle crashes with a number of fatalities in nearby towns including East Rutherford, Woodcliff Lake and Little Ferry.

“Unfortunately we had one about a month ago. It was a fatality and motorcycles are dangerous,” said Chief James Walters, Little Ferry Police Department.

Liz DiGennaro is the VP AND GM of Bergen County Harley Davison and she says she’s been riding motorcycles for decades and that the roads feel more dangerous now than ever before.

“For riders, you have to expect that that car is not going to see you and they are going to pull out in front of you,” said Liz DiGennaro, Vice President & General Manager, Bergen County Harley-Davidson. “This is what we say in the motorcycle world, your head has to be on a swivel. For cars, I would say get off your phone because that is the biggest issue that motorcyclists have is that people are driving and texting and holding their phones in their hand and bikes move quickly and they don't see us.”

This rise in serious motorcycle crashes across the state is drawing renewed attention to safety on the roads. Law enforcement and motorcycle advocates are urging greater caution for drivers and motorcyclists alike as peak riding season continues. 

“In this state, you have to wear a helmet.You can't just order one online, you could but it's not going to fit you properly,” said Liz DiGennaro, Vice President & General Manager, Bergen County Harley-Davidson. “We have experts here that will fit you properly. It can't be too loose, it can't be too tight. There's a specific way you have to wear a helmet. Nine times out of 10, I wear a light leather jacket when it's hot out so this way your skin is protected and over the ankle boots. People don't always like to ride that because it is a little hot but I'd rather be a little hot than have an issue.”

Advocates also say a critical part in rider safety is taking riding lessons whether you’re a new rider or a veteran rider who’s planning on taking the bike out again.

“A lot of people, once they had kids and then they haven't been riding in like 20 something years while the kids are growing up and going to college, I think you should take that course again unless you’ve been riding in the dirt and off road, then you don't really need to but it's just a great refresher course,” said Liz DiGennaro, Vice President & General Manager, Bergen County Harley-Davidson.

With more riders hitting the roads in the summer months, both police and motorcycle advocates say awareness is key. They’re urging drivers to check their blind spots and give riders space - and they’re reminding motorcyclists to gear up, stay alert and never underestimate the importance of training. In a year marked by rising fatalities, the call to make safety a shared responsibility is becoming louder.