Portland Officials Urge Caution After 11 Motorcyclists Killed This Year
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland transportation and police officials are urging motorcycle riders and other drivers to slow down and remain alert following a sharp increase in deadly motorcycle crashes.
Eleven motorcyclists have been killed on Portland streets in 2026, accounting for 11 of the city’s 25 traffic deaths. The number of motorcycle deaths is more than 50% above the city’s four-year average and double the number recorded at this point last year, according to the Portland Police Bureau and Portland Bureau of Transportation.
“What we’re seeing right now is a spike in fatalities among people on motorcycles,” PBOT spokesperson Dylan Rivera said Tuesday. “We don’t want that spike to become a trend.”
Four motorcyclists have been involved in deadly crashes in July alone. All four crashes occurred during the hours between dusk and dawn.
A city report found 72% of Portland’s traffic deaths in 2025 occurred during dusk, nighttime or dawn hours, roughly consistent with the average over the previous four years. Officials said motorcycle traffic also typically increases during warmer summer weather.
Police said recent fatal crashes have involved a combination of speeding, impairment, lane splitting, collisions with other vehicles and riders traveling too fast for road conditions.
Lane splitting, which involves riding between lanes of other vehicles, is illegal in Oregon. Police Sgt. Betsy Hornstein said the behavior can put motorcycle riders, drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists at risk.
Officials are also urging riders to wear protective clothing and helmets that comply with U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards.
Hornstein said police have encountered riders using novelty helmets that are not approved by the federal government.
“Essentially, it’s almost a hat at that point,” Hornstein said. “The safest helmet that you can wear is a full-face helmet.”
Drivers are being asked to check their mirrors and blind spots carefully before changing lanes because motorcycles are smaller and can be more difficult to see.
“Take an extra second, make sure that there’s no one in your blind spot,” Hornstein said.
Oregon requires motorcycle riders to have a valid motorcycle endorsement obtained through an approved safety course or to hold a motorcycle instruction permit. Riding without an endorsement can result in penalties of up to $2,000, plus court costs.
Despite the increase in motorcycle deaths, Portland’s total number of traffic deaths remains about 15% below the four-year average. Eight pedestrians and six drivers or passengers have died in crashes this year. No bicyclists have been killed.