Medicine Hat city police are issuing a call for motorcycle safety after catching a rider going nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit. In this 2016 file photo, Dean Jans finishes up a ride with the local United Motorcycle Club International.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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The Medicine Hat Police Service caught a motorcyclist travelling nearly 100 kilometres per hour over the speed limit on Friday night. The MHPS says with the weather warming up they need motorists to be safe on the road.
An officer was posted on Holsom Road when their laser recorded the bike travelling at 177 km/h in an 80 zone. Gerald Sadlemyer, sergeant in charge of the traffic unit, says the driver has a mandatory court appearance because he was driving 50-plus kilometres over the speed limit.
“Over double the speed limit, especially on a motorcycle, that small of a vehicle travelling that fast and especially on Holsom Road where you’re out in the country and you have lot of animals that could pop up out of the ditch at any given time,” said Sadlemyer. “It was about 8 p.m. so a lot of animal activity … you’re not reacting to anything at that speed.”
May is motorcycle safety month in Alberta and Sadlemyer says it’s a good time to remind drivers to be aware on the road.
“It is motorcycle season with the warm weather and there’s a lot more on the road, so other drivers just expect it and take an extra few looks in your mirror or beside you before making that lane change because the bikes are out there, especially with some of the young kids on the mopeds and a lot of them out there as well. So, just be prepared and drive safely,” he said.
Sadlemyer says bikers often press the gas pedal down a little extra on the streets, but he’s also seen a lot of motorcyclists that adhere to the laws and obey rules.
Aside from speeding, Sadlemyer says officers have to keep a lookout for motorcycles with aftermarket pipes because of how loud they are. He says it is one of the major problems officers look out for and the same goes for cars and trucks with noisy equipment.
