Proper training and practice are the keys to reducing motorcycle accidents according to the East Kootenay Traffic Services and a local training instructor, following the recent surge of motorcycle accidents in and around Cranbrook.

Over the course of the last two weeks, the East Kootenay Traffic Services have responded to five accidents involving motorcycles, including two fatalities.

Irving Miller, Const. with the East Kootenay Traffic Services, said statistics pertaining to motorcycles tell the whole story.

“Within the last 10 years, we have seen a 76 per cent increase in motorcycle fatalities,” said Miller. “Motorcyclists make up only 1.5 per cent of the insured vehicles in the province but account for 10 per cent of road fatalities, so we are trying to encourage all riders to learn and practice their skills.”

Miller said the majority of accidents involve riders who are ill-equipped to handle a motorcycle.

“What we are finding in statistics from the Lower Mainland is that the majority of the accidents are not with bikes known as crotch rockets, but are involving people from 40 to 50 years of age that used to drive a motorcycle, gave it up for a number of reasons and are starting to drive again,” said Miller.

“Unfortunately, their skills are from 30 years ago and they are not willing to attend driving schools to further develop their skills.”

Miller did offer safety tips for motorcyclists.

“Obey the rules of the road, everyone can relate to motorcycles passing on double solid lines or passing between vehicles and please ride to the appropriate road conditions and speed,” he advised. “Stay focused, remember that you are invisible, wear brightly coloured clothing and dress as if you are going to crash, we see many riders without the proper safety equipment.”

According to Miller, the best way to prevent an accident is participating in training offered here in Cranbrook.

And Wally Eddy, an advanced rider course instructor in Cranbrook, couldn’t agree more with Const. Miller.

Eddy, who is certified by the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and the Provincial Safety Council, believes training is absolutely critical when it comes to motorcycle safety.

“Drivers don’t see motorcyclists, so I try to get the riders to become more confident and more in control of their bike,” said Eddy. “It provides an opportunity for new riders to really learn the skills on their bike. The importance of doing a training session such as this is to build some skill sets that are going to provide them with confidence.”

Ed Guille, a participant in one of Eddy’s training sessions, said the lessons have been invaluable.

“When I first started riding, I thought I knew everything,” said Guille. “After watching what you can learn here, I really don’t know anything. I would make this mandatory for new bikers and think all riders should consider taking some type of lessons.”