MONTREAL – Fatal motorcycle collisions are on the rise in Quebec, jumping from 40 deaths in 2014 to 50 last year.
“The other accidents involved other vehicles, most of the time at intersections.”
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The news comes on the heels of a deadly accident in the Beauce, where police believe a truck crossed the median and hit a motorcycle.
The motorcyclist, 65, and his passenger, 58, were killed on impact.
“There are a lot of baby boomers who have a driver’s licence for a motorcycle that they haven’t used in a few years,” said Vezina.
On average, there are 6,500 more motorcycles every year on Quebec roads.
Interest by people aged 50 and over is contributing to an overall increase in bike popularity.
At Harley-Davidson Montreal in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce, 20 bikes were sold this past weekend alone.
“A lot of baby boomers are coming back to the motorcycle,” said president Charles Gref Jr.
“This season, the market looks good. We believe we have a big increase.”
Harley-Davidson Montreal offers training classes for those looking to get back on the bike.
Gref Jr. said it’s something that is needed every year, even for experienced riders.
“Success is the training,” he said.
“Not just to get the license, but even after. One time per year is a good investment.”
Gref Jr. said he would like to see the government offer a discount on licence renewal for those who take a yearly class.
Transport Minister Jacques Daoust is expected to make changes to motorcycle regulations in a revision of the Quebec Highway Safety Code.
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