As temperatures warm up, drivers may start to notice more motorcyclists riding alongside them. To keep up with the shift in seasonal driving, the Waterloo Regional Police Service’s (WRPS) motorcycle team is tuning up their skills and getting ready to send a message to all road users. “I would caution riders to take their time when they get out there and make sure that they’re not riding like they were at the end of last season,” said WRPS Staff Sgt. Scott Metcalfe. Metcalfe said safety should be a top priority, and everyone must stay vigilant to prevent a possible collision. “One of the biggest causes we see with motorcycle collisions is speed,” said Metcalfe. “And I also say distracted driving is another contributing factor to motorcycle collisions.” Earlier this month, a motorcyclist was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries after a crash involving a sedan on Highway 85. The cause of the collision is still unknown, but police stressed the importance of suiting up. “The motorcycle gear is quite effective in preventing serious injuries,” Metcalfe said. At Tri-City Cycle & Sport in Waterloo, Ont., owner Randy Kuchma said his shop aims to get all its customers up to speed on safety. “You still see a lot of people in t-shirts and shorts and sandals and stuff, which is, you know, if you ever go down, you’re in trouble,” Kuchma said. The store sells jackets, riding boots, helmets, gloves, and other protective gear, while also offering motorcycle classes, as well as mechanic and safety services. “Safety is most important to me because I’m a dad, I’m a family man,” said Corey Payne, a new motorcyclist who stopped by the shop Wednesday. “And to be protective on the road is, I’ve heard, the most important thing, because anything could happen.” Metcalfe emphasized the need for motorcyclists to drive defensively and behave as thought they haven’t been seen by any of the other motorists on the road. While his message to drivers was clear: “Just be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes open for motorcyclists.”
