Alberta motorcycle community urges caution as deadly crashes continue

It's that time of year again. Albertans are dusting off their motorcycles and hitting the road.

And with the warmer weather come calls for safety.

In the past two years, motorcycle sales were up in Alberta, while access to lessons and licensing was limited.

In 2020, there were 20 crashes across the province resulting in 21 fatalities. In 2021, the numbers decreased slightly to 19 crashes resulting in 20 fatalities, according to the Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society. 

"They ranged from ages 21 to 62 … based on the information that we were able to find," president Liane Langlois said. "Eighteen men, two women. And about 63 per cent of those collisions were found to be allegedly at the rider's error, which is a very high number."

The bulk of the crashes happened on rural roads, outside of cities like Edmonton and Calgary. 

May marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a time when bike groups and police officials roll out public awareness campaigns to help curb safety issues on the roads. 

"If we're all doing what we're supposed to be doing, and watching out for each other, we'll all get home," Langlois said.

"What I would like to see is within our communities specifically is to get those statistics lower and to be a better representation of the motorcycle community — so that all the work that we've done to be accepted, less stigma associated with us, can go back to that positive movement we've made before."

Police concerned about speed, visibility, safety 

Sgt. Colin Foster of the Calgary Police Service already started commuting on his bike this week — marking the beginning of his motorcycle riding season. 

And he's not alone.

Foster says that as the weather improves, even before cities have the chance to rid the streets of winter gravel, many bikers are already itching to get out there. 

Some of the main concerns for Calgary police when it comes to motorcycle safety are speed, visibility and cruising within your skill level.

"Before you hit the road, find a parking lot. Just get used to making those turns, getting used to how a motorcycle handles before you take it out onto the road, and make sure you're wearing protective gear."

Foster says keeping motorcyclists safe is a two-way street. Motorists can play a part, too, by shoulder checking when changing lanes and being extra aware that once the weather warms up, bikers are on the road. 

"Certainly yesterday morning, when it was minus two, I was questioning my decision to ride into work," Foster said. "Drivers take a while to remember that motorcycles are on the road."