‘Keep your wits about you’: Motorcycle riders reminded to stay vigilant as they return to the roads

Each time Don Redekop gets on his motorcycle, he rides as if he's invisible to all other motorists.

Not as to be careless or flashy, but to humble himself in the fact that other drivers may not realize he's there.

They're not used to seeing us," said Redekop, owner of Learning Curves motorcycle training. Pretend no one will see you and act accordingly."

In Hamilton, there have been at least two serious collisions involving motorcycles in the last week.

On May 16, a 25-year-old Hamilton man was killed when his motorcycle collided with an SUV at the intersection of Upper James Street at Fennell Avenue.

Then on May 19, a 28-year-old man was transported to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries when his Honda motorcycle crossed into the downbound lanes of the Jolley Cut and collided with a car.

The cause of both collisions are under investigation.

With spring finally here and COVID-19 lockdown measures beginning to lift, motorcycles are back on the road after a longer break than normal, said Redekop.

And according to the veteran rider, it's the most vulnerable" time of year for riders - new and experienced.

For riders heading back onto the road, Holly Ralph, interim head of Canadian Motorcycle Association, said heightened awareness" is just one part of staying safe.

Look ahead, scan the environment and check your mirrors far more frequently," added Redekop. Inattention is a major problem."

Ralph and Redekop also pushed the importance of wearing the proper gear even if just going down the street. Without it, even a fall from a sudden stop could be far more devastating, said Ralph.

We don't have a big cage around us," she added.

Ralph said for drivers, sharing is caring - literally - when it comes to the road. Motorists should ensure they are not crowding a motorcyclist, who tend to ride in the left tire track, which is the safest spot for them, she added.

If a pothole comes up, a motorcycle needs to be able to veer" out of the way if necessary.

Drivers need to be aware that motorcycles are a legal vehicle on the road and they are entitled to their whole lane," said Ralph.

As emergency measures lift and motorcycle courses reopen, riders should also consider taking a refresher, added Ralph.

Keep your wits about you," said Redekop. Get educated, get experienced."

Fallon Hewitt is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: fhewitt@thespec.com