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BikerDown

When you go down, we step up!

Ride Safe: BikerDown Foundation’s Recommended Safety Gear

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BikerDown.org

At BikerDown Foundation, rider safety is our top priority. We know that the right gear can make all the difference in preventing injuries and saving lives. Here are some of our top recommended brands and products trusted by the riding community:

Click here to receive a BikerDown Discount

Brake Free LED Helmet Light

One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is drivers claiming they “didn’t see the rider.” The Brake Free LED helmet light was designed to solve this problem by making motorcyclists more visible, especially in heavy traffic or low-light conditions. Unlike standard brake lights mounted low on the motorcycle, Brake Free positions a bright, wireless light at eye level on the rider’s helmet — exactly where surrounding drivers are looking.

Key Features & Benefits:

  • Wireless and Self-Contained: The unit attaches to most helmets with a strong, low-profile mount. It requires no wiring to the bike, which means no complicated installation.
  • Smart Brake Detection: Using built-in accelerometers and gyroscopes, it senses when the rider is slowing down — whether from engine braking, downshifting, or applying the brakes — and automatically lights up.
  • High Visibility LEDs: The ultra-bright LED panel is visible day or night and provides a distinctive, attention-grabbing signal that drivers can’t ignore.
  • Rechargeable Battery: The internal battery typically lasts 8–12 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for daily commuters or long rides.
  • Lightweight & Stylish: Weighing just a few ounces, it doesn’t add noticeable weight to the helmet, and its sleek design blends seamlessly with modern gear.

Tobacco Motorwear

Protective clothing doesn’t have to compromise style. Tobacco Motorwear creates reinforced jeans, jackets, and shirts with Kevlar® and other abrasion-resistant materials. Their gear blends everyday fashion with the rugged protection motorcyclists need.

Use the Code BikerDown20 for 20% off

NBT Clothing

NBT Clothing offers purpose-built apparel designed for riders who want durability and comfort without sacrificing safety. Their gear emphasizes impact protection and modern style, making it a solid choice for everyday riders.

60% Off during Labor Day Click Here

Cycle Gear

As one of the largest motorcycle gear retailers, Cycle Gear provides a wide selection of helmets, jackets, gloves, and accessories. With trusted brands and in-store expertise, it’s a go-to for riders seeking quality equipment at various price points.

Click here to see their Labor Day Deals

RevZilla

RevZilla is a favorite among riders for its extensive online catalog, detailed gear reviews, and expert recommendations. From beginner-friendly helmets to high-end racing leathers, RevZilla makes it easy to find the right fit for every rider.

The Bottom Line

No matter what or where you ride, investing in quality safety gear is non-negotiable. BikerDown Foundation urges all riders to gear up properly before hitting the road—because your safety is worth it.

BikerDown’s Two Wheels 4 Meals Gears Up for Sturgis 2025

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Laurie Montoya, Motorcycle Rider News

When the rumble of motorcycles fills the streets of Sturgis, it’s not just about the thrill of the ride—it’s about community, camaraderie, and giving back. This year, the BikerDown Foundation is proud to host #2Wheels4Meals at the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, uniting riders for a cause that goes far beyond the open road.

From Pandemic Roots to Rally Roads

#2Wheels4Meals was founded in 2020, during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns, as communities faced shuttered businesses, economic hardship, and uncertainty. The program began with a mission to keep our frontline heroes—police officers, hospital workers, firefighters, and EMS staff—fed during the crisis.

At the same time, it served another purpose: helping keep a beloved local biker bar in Colorado going by arranging fresh transfers of food from the community to those in need. That spirit of mutual aid—supporting both those who protect us and the businesses that form the heartbeat of biker culture—became the foundation of the #2Wheels4Meals movement.

Three Years Strong at Sturgis

For over three consecutive years, #2Wheels4Meals has been part of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, serving quick grab-n-go meals to police, fire, ER staff, and EMS drivers. What began as a grassroots pandemic project has evolved into a beloved rally tradition, proving that the biker community’s generosity has no limits.

Looking to Feed More, Coast to Coast

The BikerDown Foundation isn’t stopping in Sturgis. Looking ahead, the goal is to partner with first-responder-minded restaurants—such as Firehouse Subs—to expand the program nationwide. The vision is simple: to make sure that first responders everywhere know they are supported and appreciated, one meal at a time.

BikerDown’s Commitment: Feeding Our 1st Responders One Sub at a Time

Founded on the principle of “Feeding our 1st Responders One Sub at a Time”, the BikerDown Foundation has spent years finding new ways to give back to those who protect and serve. Whether it’s providing financial relief to injured motorcyclists, emotional support to families, or delivering meals through initiatives like #2Wheels4Meals, the organization continues to be a lifeline for the community—both on and off the road.

How You Can Get Involved

  • Stop By the BikerDown Tent – Rally attendees can visit the #2Wheels4Meals location to pick up a quick grab-n-go meal or learn how to contribute.
  • Make a Donation – Every dollar helps put food on a plate for a police officer, firefighter, ER staff member, or EMS driver in need. Scan the code or click on this link
  • Spread the Word – Use the hashtag #2Wheels4Meals on social media to share your rally experience and encourage others to support the cause.

A Rally with Heart

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has always been a gathering of freedom-loving, road-tested riders from all walks of life. With #2Wheels4Meals, BikerDown is adding another layer of meaning to the event—a reminder that while the miles we ride are important, the people we help along the way matter even more.

