May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Nova Scotia

As the weather warms up, more than 27,000 Nova Scotians are tuning up their motorcycles to take to the roads.

To make sure all road users stay aware of the summer increase in motorcycle traffic, government, in partnership with Safety Services Nova Scotia, is proclaiming May as Motorcycle Awareness Month in Nova Scotia.

"Motorcycles provide a sense of freedom and openness but, along with that, there are also great risks," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Geoff MacLellan. "We're asking all drivers -- motorcyclists and those in vehicles -- to be alert and especially careful as the use of motorcycles increases."

Earlier this week, the province added the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) standard helmet to the list of approved motorcycle helmets in Nova Scotia.

"Helmets save lives and help reduce the risk of head injury," said Mr. MacLellan. "We want to ensure that the helmet you're wearing is safe. The European–standard helmet has been approved safe and provides motorcycle users with more choices in selecting a helmet."

There were eight motorcycle fatalities in Nova Scotia last year and 41 during the last five years.

"ECE standard helmets are recognized in more than 50 countries internationally so this is great news for Nova Scotia riders," said Bob Ramsay, president of the Motorcycle & Moped Industry Council. "At the end of the day reducing the risk of injury means wearing all the gear all the time."

"Over the years, motorcycling has become a growing sport on Nova Scotia's highways and roadways," said Ed Snow, motorcycle training manager with Safety Services Nova Scotia. "We want to ensure we all return home safely to our family and friends at the end of the day. May Motorcycle Awareness brings with it that passion for safety, and a commitment from all road users to be aware of motorcyclists on our highways."

For more information on motorcycle safety and training courses, go to www.safetyservicesns.ca .