The numbers are in.

As of Sept. 30, motorcycle registrations passed last year’s total with three months still to go. At the same time, the number of motorcyclist dying on Kern County roads is nearing last year’s peak.

In brief, more people are riding motorcycles in Kern County than any other time, and more motorcyclists are dying, according statistics and Californian reports. Riders, salespeople, law enforcement officials and motorcycle groups all say it's mostly gas prices that are driving inexperienced consumers to bikes. But the decision to hop on two wheels can cost them their lives.

Here’s a glimpse at some new stats courtesy of the coroner’s office and the DMV.

Registrations this year (as of Sept. 30): 17,531
Last year’s total (an all time high): 17,372

Motorcycle fatalities (so far this year): 16
Last year (an all time high): 20