By Stephanie Villella

Young rider stresses importance of bike safety

Mar 29, 2017 | 3:58 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — With spring upon us, Hatters are starting to take their motorcycles and scooters out of the garage.

However, with the city still working to clean gravel off the roads, riding conditions are not the best.

Sixteen year old, Madison Egan, got into a scooter accident last year. Her front tire hit the divider in the road and she was thrown off her scooter.

She was rushed to hospital and suffered from road rash all over her legs and feet.  Due to the accident, she was unable to ride her scooter the rest of the season.

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Now, Egan understands the importance of riding cautiously.  She said wearing proper clothing, like long jeans and sweaters, is one way to avoid serious damage.

She also said that scooters need to be wary of vehicles, as scooters are so small, some drivers may not see the bike.

“Just to be careful and to know that there is always that chance that you could have an accident, so you need to be cautious and know how to use the scooter properly,” she said.

Using the scooter properly means driving to road conditions said Sgt. Clarke White, with the Medicine Hat Police Department.

He said gravel on the roads is an extreme hazard when it comes to motorcycle and scooter safety.

“When you’re on two wheels and you hit gravel, gravity is going to work against you,” he said. “So definitely, motorcycle drivers are going to have to be cautious, there is still gravel on the roads.”

White said riders need to adjust their speed and exercise caution especially when turning, as most of the gravel ends up on the side of the roads.

And that is something that Egan keeps in mind.

She said she is fortunate enough to be able to ride again after her accident, as it gives her a sense of independence.

“I want to not rely on my mom every time I need to go out somewhere, so I ride just so I can have that little bit of freedom.”

However, she said every time she steps up on her scooter, she is constantly reminded of the day she fell off, and remembers that safety is a priority.