Thanks that makes sense. I reexamined it and missed the tiny text along that graphic that indicates licensed riders doubled during part of that time period and the number of deaths increased 140% during the longer period of the graph so maybe the rate of death didn't change so much as a non varying proportion of motorcyclists deaths per mile, it's hard to tell.
Its quite a shame because getting around on 2 wheels(bicycle or motorcycle) is a fabulous feeling and way more efficient...but I have not seen any drastic changes in the past 10 years to protect riders.
