From the Bracebridge OPP Detachment
As the number of visitors to Muskoka increases with the warmer weather, the Bracebridge Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) would like to prepare for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by reminding all road users to be extra aware of motorcycles.
In 2023, there were six fatal motorcycle-related incidents in the Bracebridge Detachment area, marking the highest number of such occurrences in the OPP Central Region that year.
“Muskoka has seen an increase in personal injury collisions and, tragically, several fatalities in 2023. The most common factors for these incidents are inattentive driving and speed. Muskoka sees a large increase in people during the spring and summer months to see its beautiful landscape, waterways and trails. The OPP are committed to both traffic and public safety and will be launching motorcycle safety week, providing safety tips for motorcycle enthusiasts and drivers to make sure everyone arrives to their destination safely,” said Inspector Wade Beebe of the Bracebridge OPP.
The OPP would like to offer safety tips to assist riders:
- Dress to be seen and protected. Wear approved helmets, gloves, and jackets; consider wearing bright colours that are easily seen by other motorists.
- Slow Down. Respecting the posted speed limit and adjusting your speed in response to changing weather conditions will allow you time to respond safely.
- Drive Defensively. Consider that other motorists may not see you. Make eye contact with vehicles that might pull out in front of you.
- Take it to the track. The street is no place to test the limits of your sports bike. Take a lesson at a local racetrack or sign up for a track day.
The OPP would also like to remind passenger vehicles of the following safety tips:
- Look twice at intersections and when changing lanes. Motorcycles are small and easy to lose in a blind spot. It is also easy to misjudge the speed of an approaching motorcycle.
- Back off. Having a rear-end collision with a car is one thing, but having one with a motorcycle could have fatal consequences.
- Give them room. Leave yourself time to react when motorcycles are around. If a rider were to fall off, could you avoid the downed rider?
- Let them swerve. Motorcyclists will often be active in their own lane. Many times moving, to avoid pot holes or roadkill. Hitting any of these could cause an issue for the rider.
The Bracebridge Detachment of the OPP is dedicated to road and pedestrian safety, especially with the increase of tourists enjoying the Muskoka area during the nice weather. The Bracebridge Detachment reminds the public – residents and visitors alike – to be cautious of the increase in traffic and pedestrians by obeying speed limits, being patient, and sharing the roads. Additionally, staying informed about Ontario’s safe boating practices and laws is essential for a fun boating season. If you suspect someone is driving a vehicle or boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs, it’s important to call 9-1-1 to report it. Let’s work together and prioritize safety to ensure a memorable summer for everyone.
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As the weather warms noisy motorcycles make their appearance.
Summer in Muskoka means inconsiderate owners on noisy vehicles, sometimes miles away.
Every single nice evening.
“Who likes loud cars? Ontario study suggests they skew young, male and score high on psychopathy and sadism”
Zero enforcement here unlike some areas.
“In London in particular, city police have been doing regular enforcement blitzes since 2020, laying hundreds of charges each year.”
There are relatively quiet versions of all vehicles.
That should be mandatory.
Noisy motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, ATVs, dirt bikes trucks and cars should not be allowed.
The future is much quieter EVs.
In the meantime there is no reason for noisy vehicles to exist.
It would be really nice if the town would sweep the roads and shoulders aka bicycle lanes asap.