The motorcycle season has already started and you can really feel the frenzy taking over all your senses while riding your bike.
As a motorcyclist, the month of May is favourable to the warm weather. This throws us into the possibility of the greatest motorcycle ride we have ever hoped for during the winter season, almost « hibernal »!
As a motorcycle instructor, a topic that is very close to my heart is: « May is also a good month for « Road Safety Awareness ».
MCC Awareness Campaign
Once again, this year, the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) is launching its Road Safety Awareness campaign under the theme: Let’s Watch Out For Each Other!
According to Chris Bourque, MCC Board Chair, « Our goal is to remind everyone that motorcycles are back on our roads and trails in a big way and that we all have a responsibility to help everyone stay safe. We always want everyone to be safe. Each spring, we take this opportunity to encourage safe riding habits for all motorcyclists and road users. »
The MCC press release stated that interest in motorcycling has increased significantly over the past two years. Sales of all types of motorcycles were up 8.45 percent in 2021. The presence of new motorcycles means there are many more riders back on the roads and trails. MCC’s goal is to create a better riding experience for all Canadians. The goal is to make Canada one of the safest countries in the world to ride a motorcycle.
A few tips for motorcyclists:
Be aware of everything you can do to increase your safety.
PTEETT stands for « Wear All Equipment at All Times ». It’s your only protection.
When riding a motorcycle, you’re never done learning! Practice your basic and emergency maneuvers in safe areas. The more you practice them, the less stress you’ll experience on the day you need them. Take training courses with certified instructors.
Take the time to re-familiarize yourself with your bike at the beginning of the season. If you have a new bike or new equipment, it’s even more important to get familiar. I’m thinking, for example, of when you install new tires or brake pads.
Get in touch with experienced motorcyclists, they are always happy to share their experience and knowledge with great generosity.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Keep your distance from other vehicles. Don’t assume you have the right of way, especially at intersections.
Be visible. Don’t assume you have been seen. Position yourself to be seen in your lane. Wear visible colors too.
Respect your limits and also be aware of your fatigue level.
Some advice for car drivers:
Be extra careful to judge the distance and speed of a motorcyclist near you.
Always pay attention to your mirrors and blind spots when turning or changing lanes.
Give yourself extra room and headway to avoid cutting off a motorcyclist. This will cost him his life and he will only have the protection he is wearing.
To Sum Up
Today, nearly one million motorcyclists ride across Canada on and off roads. I firmly believe that if each of us made 10 people around us aware of road safety and the risks that motorcyclists frequently experience, we would quickly improve our road safety record. As a result, we would be more careful with each other!
This year’s campaign, in conjunction with the Paying Attention to Each Other campaign, features the faces of motorcyclists. They are meant to emphasize that when you pass a motorcycle, on the road or on the trail, you are passing a person. Chris Bourque added, « Under that helmet, behind that visor, is a person. A motorcyclist. A friend you haven’t met yet. Let’s look out for each other. »
You can show your support with the tools available on the MCC website.
With the help of the motorcycle community, MCC hopes to reach as many people as possible with this incredible effort.
Read the full press release from the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC).
