Take the Motorcycle Safety Pledge and put your city

on the map

Spring signals the start of motorcycling season in Canada. That’s why May is officially recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. At MCC we recognize that everyone plays an important role in motorcycle safety. Even if you do not ride a motorcycle, chances are you know someone that does. There are three simple things you can do to help support motorcycle safety this season:

1.      Take the Motorcycle Safety Pledge

This is a promise to yourself and others to put safety first. We’re encouraging riders, passengers, motorists, and loved ones to take the Motorcycle Safety Pledge. Join the many Canadians that support motorcycle safety by taking the #MotorcycleSafetyPledge at motorcycling.ca. Then share your pledge with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. New this year, when you take the Motorcycle Safety Pledge you can add your city to our interactive map. Add your name, upload your photo with our special Safety Pledge frame and put your city on the map! Then challenge your friends and family to take the Pledge so we can celebrate cities across Canada supporting motorcycle safety.

2.      Download and share our safety toolkit

We need your help to remind drivers that motorcycles are back on the roads and trails. Visit the resource section of our website for posters, logos, social media graphics, and tips on how to host a motorcycle safety event. All of our safety awareness month resources are conveniently located together in an easy-to-download safety toolkit.

3.      Follow these important safety reminders and suggestions:

Safety tips for off-road riders

• Wear the right gear: Think about the weather and terrain you’ll be riding in and make sure to wear proper gear including a helmet, eye protection and body armour.
• Build skills and confidence, take a course: Education and training are available for new riders who want to get into off-road riding or to improve their skills.

Safety tips for on-road riders

• Riding at night takes extra care: Darkness makes it more difficult for other motorists to see you and it makes it more difficult for you to anticipate dangers. Be extra alert at night and slow down.
• Wildlife is a fact of life: Wild animals like deer, moose or elk are unpredictable and are especially dangerous when they step out on the road in front of a motorcyclist. Keep your speed down in areas where wildlife are common and if you spot wildlife use extra care.

Safety tips for motorists

• Check your blind spots: It’s hard enough to see cars and other vehicles when looking in your mirrors, always shoulder check before making a turn or changing lanes.
• Left turns at intersections are tricky: Motorcycles aren’t always easily visible in oncoming traffic. Look twice and be sure that your way is truly clear before making that turn.

For more motorcycle safety tips, visit motorcycling.ca/resources. Plus, watch our new series of off-road safety videos on YouTube available in English and French.  MCC’s vision is for all motorcyclists to be able to safely experience the sheer joy and sense of freedom that only motorcycling can offer.  Take the Motorcycle Safety Pledge and help make Canada one of the safest places in the world to ride a motorcycle!