 |
| Our AMSS Executive and Media Team |
It was Liane's personal quest to help other riders a year or so back when she contacted me for some assistance with getting her message out to the media in Edmonton.
 |
| Liane Langlois - President |
One thing led to another and the amazing domino effect of positivity resulted in one of the finest multi media campaigns I've ever been involved in - and the building of a great team with other team members Terry Bleau, Doug McFayden and Mike Schmidt who each bring their own skill and expertise to our group along with the same message of 'passion' for safety on the roads.
That being said it's 'pre season' and I thought I'd send out a few thoughts to people either thinking of getting into our glorius sport this year or for 'relatively' new riders anxious to get out again on their particular choice of motorcycle or trike.
First off "wait" for the roads to warm up.
NOTHING is worse than cold tires on cold tarmac.
So when we get those nice fresh warm days in March or early April please hold off for a bit and let Mother Nature take her course.
As well the road crews need to remove all the sand & gravel and repair those vicious potholes that sneak up and bite you when you least expect it.
 |
| Our logo |
For new riders buy the proper bike for your riding skills and style.
There is a huge variety of motorcycles available and each is designed for a particular type of riding. City. Highway. Long distance. Off Road. Partly off Road.
You know what I mean.
Start with a lower cc bike and get the feel for it. Ride as often as you can with 'seasoned' riders to get those experienced rider tips that could save your life.
Most of all ride 'confident' - because if you're afraid of that bike or the drivers around us you're going to run in to trouble.
Second, it doesn't have to be your last bike - so 'progress' through the riding season(s) and when you find out your real riding style move into a bigger bike in the proper category for your skill level and riding style.
Next, take a proper riding course. There are some very good ones available and the folks that teach it simply will NOT let you get your licence without knowing that you are 100% ready to hit the roads
Wear the proper gear and trust me/us when we say... flip flops and shorts aren't 'proper' gear for the rider OR passenger.
And PLEASE don't use the city streets or surrounding freeways to race or show off. There are track days at Castrol Raceway for that several times a year.
If you're a returning rider after not being on a motorcycle for several years take an upgrade course.
Many 'veteran' riders left the sport years ago to raise families and when they return to riding find out very quickly that motorcycles/trikes have changed 'dramatically' over the past decade or so and you really do need to learn how to ride again with these upgrades - like ABS, lower weight bikes, gps, etc.
I've had my licence since 1966. I ride year round in Edmonton in the summer and Phoenix Arizona in the winter. I ride in every weather extreme possible. I ride with some of the most experienced riders as possible. I still learn from other riders and there is a wonderful team feeling when helping teach another rider a new safety tip or style on the road.
There isn't a day nor a ride that goes by without me being 100% aware of my surroundings - and in a world of Cell Phone/Texting and Distracted Driving you have to be fully cognizant of your surroundings at all times and to be ready to react to pure stupidity at a moments notice.
I've had drunk drivers try to run me off the road. People have thrown things at me riding. I had an elderly man try to spray me with a hose simply for riding on his street one day. I've had furniture fall off the back of a truck on a highway. I've dodge Coyotes, Moose, dogs and cats.
Every rider has had a close call and especially with those left turn scenarios OR with a driver looking 'past' you on the road and pull out in front of you.
Throughout it all simply remember that a MOTORCYCLE can KILL YOU.
I repeat - a MOTORCYCLE can KILL YOU.
So. Be prepared.
Constantly upgrade your skills and knowledge. Ride ride ride to get more confidence and experience.
Last years Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society was launched with a multi media campaign on television, radio, newspaper and digital. We are on Facebook and Twitter sharing as many good articles and advice as we can possibly can.
The campaign was highlighted and endorsed by some of Edmonton's finest media guys - like CTV's Daryl McIntyre, Global Televisions Gord Steinke, Alberta Prime Times Michael Higgens, CKUA's Cam Hayden, CFCW's Sean Burke, Capital FM's Shane Michaels, K97's Terry Evans, 630 CHED's J'Lyn Nye, The One's Steve Zimmerman, and this year we are also getting our message in to Calgary to help spread our message Province wide.
If you'd like to support our cause please go to the website www.ab-amss.org You will be able to view our television spots and to buy some of our swag or a membership in AMSS.
We are 100% non profit and all proceeds to to help us purchase more media and to assist us in participating in shows and causes around the Province where we spread the good word on motorcycle safety.
Your AMSS team looks forward to meeting you this season - #motosafety
Like us on Facebook - Follow us on Twitter @ab_amss - and please share your photos with us on Instagram ab_amss
No comments:
Post a Comment