There is a simple explanation for the increase in motorcycle rider deaths across the province, says the vice-president of ABATE Brantford.
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And the way to reduce them is even simpler, says Ron Byrne.
Reaching into his pocket, Byrne pulled out his cell phone and pretended to type in a text message.
“This is the reason for so many motorcycle deaths and injuries,” Byrne said. “It’s distracted driving.
“People are paying more attention to their phones than to their driving and people end up getting hurt or worse.”
A long-time rider, Byrne said he’s pulled up to a stop light, looked in the vehicle beside and seen three or four people all looking into their phones.
‘It’s ridiculous,’ Byrne said. “Nothing could possibly be that important and if it is, all you have to do is pull over.
“It’s safer for everyone.”
The OPP announced in mid-August that there has been a 56 per cent increase in motorcyclist fatalities this year. Almost all were preventable, the OPP said in a statement.
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The 39 fatalities in 2024 sets the stage for a possible 10-year high in motorcycle deaths on OPP-patrolled roads. Three of those who died were under 19 years of age and two were passengers on motorcycles.
The OPP is using an airplane – a Cessna 206 – to spot and track those motorists who speed, follow too closely or make unsafe lane changes.
Byrne was among the about 30 motorcycle riders who gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall for ABATE Brantford’s annual ride in support of Help A Child Smile on Saturday.
ABATE stands for Association of Bikers for Awareness, Training and Education. A not-for-profit organization, the Brantford group is a chapter of ABATE Ontario.
“We’re all about safe riding and helping out groups like Help A Child Smile,” Byrne said. “Safe riding means no alcohol, no drugs and being aware of what’s happening around you.
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“It’s about paying attention – no distractions.”
The local chapter has been holding the ride for about eight years. It generally attracts between 40 to 80 riders and last year raised $8,600.
Beth Walsh, a volunteer with Help A Child Smile attending Saturday’s event, said ABATE Brantford has helped a lot of families.
“We’re dedicated to helping children being treated for cancer at McMaster Children’s Hospital,” Walsh said. “We arrange outings for them, like visits to Canada’s Wonderland and the money we raise also helps cover some of their expenses.
“We get them gas cards and help them cover parking fees which become really expensive when a family has to make a lot of trips to the hospital.”
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