A one-day motorcycle safety forum involving riders and many state agencies is underway today in West Des Moines. Toni Kerkove of the Iowa Department of Transportation says it’s the fourth annual forum. She says the goal is to reduce the injuries and fatalities that seem to be on the rise all through the United States.

Kerkove says they’re trying to explore all areas that might help motorcycle riders. Kerkove says they aren’t focusing on one particular area and one thing they’ll due is brainstorm ideas on how to improve motorcycle safety. Kerkove says increasing the safety of motorcycle riders is a two-way street.

Kerkove says it’s a responsibility of motorcycle riders, and it’s also a responsibility of other motorists, so they’re trying to educate both sides. Kerkove says there were 56 motorcycle fatalities in Iowa last year.

Kerkove says some contributing factors to the fatalities could be a longer riding season, and more people riding motorcycles to save money on fuel. Kerkove says they hope to lower the rate of motorcycle deaths. The forum runs until four p.m. at the Sheraton in West Des Moines.