This year though, close to 40 people have died in motorcycle accidents in our state.

Mark Moody bought his first bike a year ago. He took a safety course and got the required endorsement on his license. Unfortunately, not every rider does that.

"It's a mode of transportation and while it's a lot of fun it does require a number of precautions and safety measures," Moody said.

State Trooper Kirk Rudeen said 36 percent of all motorcycle fatalities in our state are drivers who did not have an endorsement.

Ian King, who's been riding more than three decades and served on the governor's task force for motorcycle safety this year, said 86 percent of the riders who died in 2004, had no motorcycle safety training.

"I think that even experienced riders should continue to practice their skills," King said.

State patrol reports registrations up only 60 percent, while fatalities are up 89 percent, and king says that's yet another reason to take safety courses.

"It's the uneducated rider out there who's finding himself getting into trouble," King said.

Regardless of your age or skills, education is key.

One of these motorcycle safety courses, may be what you're looking for: www.dol.wa.gov
www.roadriders.org