Motorcyclists are back on Alberta’s roads — keeping an eye out for them could save lives.
As spring weather and the long weekend bring more motorcycles onto Alberta’s roads, it’s important for all road users to stay alert and share the road responsibly to help ensure everyone gets home safely.
Motorcycle crashes can result in serious injury or death, as riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle.
“Last May saw 37 motorcycle collisions,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull of the Alberta RCMP.
“Let’s ensure this riding season is a safe one. If you’re in a vehicle, make sure to complete a full check before turning or changing lanes to ensure smaller vehicles or motorcycles are not in your path,” says Turnbull.
Staying safe means staying visible.
Because motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, they can be difficult to see on roadways and in parking lots.
When driving, remember to:
- Be aware of motorcyclists
- Use caution when driving near motorcycles, as they are smaller and less visible than cars
Motorcyclists can improve their safety by:
- Riding defensively and avoiding blind spots
- Staying focused and avoiding distractions
- Wearing the proper gear, including a certified helmet, leathers, closed shoes and eye protection
- Using brakes to increase visibility — braking acts like a warning light for other motorists.
Unfortunately, about one-third of collisions involving a motorcycle end in death or injury, compared with about one in 10 for all other vehicle collisions.
And as of Dec. 31, 2024, there were 144,846 motorcycles registered in Alberta.
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