Police Offer Safety Tips to Motorcycle Riders to Make the Return to the Road Safe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 13, 2022      08:10am 

(Ottawa) – It’s officially Spring, and Ottawa Police Service motorcycle officers are reminding fellow riders to make the return to motorcycle driving a safe one.   

“It’s been several months since you’ve been on the road, and it doesn’t take long to lose these skills,” says Staff Sergeant Denis Hull, OPS Traffic Commander. “Spring riding has its own share of hazards and dangers, so when you get your bike back on the road, always keep safety top of mind.” 

Rusty Skills: It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been riding or how fantastic a rider you think you are, these are perishable skills that decline when they’re not used. Your first Spring destination should be a vacant parking lot where you can practice slow speed maneuvers, quick braking, and swerves. Develop the muscle memory to make your reactions automatic and controlled. 

Potholes: Riders, be aware of damage to road surfaces in the winter months caused by frozen asphalt and snowplows. The best way to deal with them is to remain attentive and avoid them until repairs are complete. 

Road Debris / Sand and Gravel: They make our roads safer for winter driving, but they create a safety hazard for motorcyclists in Spring. Salt leaves a fine film, which reduces traction, making it harder to control your bike. Sand accumulates on roadways in corners, intersections, and between tire tracks. Residue is more prevalent on low-traffic roads, but prepare for it to be on all streets, especially in turns. Better yet, wait until after a heavy rainfall or street sweepers to clean the road before heading out. 

Car Drivers and Other Traffic: They haven’t had to share the road with you for five months. Drivers don’t see you at the best of times, let alone when they’re not expecting you. Assume you’re invisible. Give yourself plenty of space, pay attention to what other drivers are doing, anticipate their next move, and make yourself as visible as possible by wearing a bright fluorescent jacket. 

Motorcycle Readiness: Even if meticulously winterized, give your bike a thorough inspection before taking it out the first time. It’s carrying precious cargo! Tires will likely have lost air pressure and need a top up. Check cables, fluid levels, and tire treads. 

We are also reminding drivers and other road users to watch out for motorcycles by following all traffic laws and sharing the road. 

More motorcycle safety tips are available online. 

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Members of the media can view the OPS Traffic Unit officers do their own motorcycle requalification on April 14 from 11 – 12 pm. Please email the Media Relations office at media.relations@ottawapolice.ca to register.

CONTACT:

Media Relations Section                  

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366