If a motorcycle driver wants to enjoy the stunning cityscapes and rugged mountain views of Alberta, Canada, he or she must prioritize safety. In 2021, 35 fatal crashes involving motorcycles or scooters occurred in Alberta, and 448 accidents caused injuries.
Grover Law Firm’s motorcycle accident lawyers want you to stay safe. We have researched safety standards and want to share them with Alberta motorcycle riders. The following tips can help prevent accidents or reduce the severity of your injuries if you are in a crash.
Get a Class 6 License
Motorcyclists must hold a Class 6 license to operate a motorcycle, moped, or trike in Alberta.
You must meet the requirements described below to qualify:
- Be 16 years old or older
- Pass the Class 6 knowledge test
- Pass the Class 6 road test
- Fulfill one of the following 3 requirements: (1) Hold a full Class 5 driver’s license, (2) Hold a Class 7 learner’s license for at least a year, or (3) Complete the requirements of Class 7 and place in the Graduated Driver’s License (GDL) program
- Purchase your temporary license card and destroy it when you receive your full Class 6 permanent license card at 18 years after completing 24 months of probationary driving without suspensions and demerits in the last 12 months
The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) recommends you enroll in a certified rider training course. There, you can learn practical motorcycle skills, like changing gears before curves or emergency stops, for your road test.
These courses often cover motor riding theory and other helpful information for the knowledge test. The AMA also suggests practicing these skills for at least 60 hours to master them before taking your road test.
Ride your own vehicle often since your road test must be completed on your own motorcycle or moped. Remember, you must wear a helmet to comply with the law.
Besides licensing, what other laws and regulations should you know before you tour Alberta’s 28,000 kilometres of national and provincial parks?
Read Vehicle Equipment Regulation
The Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors publishes the Vehicle Equipment Regulation to share mandatory equipment standards for Alberta vehicles. For example, do you and your passengers always wear helmets when you go for a ride? You are making a wise decision.
According to estimates, motorcycle helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle drivers and 41 percent effective for motorcycle passengers. You must wear a helmet when you ride in Alberta. (But if you are a bona fide member of the Sikh religion over the age of 18 who wears a turban, you are exempt from the legal requirement to wear a helmet.)
Some rules in the brochure are specific to this province, while others are federal requirements.
To cover some highlights, motorcyclists must comply with these body gear and bike requirements:
- Safety helmets labelled or marked by specification-compliant motorcycle helmet manufacturers
- A securely attached left-side mirror that provides a clear view of the roadway behind the motorcycle
- An adequate pillion seat, hand grips, and footrests for any passengers
You can view a PDF copy of this publication online or order your copy from Alberta King’s Printer, the official source of governmental materials and publications.
Follow Tips for Safe Riding
Helmets, check. What’s next? These traffic safety guidelines can help you avoid an accident on the road.
Use bright safety gear and bikes
Light or neon colours like white, yellow, green, and orange absorb and reflect more light than dark colours like black, brown, or navy blue. Wear bright safety gear like high-visibility jackets, vests, and helmets in colours that will help you stand out from the landscape and other vehicles. Bright-coloured paint colours for your motorcycle also increase visibility and promote safe riding.
Wear road-safe clothes
Specially designed clothing can protect your body during your journey.
Every rider should wear:
- Shatter-proof eye protection
- Well-fitting long pants and jackets made of durable materials
- Boots high enough to protect your ankles and with non-slip soles
- Full-fingered, non-slip gloves
- Clothing suitable for the climate (i.e., cold weather coats, insulated gloves, raincoats)
- Ear protection, especially when riding a highway speed
Suppose you have your helmet ready and are wearing your special riding outfit. Are you ready for the road, or are there other guidelines that can help you drive safely and protect your passengers?
Learn more in the next section.
Increase Your Motorcycle Visibility
Never assume other drivers will see your motorcycle during the day or at night. Motorcycles change position often and are smaller than most other vehicles.
Take the following 3 precautions to ensure you are visible to those sharing the road:
- Use reflective tape on your bike: You should place reflective tape on your wheel rims and close to any light source on the front, rear, and sides of your bike. When lights hit the tape on your motorcycle, it will glow and make the profile of your motorcycle easier to see.
- Avoid blind spots: This motorcycle tip depends on a rider’s ability to predict what other motorists can see. Position yourself in direct sight of all cars on the road or within range of their rear-view mirrors. Choosing your lane position wisely is an essential part of safe riding.
- Apply the brakes: Every time you tap the brakes, your tail lamp illuminates. You can use this feature to alert other drivers that they are following too closely. Of course, you must perform regular maintenance so your light works properly when you need it.
Stay safe! Following these safety rules and wearing your helmet goes a long way.
What happens when motorcyclists get injured? Grover Law Firm is here to assist hurt riders and their families when accidents happen.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Our Alberta Lawyers
You can control many factors when you ride your motorcycle. Yet, one thing you cannot control is other drivers on the road. Even if motorcyclists follow all the traffic rules while wearing their gear, they can still get hurt.
At Grover Law Firm, our team of experienced accident attorneys can help you defend your rights and hold the at-fault driver liable.
Our personal injury lawyers can also handle insurance companies, pursuing maximum compensation for your motorcycle accident-related damages. Call the number on your screen anytime, 24/7, to schedule a free motorcycle accident consultation with a representative at any of our offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Yellowknife, or Okotoks.