Spring has sprung and the Okanagan Motorcycle Riders Association is advising drivers to keep an eye out for increased two and three wheel traffic on the roads.
According to OMRA, motorcycle fatalities are on the rise.
“Motorcycling is a passion,” said Tom Cook, OMRA president in a club news release. “It’s a sport, a hobby, an efficient means of transportation, and it is our vision for all motorcyclists to be able to safely experience the sheer joy and sense of freedom that only motorcycling can offer.
“We encourage motorcyclists to wear full protective riding gear every time they get on their motorcycle and be visible and fully prepared for the responsibility of riding, so you can make arriving alive your greatest priority.”
He added motorcycle safety needs to be a greater priority issue on the streets and highways and road culture needs to change.
“We would also like to remind drivers that safety and common courtesy on the roads is everyone’s responsibility and ask that all motorists fully commit to the task of driving, and to put away the distractions, because the consequences of distracted driving or inattentiveness are potentially deadly for not just motorcycles, but everyone sharing our roads,” he said.
Cook also said that in the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia’s 2017 motorcycle crash statistics there were 440 incidents, 340 injuries, and 11 fatalities involving motorcycles reported in the Southern Interior.
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The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada reported there are close to one million motorcyclists riding across Canada and motorcycling is a vital part of our Canadian experience and an important form of transportation and recreation.
May is motorcycle safety awareness month.
OMRA was established by enthusiasts to promote the safe operation of motorcycles, fellowship among riders and is a non-profit group that raises and donates thousands of dollars annually in the South Okanagan.
READ ALSO: Truck and motorcycle collide in Penticton
The association meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge in Penticton at 1197 Main St. New members are welcome.
For more information, www.okanaganmotorcycleriders.com.
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Mark Brett | Reporter
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