Simcoe Reformer
Monte Sonnenberg, Simcoe Reformer
519-426-3528 ext. 150

“We as motorcyclists have close calls most every day,” says Shaun de Jager of Toronto, founder and spokesperson for Riders for Road Awareness. “Unfortunately, we are the least visible vehicles on the road and the most at risk. The major problem is complacency and lack of situational awareness.”

De Jager is trying to do something about this complacency with a website addressing the hazards motorists pose to motorcycle riders — RoadAwareness.org

He is in turn raising the profile of that website and the problem of complacent drivers with a series of motorcycle rallies in and around the Greater Toronto Area. Two have been held this year in the GTA while a third featuring 100 riders took place in Norfolk on Sunday.

“We want motorists to notice motorcyclists,” says Sandra Dawson of Port Dover, a hostess for Sunday’s event. “We want them to notice our signs. We want them to watch out for us.”

Motorists can make life much easier for motorcyclists by following a few simple rules. The most important is to accept that there are a large number of motorcycles on the road during the pleasant months of the year. From the end of March to mid-November, motorists should assume they will encounter several motorcycles on any given trip.

RoadAwareness.org also wants motorists to know that motorcycles need as much space on the highway as any other vehicle.

“There isn’t a person here today who hasn’t had someone merge into their lane,” de Jager said. “Then again, it is up to motorcycle riders to not ride in others’ blind spots. Look twice — save a life. Share the road. Road safety affects us all, and it starts with all of us.”

There are other things motorcycle riders can do to enhance their visibility. Studies have shown that brightly coloured motorcycles are more visible than black or plain coloured ones. As well, the most visible motorcycles of all have daytime running lights. These are standard on newer models but not on some older ones.

A related issue that will remain unresolved involves the role of loud pipes. This discussion is especially lively in Port Dover, which has become a destination ride for motorcyclists from all over southern Ontario because of the Friday the 13th motorcycle rallies.

Some say loud pipes are a nuisance and a disturbance while others swear they save lives. The mere mention of the debate caused it to erupt again at this weekend’s rally.

“It’s not a concept I agree with,” de Jager said. “They don’t make as much of a difference as people believe. Loud pipes only work when you are alongside a vehicle or ahead of it. By then, the driver should see you.”

Others beg to differ, including Brent Nieson, owner of BS Custom Motorcycle on Norfolk Street North in Simcoe and host of this weekend’s event.

“As much as I agree with everything he says, I could not disagree more on loud pipes,” Nieson said. “I believe to be heard is to be seen.”