PORTLAND — Last year was the deadliest in decades for Oregon motorcyclists and the death toll for 2016 is matching that pace.
The Oregonian/OregonLive reports 31 motorcyclists died on Oregon roads through July 7, putting the state on pace to match the 60 deaths from last year.
Older riders comprise a growing share of motorcyclists in fatal crashes. In 2004, 18 percent of riders killed were 55 or older, but that increased to 39 percent in 2014.
A spokesman a motorcycle training program based at Oregon State University says that’s partly a demographic shift. Patrick Hahn says fewer young people are riding and baby boomers aren’t giving it up.
