The motorcycle Kuznets curve

•We document the motorcycle Kuznets curve.•Our data cover a large international sample (153 countries) over 1963–2010.•Motorcycle dependence increases and then decreases as economies develop.•The motorcycle Kuznets curve is more pronounced in densely populated countries.•Increases in motorcycle dependence result in higher road death tolls.

The evolution of motorcycle ownership is a crucial issue for road safety, as motorcyclists are highly vulnerable road users. Analyzing a panel of 153 countries for the period 1963–2010, we document a motorcycle Kuznets curve which sees motorcycle dependence increase and then decrease as economies develop. Upswings in motorcycle ownership are particularly pronounced in densely populated countries. We also present macro-level evidence on the additional road fatalities associated with motorcycles. Our results indicate that many low-income countries face the prospect of an increasing number of motorcycle-related deaths over coming years unless adequate safety initiatives are implemented.