Motorcycle wrecks are up fifty-two percent in 2012 compared to last year.

Just last night a motorcycle rider was killed after crashing his motorcycle on I-64 in Scott County.

In 2012, there have been more than 800 motorcycle crashes, making "Motorcycle Safety Day," that much more important.

"This year it takes on a different twist to this day. Because it's really imperative to say that number to highlight to both the riders and to the motorists out there the issues that we are having. And now we all have a piece of that puzzle and that we can solve it together," says Lt. David Jude, with Kentucky State Police.

For the fifth year, Kentucky State Police have hosted the event to remind riders about wearing their safety gear all of the time.

Gilliland Joe has been riding for forty-five years and still has had some scary encounters, " I had an accident and that's why I come to the highway safety event."

Many of these riders have attended the event every year, recognizing the need for continued safety education.

"You get rusty. And with continued education, you get the highlights. They help remind of your safety. If they pound it in your head long enough and you practice it, you're going to use it when the time comes, " adds Joe.

Police and the riders in attendance believe this type of training and safety reminders will help to keep motorcyclists safe when they take on the road.

At the event, police also handed out Rider Alert cards. Motorcycle riders can share their emergency contact and medical information on it. Police say this can be helpful for emergency crews when there is an accident. The riders also had the option of putting a Rider Alert sticker on their helmets. The stickers are designed to remind people not to remove a riders helmet after being involved in a collision.

After the safety reminder demonstrations, police escorted a group ride through Woodford and Franklin Counties.

Police say that just recently, the state passed a new motorcycle rider test. You can find additional information on it by visiting Kentuckystatepolice.org.