As thousands of motorcycle riders hit the roads this weekend for the annual spring ride along the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers, the Albert Lea Police Department and Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office will ramp up patrols on Saturday for motorcycle enforcement. To help reverse a deadly trend in motorcycle crashes, law enforcement officers are urging motorists to stay alert and motorcyclists to ride safely.

The enforcement falls against a backdrop of 72 rider deaths in 2008, the most in 24 years, and a record number of motorcycles on the road.

Minnesota has reached an all-time high in motorcycle ownership — 225,000 motorcycles are registered in the state, an increase of 100 percent in the last 12 years. Last year in Freeborn County, one rider was killed and another eight were injured in motorcycle crashes.

Several agencies belonging to the South Eastern Safe & Sober Law Enforcement Coalition will direct patrols from Forest Lake to Winona.

Nineteen agencies will participate in the campaign, including the police departments of Bayport, Cannon Falls, Cottage Grove, Fillmore, Forest Lake, Goodview, LaCrescent, Lake City, Mower, Oakdale, Oak Park Heights, Plainview, Red Wing, Rice, Stillwater, St. Charles, St. Paul Park, Wabasha, Winona and Woodbury. Participating sheriff’s offices include Goodhue, Wabasha, Washington and Winona Counties. The Albert Lea Police Department and Freeborn County Sherriff’s Office will focus their efforts within Freeborn County on roadways motorcyclists are highly expected to travel.

Around half of all motorcycle crashes involve another vehicle, usually at intersections.

According to Albert Lea Police Lt. J.D. Carlson, “The river run weekend brings thousands of motorcycle riders back to the roads. Motorists need to be prepared for and aware of riders — give them space and look twice before crossing traffic or turning.”

Carlson added that because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles, it can be difficult for motorists to judge their speed and distance.

He said the start of the riding season can also be a challenge for riders, as motorcycle skills get rusty during the off-season. Riders are advised to take safety training, wear protective gear and ride smart.

“The four most common factors in motorcycle crashes are speed, inexperience, inattention and alcohol,” Carlson said. “Those things are completely within control of the rider.”

Last year, one-third of riders killed in crashes had been drinking alcohol.

Motorcycle safety training for beginners and experts is available April through September in Minnesota. Safety information and riding tips are available at www.motorcyclesafety.org.

Carlson also stressed wearing proper riding gear: eye protection, helmet, boots, gloves, jacket and long pants.

“Riders should wear bright colors and position themselves carefully to make themselves more visible to other drivers,” he said.

Tips and information to increase visibility are available at www.HighViz.org.