DOVER, Del (Sept. 9, 2026) — The Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) announced the launch of two motorcycle-safety-focused campaigns today during a press event at Blue Collar Custom Cycles in Frederica, Delaware. One campaign seeks to reach Delaware drivers with safety tips for sharing the road with motorcyclists, while the other provides safety recommendations for motorcycle riders.

The annual Delmarva Bike Week welcomes more than 100,000 riders and motorcycle enthusiasts to Ocean City, Maryland, between Wednesday, Sept. 9, and Sunday, Sept. 13. Since OHS and law enforcement representatives expect an uptick in riders traveling through the state of Delaware, they urge both motorists and riders to remain cautious on Delaware roads to avoid traffic crashes and fatalities — now and during the rest of the year.

“As a former rider myself, I know how exciting it is to gather with fellow riders for events like Delmarva Bike Week,” said Sharon Bryson, director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “We welcome everyone traveling through Delaware this week, but we want everyone to make safety a priority. Riders should stay alert, ride responsibly, and make themselves visible. Motorists need to remember that more motorcycles will be sharing the road. Take an extra look before changing lanes or making a turn, avoid distractions, and give riders the space they need to travel safely.”

Rider Traffic Statistics in Delaware

• In 2025, there were 17 motorcycle fatalities in the state of Delaware. So far in 2026, a total of 15 motorcycle fatalities have occurred (as of Sept. 2, 2026).
• Between 2021 and 2025, there were 97 motorcycle fatalities in Delaware. Of these fatalities, 56 riders were wearing helmets, 34 were not, and seven were unknown. Six of the fatalities were passengers.
• From 2021 to 2025, helmet usage was at 58% in Delaware.
• From 2021 to 2025, there were 403 “intersection” and “intersection-related” crashes involving motorcycles. Of these crashes, 42 were fatal and 361 resulted in personal injuries.
• From 2021 to 2025, 42% of fatal motorcycle crashes occurred at intersections, where visibility and awareness of motorcycles are especially important.
• Saturday and Sunday are the most common days for motorcyclist-related crashes, representing 40% of all crashes from 2021 to 2025.
• From 2021 to 2025, 75% of crashes occurred between the months of April and September.

Reminders and Tips for Motorcycle Riders

Gear up with real-rider essentials — every time you roll out.

• Wear a Department of Transportation–approved helmet.
• Wear protective goggles, riding glasses, or a face shield.
• Wear a leather, sturdy denim, or reinforced-fabric jacket with back, elbow, and shoulder pads.
• Wear leather or reinforced-fabric gloves with upper-hand protection.
• Wear leather, sturdy denim, or reinforced-fabric pants with knee pads.
• Wear motorcycle-type or heavy work boots.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Pre-Ride Checklist

• Tires: Check air pressure, wheels, brakes, and spokes.
• Controls: Check levers, hoses, cables, and throttle.
• Lights and electrical switches: Ensure all are working properly.
• Oil and fluids: Check oil, coolant, and hydraulics. Look for leaks.
• Chassis: Check drivetrain, chain, and suspension. If you add a passenger, adjust accordingly.
• Side stand (kickstand): Ensure the spring and stand operate reliably.

Reminders for Delaware Drivers (Motorists)

• Watch out for motorcycles. Look out for the people riding them.
• Keep a safe distance when behind a motorcycle.
• Check your blind spots and then check them again.
• Look before you turn.
• Remember, your car can kill.

During the press event, Steven Baker, owner of Blue Collar Custom Cycles, offered his perspective on the current rider environment in the state.

“To the rider community, do your part in keeping our roads safe,” said Steven Baker. “Make yourself visible, follow the speed limits, keep your hands on the handlebars, and your eyes on the road.”

For more information about motorcycle safety in Delaware, including tips for both riders and motorists, visit ArriveAliveDE.com/Respect-The-Ride.

About the Delaware Office of Highway Safety
The Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is committed to improving the safety of Delaware’s motoring public by focusing on behavioral traffic safety issues such as impaired driving, seat belt use, speeding, child passenger safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, and teen driving issues. FAQs can be found at ArriveAliveDE.com. Follow OHS on the Delaware Office of Highway Safety website, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

Media Contacts:

Caitlin Reed, caitlin.reed@delaware.gov

302-744-2746

Taylor Wright, twright@abccreative.com

302-220-9800

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