Police Urge Motorcyclists To Have Training, Safety Gear
DENVER (CBS4)- Police in Denver are concerned about the number of collisions involving motorcycles and the injuries to their riders.
So far this year, Denver police said 20 percent of their serious crashes involved motorcycles and 31 percent of fatal accidents. To get those statistics down, they say it takes training, awareness and proper safety gear.
"How do we keep motorcyclists safe in the City and County of Denver?" asked Denver Police Sargent Mike Farr.
To answer their own question, Denver police invited CBS4 to their training facility. CBS4's Jennifer Brice was shown proper emergency braking and low speed maneuvers, both designed to strengthen a rider's skills.
Denver Police Corporal Del Creason said a figure eight low-speed maneuver help a rider have control over his bike.
"You turn your head prior to turning the bike, it's your throttle clutch and brake and control of the motorcycle," said Creason.
Officers are asking riders if they are unable to perform the two maneuvers, that they rethink being a motorcycle in traffic. They encourage formalized training.
Colorado has a no helmet law. Only riders or passengers under 18 have to wear one. The American Motorcycle Association believes adults should have the right to voluntarily decide when to wear a helmet. They oppose mandatory helmet laws for adults over 21 but do encourage the use of them.
Farr said, "What we know about the helmet is that they do save lives."
Police also encourage car drivers to aggressively look out for motorcycles, especially now that more of them are out on the road with the warmer weather. As for riders, check out the Colorado Department of Transportation or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for formalized training courses.
Jennifer Brice is a reporter with CBS4 focusing on crime and courts. Follow her on Facebook or on Twitter @CBS4Jenn.