Motorcycle safety top of mind as riding season revs up

By Lethbridge Herald on May 21, 2024.

A motorcyclist takes advantage of clear spring conditions on Tuesday while out for a ride along Scenic Drive South. Herald photo by Justin Sibbet

Justin Sibbet – LETHBRIDGE HERALD

As the sun begins to shine in southern Alberta, a two-wheeled summer staple is beginning to rev its engines on the newly dry asphalt.

May is motorcycle awareness month and bikers are starting to repopulate the roads. As a result, drivers are being reminded to keep an eye out for the small vehicles. This comes as reports are increasingly pointing out the dangers that come with driving a motorcycle.

According to the Government of Alberta’s most recent data on traffic collisions, in 2021, 9.5 per cent of all traffic fatalities involved either a motorcycle or scooter. In the same year, motorcycles only accounted for 2.6 per cent of all casualty collisions in the province.

This means there is a higher fatality rate when a motorcyclist is involved in a collision. Liane Langlois, president of the Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society, says it is important for both bikers and four or more-wheel drivers to be vigilant.

“Make sure that you’re actually paying attention to what’s going on around you and using your eyes, not just the fancy things on your cars,” said Langlois. 

While sensors and other safety equipment on vehicles are certainly a bonus, she says bikers also need to ensure they take their safety into their own hands.

“(Motorcyclists are) responsible for their actions on the road, so we can’t depend on the drivers out there to see us. We always need to put ourselves in the best space with an exit plan should something go wrong,” said Langlois.

Sergeant Danny Lomness with the Lethbridge Police Service says early spring can be an especially dangerous time for bikers as most drivers simply are not prepared for them to be on the road.

“The biggest thing is to pay attention to your surroundings and the other road users, especially in these early months, when people haven’t been used to the bikes riding around continually,” said Lomness.

“Make sure that the other road users do see you and are paying attention to you on the road as much as you have to pay attention to them.”

More than just paying attention, Lomness says bikers should also keep themselves from becoming too heavy-footed. He says staying safe can be as easy as just leaving a few minutes earlier rather than speeding.

“Motorbikes are fast, most of them can travel at really high speeds in really short times,” said Lomness. “Give yourself time.”

Furthermore, he says wearing brighter colours and having working LED lights will also help drivers see bikers. 

“Being visible is the key.”

Langlois agrees it is important for bikers to wear high visibility clothing to increase safety on the road for everyone.

“At the best of times, motorcycles are hard to see anyway because we are small, so people can’t gauge our speed properly or they just don’t see us at all. But if you’re blending everything together, it makes things more difficult,” said Langlois.

However, she says there is a challenge in convincing people to follow such recommendations.

“Certain stereotypical demographics stick to certain stereotypical demographic types of clothing,” said Langlois.

The standard black helmet, black jacket and black pants on a black bike is the worst-case scenario, says Langlois. 

“You’re just a black blob going down the street, which is hard to see.”

More than just biker or driver awareness, Langlois says it is critical for riders to consider the weather and road conditions before hitting the throttle. 

“There is still gravel out there right now in some places, (and bikers need) to be mindful of the fluctuating temperatures.”

Riding season traditionally begins in late April and can roll into October, but the unpredictable weather in the province can shift the dates every year.

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