Deadly year for motorcyclists in Wisconsin - WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and Sports

MADISON (WKOW) -- State transportation officials say this will be one of the deadliest years on record for motorcyclists.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says so far in 2012, 102 people have died in motorcycle crashes this year. That's compared to 85 for all of 2011.

The figures show the average age of the victims has increased to 48, from 30 two decades ago.

State motorcycle safety manager Greg Patzer says older riders think they can just pick up where they left off as a younger rider, but that's not a good idea. He says returning riders may have rusty skill in operating their bikes.

According to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report, 21 people lost their lives in motorcycle crashes in September, making it the deadliest September of the decade.