Memorial Hospital, Rapid City Hospital, South Dakota – #2wheels4meals

Subway Sturgis SD – Sturgis Fire Department
Deadwood Fire Department – #2wheels4meals

A Different Look at The Christian Motorcycle Association

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CMA Volunteers Bring Help and Hope to Sturgis Rally

For most riders, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a week-long celebration of freedom, friends, and two-wheeled adventure. But for members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA), the rally is also a mission — a chance to serve bikers in need when life takes an unexpected turn.

This year, CMA members from 15 states traveled to the Black Hills for the rally’s 85th anniversary. During the week, volunteers dedicated up to 11 hours a day assisting fellow bikers, turning what is often a party into a lifeline of compassion.

A Legacy of Service

Founded 50 years ago, the CMA has been sending volunteers to Sturgis for more than three decades. Their mission is simple: support bikers and their families during times of illness or injury. That might mean transporting riders and their belongings between campgrounds, hospitals, airports, or other locations. Sometimes, help extends far beyond South Dakota — like this year, when a rider injured at the rally required out-of-state care. CMA quickly connected the biker’s family with volunteers in that state to ensure the support continued.

Leading with Heart and Hands

The CMA this year had a 35-member team this year. Most served at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, while others rotated through facilities in Sturgis, Custer, Lead-Deadwood, and Spearfish.

Monument Health even posts a banner to let patients know CMA is available, outlining the services they can provide — from storing motorcycles for hospitalized riders to helping arrange transport through brokers. When a riders has an accident at home, you’ve got family and friends to help, but here, most bikers are on their own. There are only a few organizations like CMA and BikerDown Foundation that work behind the scenes to help injured motorcycle riders at the Rally.

Teamwork, and Trust

This year’s team, a mix of seasoned and first-time volunteers, visited a dozen patient rooms a day — plus countless hallway conversations — offering encouragement, prayer, and practical help. Shifts began at 9 a.m. and ran until 8 p.m., with the emergency room sometimes calling on them after hours.

A Partnership Built on Gratitude

Over the years, CMA has built a strong relationship with Monument Health’s staff. “The doctors and nurses will come in and say, ‘We appreciate you helping,’” Roger shared. “God gets the glory. He works in our lives to accomplish this.”

For the volunteers, the rewards go beyond thank-yous. They treasure the fellowship, the renewed friendships, and the chance to make a spiritual and practical difference. As Roger summed it up:

“It’s a great experience. Even though it’s long hours, it’s so worth it.”

Ride Sober, Ride Alive: A Hard Look at Motorcycles and Alcohol

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Riding with alcohol in your system is like pouring it right in your tank….you won’t ride right

By Laurie Montoya

Motorcycles offer freedom, power, and a connection to the road that few other vehicles can match. But when alcohol enters the picture, that same freedom can quickly become fatal. Despite years of awareness efforts, motorcycle fatalities linked to alcohol impairment remain a persistent and deadly problem nationwide. States that offer year-round riding are experiencing a higher rate of motorcycle and alcohol related fatalities.

According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 28% of all motorcyclist fatalities in 2023 involved riders who were legally intoxicated, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. That figure exceeds the rate for passenger car drivers (25%) and light-truck drivers (21%).

Night Rides, Higher Stakes

“It’s a dangerous combination,” says traffic safety advocate Maria Thompson. “You’ve got lower visibility, tired drivers, and impaired reflexes—all sharing the same roads.”

The danger amplifies after sunset. Statistics show that while 16% of motorcyclist deaths during the day involve alcohol, that number soars to 44% at night. Reduced visibility, fatigue, and an increased likelihood of alcohol consumption all contribute to this nighttime risk spike.

Helmet Use and Impaired Judgment

A troubling trend often accompanies drinking and riding: not wearing helmets. In 2023, 58% of drunk motorcyclists who died in crashes were not wearing a helmet, compared to 32% of sober riders. Experts say that impaired riders are more likely to make poor decisions, like skipping protective gear or speeding.

“Alcohol doesn’t just affect your motor skills—it changes your sense of risk,” explains Thompson. “You start thinking you’re invincible when you’re anything but.”

State Spotlight: Florida, Colorado, and Nevada

Florida, a state with year-round riding weather, continues to grapple with high rates of alcohol-related motorcycle fatalities. Recent reports indicate that about 28% of fatal motorcycle crashes in Florida involve alcohol or drug impairment.

Colorado, however, has seen signs of improvement. In 2023, the Colorado State Patrol reported a 36% drop in impaired motorcycle fatalities compared to the year before—thanks to stronger enforcement and targeted safety campaigns.

As of the latest available data, specific statistics detailing the percentage of motorcycle fatalities involving alcohol in Las Vegas are not readily accessible. However, statewide data for Nevada provides some insight into the issue.

According to a report in 2022, 27.33% of drivers involved in fatal motorcycle crashes in Nevada were under the influence of alcohol. This indicates that over a quarter of such fatalities statewide involved alcohol impairment.

While this data encompasses the entire state, it’s important to note that Clark County, which includes Las Vegas, reported the highest number of fatal motorcycle crashes in Nevada. This suggests that the issue of alcohol-related motorcycle fatalities is particularly significant in the Las Vegas area.

The Ride Sober Message

Experts agree that preventing these tragedies comes down to one key message: plan ahead.

  • Don’t drink and ride.
  • Use a rideshare or arrange a sober rider.
  • Speak up if you see a friend trying to ride impaired.
  • Always wear your helmet—even for short trips.

“Motorcyclists have a strong sense of community,” says Thompson. “It’s time we extend that same protective instinct to stopping impaired riding. A real friend doesn’t let a buddy ride drunk.”

As warmer months invite more motorcycles back on the roads, the call is simple but serious: Ride sober. Ride smart. Ride alive.

To See The Full Table, click here Motorcycle accidents data (table) | Created with Datawrapper