In 2023 alone, a staggering 6,335 motorcyclists lost their lives on U.S. roads—fully 15 percent of all traffic fatalities, marking the highest number since at least 1975, (nhtsa.gov, trafficsafetymarketing.gov).

Despite motorcycles accounting for only about 3 percent of registered vehicles, riders made up one in seven traffic deaths last year. This overrepresentation speaks to an urgent crisis: motorcyclists face a deadly risk nearly 28 times greater than passenger car occupants when measured per vehicle mile traveled(nhtsa.gov, trafficsafetymarketing.gov).

When broken down further, the statistics become even more harrowing. In 2023, 41 percent of fatally injured motorcyclists were alcohol-impaired, and more than a third of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved speeding(nhtsa.gov, trafficsafetymarketing.gov). Young riders (ages 21–24) bore the brunt of this trend, with over half of those killed in their cohort speeding prior to the crash. Even with 74 percent of riders wearing DOT-compliant helmets, protective gear alone cannot compensate for inadequate training, poor hazard perception, or a lack of defensive-riding techniques(nhtsa.gov, trafficsafetymarketing.gov).

Since 2015, annual motorcyclist fatalities have consistently exceeded 5,000, but the post–COVID-19 riding boom has driven that number upward, culminating in the 2023 peak(nhtsa.gov). Urban areas have seen fatal crashes climb by double digits, while rural roads—where riders are less likely to be seen—remain deadly(safetrec.berkeley.edu). This dramatic rise isn’t just a series of statistics; it represents thousands of families shattered every year. Without rapid expansion of comprehensive, hands-on training—like that offered by USA Wheelie LLC—countless new riders will be unprepared for split-second decisions that mean the difference between life and death. The time to invest in proven, life-saving instruction has never been more critical.

USA Wheelie LLC was founded to fill a critical void in motorcycle safety training—offering a dynamic blend of in-class instruction and hands-on crash simulation that far exceeds the limited scope of standard DMV courses(usawheelie.us). Guided by seasoned instructors and leveraging cutting-edge technology, our programs equip riders with the defensive riding skills needed to stay calm and make life-saving decisions in split seconds(usawheelie.us). Today, as demand for our trauma-informed, interactive curriculum surges, we urgently seek grant support to expand our training capacity, hire additional staff, and invest in advanced safety technologies—ensuring every student receives the personalized attention and real-world practice necessary to reduce roadway fatalities(usawheelie.us). With this funding, USA Wheelie will transform uncertain newcomers and seasoned riders alike into confident, skilled motorcyclists, creating safer roads and stronger communities across Eau Claire and beyond.