Older motorcyclists may be prone to more serious injuries than younger ones, says a new study from researchers at Brown University. According to the study, those who begin motorcycling later in life, or return to it, are more likely to endure more significant injuries if they crash.
For the study, the research team reviewed data collected from over 1.5 million motorcycle accidents. They found that cyclists over the age of 60 were over 2.5 times more likely to end up in an emergency room with significant injuries than riders in their 20s and 30s.
"There are always some risks involved with motorcycles. But there may be some physical factors that make older riders more prone to being in an accident, or more prone to injury," says lead author Tracy Jackson.
Researchers add: "The greater severity of injuries among older adults may be due to the physiological changes that occur as the body ages. Bone strength decreases, subcutaneous and visceral fat distribution may change, and there is a decrease in the elasticity of the chest wall. . . . Other factors such as delayed reaction time, altered balance and worsening vision may also make older adults more prone to getting into crashes."
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June 05, 2026 16:18 ET A busy week for economic news flow saw a slew of reports being released that reflected the trends in the U.S. labor market. In Europe, economic growth and inflation data gained attention as the European Central Bank and Bank of England head for policy session later in the month. In Asia, the monetary policy session of the Indian central bank was in focus as the country, a major oil importer, reels under the pressures of a weaker rupee and rising inflation.