By KRWG News
New Mexico – A report by the New Mexico Department of Health found that motorcycle death rates in the state have doubled from 1999-2009 even as roadways became safer.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the number of motorcycle deaths in New Mexico climbed from 20 in 1999 to 48 in 2009, the most recent year for which information was available.
New Mexico's motorcycle death rate doubled from 1.1 per 100,000 population in 1999 to 2.2 per 100,000 population in 2009.
The heaviest toll was among motorcyclists who are 35 to 54 years old.
Officials say many older riders are buying bigger, heavier bikes and often lack the training to ride them safely.
The total of people killed on New Mexico roadways declined from 364 in 1999 to 315 in 2009.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.