WHAS11 coverage

(WHAS11) - The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the number of motorcycles on the roads is growing.  At about 7 to 8 thousand more registered every year for the last three years.  But whether you're hitting the road on a chopper or a car, safety is key.

In Kentucky, you don't have to take a safety course to get a permit or a license to drive a motorcycle.  But to buy a motorcycle, you don't need a safety course or even a license.  But dealers say, most people do both.

The number of fatal motorcycle collisions on motorcycles this year in Kentucky is down by about 38-percent this year from last.  Of the 43 people killed on motorcycles in Kentucky so far this year, about half were not wearing helmets.

Riders under the age of 21 must wear a helmet on the roads, but those over 21, don't have to.  

About 96-thousand motorcycles were registered in the state of Kentucky last year.  Kentucky State Police say they encourage everyone who registers and takes the test, to also take one of those safety courses.