Safety First

Always...

by R. Bruce Thomas

It's in our name.

Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society.

It should be at the forefront of your mind whenever you throw a leg over.

This past weekend at Phillip Island in Australia the races in all three classes in the Motorcycle World Championship (Moto3, Moto2, MotoGP) were cancelled due to the weather.

These are unquestionably the best riders in the world, reaching speeds in excess of 350 km/hr.

But safety comes first. The tracks have runoff areas on corners, there are air fences in strategic locations, there are no light poles or intersections, the traffic is all going in the same direction, every rider on the asphalt during a race is a professional vehicle operator, they all wear all the gear all the time, and they are all in great physical condition.

Taking all of that into account it makes sense that street riding is arguably more dangerous.

So, yes, it was raining in Australia, but that was not the reason for the cancellations as the riders can still do quite well with the Michelin Rain Tires.

The racing was cancelled because of low cloud ceiling and poor visibility such that the Medical Helicopter would not have been able to fly safely to get to the track or to take any injured rider(s) to Hospital in Melbourne.

Take everything into account when you head out to enjoy a ride.

And with the pause in riding season now that winter is threatening to arrive, take the time to prepare for next year so you are ready to go when the time comes.

Ride responsibly, and often.