Motorcyclist Infrastructure Neglect
· motorcycles
The Unraveling of Motorcycle Infrastructure: A Roadmap to Nowhere
The recent announcement from the Department of Transportation has left motorcyclists scrambling for answers. On August 29, 2026, a major highway project was revealed to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure over motorcycle lanes.
At first glance, this decision may seem minor in the grand scheme of urban planning. However, it’s clear that this is part of a long-running pattern of neglect towards motorcyclists. The failed “bike-share” initiatives and underfunding of motorcycle safety programs demonstrate policymakers’ priority on appeasing cycling lobbies over addressing actual motorcyclist needs.
As cities continue to prioritize pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, road travel becomes less accessible by design. While cyclists and pedestrians can coexist with motorists, the needs of motorcyclists – who often rely on these roads for daily commutes – are frequently overlooked.
The I-405 expansion project in Los Angeles is a prime example. Initially touted as a solution to traffic congestion, this multi-billion dollar initiative has devolved into a conflict between cyclists and motorists. Motorcycle lanes have been removed altogether, leading to increased commute times, decreased safety standards, and an overall decline in quality of life for motorcyclists.
Proponents argue that prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure leads to healthier and more sustainable urban environments. However, this approach raises questions about equity and access when applied to motorcyclists. By favoring cyclists over motorcyclists, a two-tiered system is created – one that caters to the interests of cyclists while ignoring actual motorcyclist needs.
As cities gentrify, who gets left behind? The answer lies in data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to recent reports, motorcycle fatalities have increased by 20% over the past five years – with many incidents occurring on highways lacking adequate safety measures. Meanwhile, cycling fatalities decreased by 15% during the same period.
The trend suggests a lack of willpower or funding is driving this shift. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that our roads are becoming less accessible and less safe for motorcyclists. Policymakers must re-evaluate their priorities to create safer, more equitable roads for all users.
The I-405 expansion project may have been a disaster waiting to happen, but it presents an opportunity to get things right next time around. By prioritizing motorcycle safety and infrastructure, we can create roads that are safer, more accessible – and ultimately, more equitable for all users.
Reader Views
- TGThe Garage Desk · editorial
The infrastructure neglect of motorcyclists is often framed as an urban planning issue, but it's also an economic one. By prioritizing cyclist-friendly roads and bike-share initiatives, cities are inadvertently pricing out motorcyclists who rely on these routes for daily commutes. This two-tiered system creates a gentrification effect, where the needs of affluent cyclists take precedence over those of working-class motorcyclists. Cities need to recognize that infrastructure investments should serve the transportation needs of all road users, not just the most vocal interest groups.
- HRHank R. · MSF instructor
The crux of this issue isn't just about prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists over motorcyclists; it's about equity in infrastructure planning. Motorcyclists often rely on these roads for daily commutes because they're frequently more fuel-efficient and cost-effective than cars. By neglecting motorcycle lanes, we're not just hurting riders, but also exacerbating traffic congestion and air pollution – the very problems pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure is meant to alleviate. It's time policymakers stopped treating motorcyclists like an afterthought in urban planning.
- SPSage P. · moto journalist
"The current infrastructure push prioritizing cyclists and pedestrians over motorcyclists is a short-sighted solution that disregards the reality of urban commute patterns. By ignoring the needs of motorcyclists, planners are essentially forcing two-wheeled commuters into a game of highway roulette – dodging traffic jams, weaving through crowded bike lanes, or taking on increased financial burdens to own and maintain more expensive vehicles. Meanwhile, politicians tout their eco-friendly credentials while neglecting the fact that many motorcyclists rely on these roads for work, not recreation."