3 motorcycle safety tips for early spring riding

A Calgary motorcycle instructor is urging riders to be extra careful on the roadsafter a serious crash Thursdaylanded one rider in hospital.

Police say that driverfailed to negotiate aturn, struck a trailer-mounted traffic control device and suffered life-threatening injuries as a result.

Excessive speed is considered to have played a role in that crash, which is being investigated by police.

Here are some tips from Trevor Dech with Too Cool Motorcycle School to help riders stay safe through the early spring season.

1. Be conspicuous

Dech says motorcyclistsshould try to make themselves as visible as possible on the roadsbecause they aren't as obvious as cars.

"Ride with the high beam on in the day time, flash the brake lights a few times," he said.

"Make sure you're riding not in someone's blind spot."

2. Watch for gravel

"Gravel in Calgary is always an issue, even in the middle of the summer," says Dech. "The big issue is people don't really understand how to deal with gravel."

Dech says that on every turn where there's possible gravel, riders should slow down, look for a clear path and take it if it's available.

He also says dragging your rear brake to slow you down as you pass through the turn can help stabilize the bike.

3. Brake early

Besides gravel, motorcyclists will have to contend with potholes and other road debris.

Dechrecommends travelling at slower speeds, especially around corners, to give drivers more balance and time to react.

"If you apply the brakes nice and smooth in a linear fashion, almost like you're pouring a cup of coffee, all of a sudden you're gonna load the tire. It's gonna slow down, you're going to be able to turn tighter, and maybe avoid that obstacle," he explained.

"And worst case there if you do hit it, you're hitting it at a slower speed."