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By Justin Goulet

Alberta RCMP promoting motorcycle safety this month

May 9, 2021 | 8:00 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Mother Nature has delivered some beautiful spring weather conditions as of late, leading many to hit the roads on their motorcycles.

This month, the Alberta RCMP is highlighting the importance of motorcycle safety.

Mounties have offered up some tips for riders to remember.

• Get on your gear: Both riders and passengers must wear helmets that meet minimum safety requirements and show the date of manufacture. RCMP say that wearing proper gear, which includes a coat, pants, boots that cover the ankles, gloves and shatter-proof eyewear, will improve safety and lessen injuries if the vehicle is involved in a collision.
• Know your size: Motorcycles are smaller vehicles, so it’s important for drivers to stay in sight of larger vehicles and avoid blind spots. The most common collision with a motorcycle is a vehicle turning left into the motorcycle’s path, according to the RCMP.
• No weaving or speeding: Speeding in and out of traffic on a motorcycle is an illegal and dangerous driving behaviour. RCMP say it can cause other road users to become startled, which could lead to them making sudden, unexpected maneuvers. Safe motorcycle handling, and sharing the road responsibly helps ensure control and reduces the risk of a collision.
• Stick to your skill level: A motorcycle is a high-performance vehicle. RCMP say “just because your bike can do it, it doesn’t mean your bike should do it.” Mounties ask that motorcycle riders slow down on unfamiliar roadways and note they should not feel that they have to keep up with other, more experienced riders.
• Check your ride: Before motorcyclists hit the road, they should do a pre-ride check. That means looking at the bike’s fluids, tires, lights/signals, chains and the overall condition of the vehicle. A checklist is available through the Alberta Transportation Rider’s Guide.

Sgt. Darrin Turnbull with Alberta RCMP Traffic Services told LNN that drivers of regular motor vehicles have a role to play in motorcycle safety as well.

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To prevent collisions, it’s important that drivers give motorcycles a safe following distance and always double check for motorcycles in their blind spots and when pulling out onto highways.

Sgt. Turnbull stated that motorcyclists should “wear high reflective clothing” and other noticeable items to ensure drivers in cars and trucks can see them more clearly.

“Be aware of the fact that they might not see you, so be ready. Pay attention, make sure you stay out of the blind spots, make sure you watch for those vehicles – if you’re approaching an intersection – the left turn vehicles, make sure that you’re scanning ahead to see what possible hazards could be coming your way so that you can react to them.”

According to the RCMP, there were 243 injury collisions involving motorcycles in Alberta RCMP jurisdictions in 2020, and another 17 collisions that resulted in 18 deaths.