Johnson, who has been riding motorcycles since she was 12 years old, said at the press conference Michigan is meant for motorcycling because of the beautiful shorelines it has to offer.

“When it comes to riding, Michigan was made for motorcycles,” she said. “So it’s no surprise that every year we see more and more motorcycles on our roads.”

Johnson said that in the state of Michigan the number of registered motorcycles has gone up by 8 percent in the past five years. The number of people with a motorcycle endorsement has gone up by 11 percent in the past five years.

Michael Prince, director of the Office of Highway Safety Planning, attributed the surge in the number of motorcyclists to baby boomers who now have the financial ability to get the motorcycle that “they always wanted.”

Johnson added that 13 percent of all motorcycle riders in Michigan are not endorsed, with these riders making up 58 percent of those involved in serious accidents and deaths on motorcycles.

Prince said at the conference that over 10 percent of the state’s annual traffic deaths involve motorcycles.

“This is a significant traffic safety issue for the state of Michigan,” Prince said.

Prince added that motorcycle fatalities increased by 18 percent in the past year.

“Motorcyclists are 39 times more likely to be injured or die in a crash than an occupant in a passenger vehicle,” Prince said. “(However), that does not mean the sport cannot be enjoyed safely.”

Prince said the best person to look out for a motorcycle rider’s safety is the rider. He encouraged riders to wear the proper visibility gear and to receive the proper training.

Eric Line, a motorcyclist from Lansing, said riders aren’t able to get away with losing focus on the road.

“You really need to be alert at all times (when riding a motorcycle.) On a motorcycle, you have to be aware of balance and road conditions.”

Line also said that students need to remember not to drink and drive, especially when operating a motorcycle.

Advertising junior Elizabeth Wenner said she didn’t want her brother to get a motorcycle because she was afraid of him getting hurt by another driver. Wenner added that she thinks it’s important to spread the message of motorcycle safety.

“I think if people pay attention and actually take it to heart, I think it could improve,” Wenner said.

After the conference, Johnson said she wants all motorcyclists to go through the proper training.

“Get training and get endorsed,” she said. “(It) makes all the difference in the world.”