As we get into the middle of summer here on The Island, many of us are doubtlessly trying to make the most of every possible minute of fun. With the omen of falling leaves and the eventual shoveling of driveways that it portends, who can blame us? And what better way is there for those of us with a wild side to enjoy the weather than to roll out our favorite cruiser or sport bike?

There’s nothing quite like saddling up with your buddies for a group ride on a hot August evening. Especially if someone will be firing up the grill at the end of the ride. And then there are the roads. Take your bike out east a bit, and you have some of the best riding country for miles around. No matter what flavor of motorcycling enjoyment you prefer, this is your moment to soak it all in.

But if you ask any New York native who rides, you’ll find one sobering truth. Everyone knows at least one person who has met with an unfortunate fate. As great a place to ride as this may be, it is also one of the more dangerous ones. And the rates of motorcycle accidents, and deaths, has only gone up in recent years.

What many people don’t realize is that motorcycle ridership has actually skyrocketed since the days of the covid pandemic. What was once a pastime in slow decline has seen a revival in recent years, as people took to hobbies that they may have never considered attempting before. This means that there are tons of fresh “squids” out there for the first time, taking their first rides during a time when general automotive crashes have been higher than ever before as well.

By the numbers, it has literally never been more dangerous to be a rider. Some estimates have fatalities up by around 15% since 2019, and approximately 25% since 2010. And these numbers are on the rise all around the country.

If you ask any person who has been riding for any length of time, they’re going to tell you two things that you need to take to heart: Wear your helmet, and don’t drink when you ride. You might say “but I’m a great rider! I’m never going to crash my bike!” In that case, here are two more truths any seasoned vet will tell you: Your first crash isn’t a matter of if, but a matter of when. And that crash is way more likely to be someone else doing you in, than you doing yourself in.

And that brings us around to where we fit into this conversation. In the event that you suffer from an accident out here, there’s a very good chance that it won’t be your fault. If you wear your proper gear, that can easily be the difference between making it out in one piece or not. If you’re sober, you’re far more likely to avoid that accident. And if the worst comes to pass, you need attorneys who know how to get a rider every last bit of the compensation they deserve.