May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Nova Scotia

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Nova Scotia

A shift to warmer weather also means that motorcycles will be shifting into gear on Nova Scotia highways.

Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell is asking all drivers to use extra caution as warmer weather increases the number of motorcycles on our roads.

The Nova Scotia government, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Safety Council, is proclaiming May Motorcycle Awareness Month in Nova Scotia.

"With more than 10,000 motorcycle users in this province, motorcycles are a popular form of recreation and transportation," said Mr. Russell. "Motorcycles provide a sense of freedom and openness but, along with that, there are also great risks. The margin of error is much smaller for motorcyclists. Their vehicles lack the protection and stability of other motorized forms of transportation."

"Statistics have proven that a licensed motorcycle rider who has completed a formal safety program is 85 per cent less likely to have an incident or collision in their first year of riding," said Nancy White of the Nova Scotia Safety Council. "The council offers the national motorcycle training program that educates the rider on how to ride responsibly, wear proper safety gear, and teaches skills that are needed in today's traffic environment."

Mr. Russell said all drivers need to be aware of the increased number of motorcycles on the road during the warmer months. "We all have a role to play in making our roadways safe."

More information about motorcycle safety and motorcycle safety training courses available can be found on the Nova Scotia Safety Council website at www.nssafety.ns.ca .