Edmonton – The Edmonton Police Service (EPS) says there is an increasing number of Edmontonians riding motorcycles, and too many are not riding responsibly.
Police say they’re looking for those motorcyclists who are not riding safely.
“Motorcyclists need very different skills from motorists,” says Const. Dean Shwaga with EPS Traffic Services. “You need to be able to expect the unexpected such as when without warning a motorist turns in front of you or makes a sudden lane change and you have to take evasive action.”
The EPS has a list of actions motorcyclists should take to stay safe and obey the law:
• Wear an approved motorcycle helmet and safety gear.
• Don’t drink and ride.
• Be aware of dangerous road surfaces.
• Ride defensively – look for potential problems and dangers.
• Don’t ride beyond your ability level.
• Don’t ride side-by-side with other motorcyclists.
• Make sure your motorcycle is well lit with reflectors, working headlights and taillights.
• Don’t modify motorcycles to the point they do not meet safety regulations.
• Don’t modify your license plate.
• Don’t modify exhaust systems on motorcycles.
• Don’t weave in and out of traffic.
• Don’t get in a motorist’s blind spot.
The EPS also a couple recommendations for motorists:
• Motorcyclists stop quicker than cars and trucks, so allow distance behind them.
• Motorcyclists accelerate quicker and when motorists first look in a mirror the motorcycle may not be there and on a second look a motorcycle is. You need to stay aware of traffic around you.
According to Edmonton police, 23 motorcyclists have been killed and 41 have been seriously injured in collisions in Edmonton since 2008.
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