The Road Safety Authority (RSA) in Ireland has published a new report, highlighting the significant risks faced by motorcyclists on Irish roads and the urgent need for all road users to share the road safely.

The report shows that between 2021 and 2025; 117 motorcyclists lost their lives and a further 954 were seriously injured in road traffic collisions.

Motorcyclists accounted for 14% of all road fatalities and 12% of all serious injuries during this time. For every motorcyclist killed, approximately eight others suffered serious injuries.

Of particular concern, 2025 recorded the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities, 30, since 2007, when 33 motorcyclists were killed.

The report identifies several key trends:

  • The largest proportion of motorcyclist fatalities occurred among those aged 46–55 years.
  • Of the 117 motorcyclists killed, 116 were male and one was female.
  • Almost half of all motorcyclist fatalities (46%) occurred at weekends, on Saturday and Sunday.
  • One-quarter of motorcyclists were killed at junctions.
  • Nearly two-thirds of fatalities (64%) involved a collision with another vehicle.

The report also highlights trends among seriously injured motorcyclists:

  • Four in five seriously injured motorcyclists were aged between 16 and 55 years.
  • Ninety-two per cent of those seriously injured were male.
  • Two-thirds of casualties were injured in multiple vehicle collisions, in which “failure to observe” was the most frequently noted action for the motorcyclist and the other driver.
  • The majority of injuries were sustained on a straight road (70%).

“The increase in motorcyclist fatalities in 2025 is deeply concerning and highlights the need for all road users to remain vigilant and responsible,” said Nuala Carey, Interim Director of Partnerships and External Affairs.

“We are urging drivers to take a second look before pulling out, changing lanes or turning. Motorcyclists also have a responsibility to ride safely, stay visible and anticipate potential hazards. If we all look out for one another and share the road safely, we can help prevent further tragedies.”