To All Members and Riders,
As we enter July, the peak of the summer riding season, our community should be celebrating open roads and shared adventures. Instead, we are facing an urgent and deeply sobering reality. This year, we have seen a massive, tragic increase in motorcycle rider fatalities across the country. Behind every statistic is a fellow rider, a friend, a coworker, and a family member whose life was cut short. This staggering rise in deaths is a call to action for every single one of us. We cannot treat these tragedies as the inevitable cost of riding. They are preventable, and it is up to us to change the tide. As you gear up this month, I am asking every rider to commit to the core pillars of safe riding:
Critical Safety Commitments for Every Ride
- Gear Up Every Time: Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and proper protective riding gear. It is your ultimate line of defense when the unexpected happens.
- Watch Your Speed: High speed remains a primary factor in fatal crashes. Give yourself the time and space to react to changing road conditions or erratic drivers.
Traffic Safety for Every Ride!
- Ride Completely Sober: There is zero margin for error on a motorcycle. Alcohol and drugs impair balance, judgment, and reaction times. Safe riding demands 100% of your focus.
- Stay Visible and Vigilant: Intersections and left-turning vehicles pose some of the greatest risks to motorcyclists. Ride defensively, anticipate that drivers may not see you, and position yourself safely in traffic.
Our Goal is Clear: Zero Preventable Injuries and Fatalities.
We also call upon our community to look out for one another. If you see a fellow rider pushing limits or riding unprepared, speak up. True rider culture is rooted in looking out for the person next to you. Let’s enjoy the summer roads, but let’s do it with the respect, skill, and caution that riding demands. Take care of your bikes, look out for your peers, and above all else—ride safe.
Bill Morrill President Canadian National Motorcycle Riders Association