Motorcycle riding instructor warns bikers to slow down

Amotorcycle traininginstructor in St. John's says he can't explain the recent cluster of accidents that have killed one rider and left several others with serious injuries.

But Rodger Cooper of Two Guys Motorcycle Training thinks it has something to do with a shift in demographics. He saysa new generation - one more interested in speed - is takingup the pastime.

"We are seeing a lot more younger riders, definitely" Cooper told host Anthony Germain during an interview on the St. John's Morning Show.

A 29-year-old man died on Thursday, June 23 when his motorcycle left Robert E. Howlett Memorial Drive and struck a rock-cut. The following Monday four people were sent to hospitalwith serious injuries following two separate accidents in opposite ends of town. In both cases there was a collision between a bike and another motor vehicle. In one instance a 34-year-old man had to have his leg amputated.

Performance bikes "really taking off"

Cooper said aging baby-boomers used to dominate and still make up a significant portion of his business. But they generally preferheavierbikes and take a more laid-back approach to riding. That's not the case with the younger riders.

"It's not so much for the relaxing cruise anymore. It's the performance bikes that are really taking off," he said.

Cooper says used sport bikes are affordable and lots of people have the money to buy one. It only takes a few thousand dollars to buy a machine capable of very fast acceleration and a top speed in excess of 250 km/hr.

"They can get people into trouble very quickly," Cooper said. "But are the riders able to handle that? And a lot of them are not. They're going above their means and beyond their abilities."

The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says last year there were two motorcycle fatalities and 46 collisions in its jurisdictions. So far this year there have been 16 collisions and one death.

"People are going to have to start slowing down on the bikes," Cooper said. "Car drivers are going to have to start being extra-cautious as well. A small fender-bender in a car can be death on a motorcycle."