New motorcycle fee intended to increase safety for Oklahoma riders

A $3 fee that takes effect Nov. 1 is intended to help fund motorcycle safety and education training for both experienced and inexperienced riders.

Consumers will pay the fee when registering their motorcycles.

Seely, 51, of El Reno, is glad to see the state provide the training.

Seely has been in his fair share of scrapes over the years, including one in Tennessee in 2008 when a woman pulled out in front of him, forcing him to stop suddenly.

The accident totaled his bike and sent him to the hospital with several injuries.

"The highway patrolman who came to the hospital said he was looking for the luckiest man in Tennessee," Seely said.

According to Oklahoma Tax Commission records, 123,906 motorcycles were registered in Oklahoma last year, a 7.4 percent increase from 2008.

At a time when government regulations and taxes are taking a beating nationwide, it seems most in the motorcycle community are in favor of the new fee.

Bruce Horne, of Oklahoma City, is a longtime rider who hosts a local radio show about motorcycles.

"Personally, I have no qualms about it, and I don't know anyone who does," Horne said. "I think anything that promotes safety is a good thing. I think we could also use a little more education for motorists on how to be a little more aware of people on bikes."

The Oklahoma Highway Safety Office reported 105 motorcycle fatalities in 2009, with 1,269 injuries.

Kevin Behrens, assistant director of highway safety, said some of the funds will be used for advertising, promoting safety and awareness.

Other funds could be set aside for training, Behrens said. The Oklahoma Advisory Committee for Motorcycle Safety and Education will decide how the money is spent.