Motorcycle season has arrived, and the Alberta RCMP is cautioning the public about a rise in outlaw motorcycle gang activity across the province.

Albertans should expect to see an increase in motorcyclists from these gangs on provincial roads, highways and at gas stations, as well as a larger police presence on weekends, when planned rides and events often occur.

RCMP say the Satan’s Choice Motorcycle Club is expanding across Canada and throughout Alberta. Police warn the expansion has the potential to cause conflict with other dominant outlaw motorcycle gangs, such as the Hells Angels. Albertans are encouraged to avoid outlaw motorcycle gangs and areas where gang activity is taking place.

The Alberta RCMP, along with its policing partners, says it is actively focusing resources on mitigating criminal activity linked to these gangs and will continue monitoring activity to help ensure public safety and the safety of motorists on Alberta roadways.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity is asked to report it to local police. Anyone witnessing a crime in progress should call 911.

People wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at P3Tips.com or through the P3 Tips app available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. To contact the RCMP non-emergency line within any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction, call 310-RCMP (7267).

Motorcycle safety

Aside from outlaw motorcycle gang activity, the Alberta RCMP is also reminding riders to stay safe as motorcycles return to the highways for the season.

Last year, within Alberta RCMP jurisdiction, there were 288 reported motorcycle collisions resulting in 259 injuries and 16 deaths.

The RCMP is offering the following safety tips for riders:

• Complete a pre-ride check. Before getting on your bike, check fluids, tires, lights and signals, chains, and the motorcycle’s overall condition.
• Gear up. Riders and passengers must wear helmets that meet safety requirements and display the date of manufacture. A proper coat, pants, ankle-covering boots, gloves and shatterproof eyewear can reduce the risk of injury in a collision. Avoid buying used helmets, as they may have defects.
• Be bright and visible. Stay out of blind spots and wear high-visibility gear, including jackets and helmets in colours such as orange, yellow or white.
• Maintain a safe following distance. Watch for loose gravel, rocks and debris that can affect traction and handling.
• Avoid speeding and weaving. Speeding through traffic on a motorcycle is illegal and dangerous. Safe handling and responsible road sharing reduce the risk of collisions.
• Don’t show off. Slow down on unfamiliar roads and don’t feel pressured to keep up with more experienced riders.

“We can all work together for a safe riding season,” says Sgt. Darrin Turnbull of Alberta RCMP Traffic. “Last May saw 45 motorcycle collisions, making up approximately 16 per cent of the total for last year.”

Turnbull also advises motorists to watch out for each other on the roads. Drivers should complete a full shoulder check before changing lanes to ensure motorcycles and smaller vehicles are not in their path.