Motorcyclists told to ‘be cautious' after 4 crashes along stretch of Stoney Trail
Calgary motorcycle riders are being reminded to stay vigilant this summer – especially if they're travelling on one particular section of the city's ring road.
There have been four serious motorcycle collisions reported on Stoney Trail between 16 Avenue and Shaganappi Trail N.W. in the last two months.
Three have been fatal.
That's four devastating accidents this year already, compared to just two total collisions on that stretch from 2022 to 2024.
'Stoney is a dangerous road, really, for every driver – whether it be on a car or motorcycle – because it's quite an open road,' traffic unit officer Andy Woodward said. 'There's quite a few hills and a few bends. Riders need to stay alert.'
The hills and bends aren't the only reason for the crashes, according to one motorcyclist.
Though the Calgary Police Services's traffic Unit is still investigating and doesn't have a direct causation, Riders YYC's Ali Chehade blames speed, distracted drivers and highway roadwork.
'There's a lot of construction,' he told CTV News. 'So now the roads are not the greatest. Lots of ruts, potholes.'
'They're doing paving, and there's probably a good four-inch drop on each lane in between, because they're grading it and then laying down asphalt.'
The lip on Stoney Trail is noticeable along the stretch of highway.
The message from both police and Chehade is a simple one:
'Just be cautious,' he said. 'Be honest and put your head on a swivel. Look around. It's just multitasking, times ten.'
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