EPS tells motorcyclists to #takeittothetrack to reduce crashes
In an effort to decrease motorcycle collisions on the streets, the Edmonton Police Traffic Section is encouraging riders to take their need for speed out to the area race tracks.
There were 119 motorcycle collisions in 2020, an increase of 14 per cent from 2019, according police.
The fastest speed captured this year was 220 km/h on the Anthony Henday Drive, said James McLeod, the acting staff Sgt. of the EPS Traffic Enforcement Section.
“The faster you do travel it lessens the time to react,” he noted.
McLeod said there are 15,000 registered motorcyclists in Edmonton alone and “ the sport is growing.”
Because of that, police have created the hashtag #takeittothetrack to encourage motorcycle riders to test the speed of their machine in a controlled environment.
“I get it,” EPS Const. Calvin Ozimko said. “Everyone wants to see what their machine is capable of doing.”
“It’s at these events that provide me and the motorcycle community an opportunity to push ourselves and our bikes where we’re not going to endanger the lives of others on the city streets.”
Stratotech Park in Fort Saskatchewan. Photo by: Galen McDougall
In order to get more people on the track, one of the owners of Motorheads Track Attacks rents out raceway facilities to host public events.
“The motorcycle community in Edmonton and Alberta is very strong,” Brian Worsdall explained. “There are avenues where they can get their fix of speed, and get their thrills out.”
“Whether you’re a new rider or an experienced rider, you can come out to these events and you’re going to get some solid advice or instruction on everything from proper gear, to bike set up to even how to drag your knee around the corner,” Ozimko added.
'I LUCKILY WALKED AWAY'
Worsdall recalled buying his first motorcycle at 19 years old and instantly becoming an enthusiast. But, after a collision on a busy intersection along Jasper Avenue, he said his attitude quickly changed.
“I luckily walked away with just a few scrapes,” he said.
“For the price of one speeding ticket, usually you can come out and have a day riding on track, faster then you’ll ever go in the streets.”
The program currently utilizes Stratotech Park in Fort Saskatchewan and Castrol Raceway in Nisku for its training and racing programs.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Iran fires at suspected Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
Iran fired air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan after spotting drones, which were suspected to be part of an Israeli attack in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
In his new book 'As Long as You Need', hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Trend Line Anger, pessimism towards federal government reach six-year high: Nanos survey
Most Canadians in March reported feeling angry or pessimistic towards the federal government than at any point in the last six years, according to a survey by Nanos Research.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.