With the snow seemingly in the rearview window, Alberta RCMP is cautioning motorcyclists to take care as they rev up their bikes and hit the road.
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Mounties say motorcyclists and passengers were involved in 280 collisions in 2023 — 18 were fatal and 213 led to injuries.
Calgary recorded five deaths involving motorcycles last year.
Sgt. Darrin Turnbull tells CityNews bikes are a lot harder to see than a car, and there is still gravel and debris on the road, which can lead to crashes.
“It reduces the friction between the motorcycle and the pavement, and often it’s going too fast or not expecting that sand and gravel to be there, so they’ll lose control and end up sliding the bike and becoming involved in a serious-injury — or worse — collision,” he said.
It’s important passengers and riders wear helmets that meet safety requirements, according to RCMP, and to have the proper coat and pants, boots that cover the ankles, gloves, and shatter-proof eyewear.
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Turnbull says he has seen first-hand how devastating the injuries can be, especially if the motorcyclist is not wearing protective gear.
“I’ve been actually in hospital with a motorcyclist who lost control of his vehicle, wasn’t wearing the proper gear, slid on the highway, and then there was the gravel there, and now the medical staff are working to … remove the gravel,” he said.
“The motorcyclist wasn’t wearing any protective gear.”
Mounties say to stay “bright and in sight” because motorcycles are much smaller than other vehicles, so they recommend wearing jackets and helmets with “high visibility” in colours such as yellow, orange, and white, as they draw “other motorists’ eyes to you.”
Turnbull also reminds drivers to be on the lookout for their fellow motorists.
“Make sure you take a watch as you’re coming to an intersection. If you’re going to be making a left turn, take a double look. Look twice to make sure there are no motorcycles or pedestrians or any other road users that are vulnerable and you could be turning left in front of them,” Turnbull explained.
“Be aware that the speed limits are there for a reason.”
Other safety tips include doing a pre-ride check, which involves viewing fluids, lights, signals, tires, and the overall condition of the motorcycle.
RCMP says to refer to the Alberta Transportation Rider’s Guide for a checklist.
With files from Lisa Grant