May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
The OPP says it’s also the start of peak riding season and every year there are several fatal collisions involving motorcycles.
Acting Sergeant Terri-Ann Pencarinha says there are some safety precautions motorcyclists can take before they hit the road.
Whether you’re joining the sport for the first time, coming back to riding after an extended time away, or getting ready to start the spring season, these 10 tips from The Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council (MMIC) will keep you riding safely all season long:
1) Ease back into riding season by getting comfortable on your motorcycle.
2) Check your bike regularly to ensure tires, controls, lights and fluids are all in good working order.
3) Practice key riding skills like quick swerves, u-turns, emergency braking, figure 8, turning etc.
4) Gear up, every ride, with an approved helmet, as well as a jacket, pants, gloves and boots.
5) Choose hi-visibility, bright-coloured riding gear to be seen.
6) Be aware of the weather and adjust your riding style and riding gear accordingly.
7) Ride defensively by remaining vigilant, staying situationally aware and avoiding threats.
8) Stay at a safe distance from other vehicles so you have the time and space to react if necessary.
9) Stay out of blind spots by riding in front or behind vehicles, rather than to the side of vehicles.
10) Ride in staggered formation on group rides to allow each rider to have a clear view ahead.
Pencarinha says motorists need to pay attention for motorcyclists.
This motorcycle enthusiast has some tips for drivers.
The OPP says the safety of motorcyclists is the responsibility of every driver on the road.
For more safety tips from the MMIC, please click here.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable to severe injuries in the event of a crash. Investing in the appropriate gear can make all the difference in keeping you protected while you’re out on the road. PC Dan Hunter shares how the #OPP gear up for a safe ride. #MotorcycleSafetyAwarenessMonth pic.twitter.com/2AL4BHUgKi
— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) May 10, 2022
With everyday warming up we can expect to see more #motorcycles on the road. It’s everyone’s responsibility to keep our #Ontario roads safe. Watch the full video for an important message from a local motorcycle #enthusiast #rider #canadianmotorcyclesassociation #2wheels ^tp pic.twitter.com/hwmF5Goca1
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) May 9, 2022
As motorcycle riders across #Ontario prepare for the 2022 season, the #OPP reminds all riders to #RideSmart and #RideSafe:
🏍 Plan your route
🏍 Obey speed limits
🏍 Ride sober#MotorcycleSafetyAwarenessMonth pic.twitter.com/QUkvFJrmJE— Ontario Provincial Police (@OPP_News) May 7, 2022