Safety experts, Calgary police urge caution following deadly motorcycle crashes

Police are urging motorcycle drivers to take extra precautions on the roads after three crashes in just one week—including two instances where riders died.

Three motorcycle crashes in Calgary over the past week—including two separate incidents where riders died—are prompting renewed calls for drivers and motorcyclists to take extra precautions.

Calgary police say the incidents highlight the risks riders face and the importance of slowing down, staying alert and making sure motorists and motorcyclists share the road safely.

The first crash happened early in the morning on June 21.

Police responded to the 100 block of Wentworth Square S.W. around 6 a.m., where investigators say a motorcycle driven by a man in his 20s left the road and crashed into a home.

The rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say there’s no evidence another vehicle was involved, and speed, alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors.

Police responded to two more serious motorcycle collisions on June 27.

One happened in Skyview Ranch, where a motorcycle collided with an SUV at the intersection of Skyview Shores Manor and Skyview Shores Road N.E.

Police say the motorcycle rider was not wearing a helmet or protective gear and was thrown from the bike.

The rider was taken to hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries.

Speed is being investigated as a factor.

A rear passenger of the SUV was sent to hospital for precautionary reasons, while the driver of the SUV and a second passenger were uninjured.

Later that evening, police responded to another serious crash involving two motorcycles and an SUV on Barlow Trail N.E.

Police say two motorcycles were travelling southbound side-by-side when an SUV travelling northbound turned left and collided with both bikes.

Both motorcyclists were taken to hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries and two SUV passengers were taken to hospital with minor injuries, while the driver was uninjured.

Police later confirmed one of the motorcycle riders died.

Rayan Sanaoubar says he was nearby when he heard the crash.

“I heard his friends screaming, and then, as soon as I got here, I saw he was under the car,” Sanaoubar said.

“The bike was messed up. Honestly, it’s just a tragedy and it’s real sad.”

‘You have to be the adaptable rider’

For Trevor Dech, the owner and chief instructor at Too Cool Motorcycle School, every crash is a reminder of how quickly conditions can change for riders.

He says a motorcycle offers little protection and requires constant awareness of the environment.

“It’s not like a racetrack,” Dech said.

“Racetracks are a controlled and cared-for environment. It’d be nice if you’re riding out there and someone’s out there with a flag going, ‘Hey, there’s gravel around the corner. You may want to slow down.’”

Instead, Dech says riders need to constantly scan for hazards, including changing road conditions, debris and weather.

“With the rain coming, that once-clear intersection that you love riding through is now filled with rocks, debris,” he said.

“Every time you ride through a certain portion, it’s brand new to you.”

Dech says wet roads can create additional challenges, especially when combined with cooler tires and changing conditions.

“In the wet, common sense says you’re supposed to slow down a little bit, increase following distance and understand that you have cool tires,” he said.

“Cool tires are much like a bowling ball on your motorcycle—you can slip.”

His biggest advice for riders is to be adaptable.

“Look at the forecast. Think, ‘Where am I? What am I about to do? Do I have the gear? Am I in my mental mindset?’” he said.

“You have to be that adaptable rider to the situation.”

Practice, preparation key for riders

Dech says one of the biggest mistakes new riders make is not practising emergency situations before they happen.

He encourages riders to build confidence in controlled environments, including practising braking techniques.

“Go into a controlled area, get to 50 kilometres an hour, get deep enough in the brakes to trigger that (ABS),” he said.

“Once you feel that on a motorcycle, a three-wheeler or a car, maybe you might want to give that increased following distance because it can be terrifying.”

He says riders should also remember the basics of operating a motorcycle, which he calls the “ABCs of riding.”

“Acceleration, braking, change of direction—those are the ABCs that we focus on,” Dech said.

He also encourages riders to keep a relaxed grip on the handlebars and allow the motorcycle to do what it is designed to do.

“Keep the knees tight, ride loose and just keep scanning ahead and adapting to those conditions ahead,” he said.

With summer temperatures rising, Dech also says comfort should not come at the expense of safety.

He says wearing proper protective equipment is an important part of riding responsibly.

“There are so many excellent suits you can wear. You don’t have to buy the latest and greatest,” he said.

Drivers play a role in motorcycle safety, too

Calgary police say motorcycle safety is not only the responsibility of riders.

Sgt. Andy Woodward with the Calgary Police Service traffic unit says drivers also need to be aware of motorcycles, especially at intersections.

“When you’re driving your car and you’re coming out from an intersection, really take a lot of caution,” Woodward said.

“Making sure that you can see it’s clear for you to pull out, even if the vehicle is certainly further down the road than you think it is.”

He says motorcycles can close distance quickly, especially if speed is involved.

“If that vehicle is travelling in excess of the speed limit, that vehicle is going to be upon you very, very quickly,” Woodward said.

Police say speed has been investigated as a factor in some of the recent collisions, while weather conditions can also increase risks.