Local bike club urges safety on the road

By Staff
Melissa Cason
May has been designated as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and the Cedar Creek Wings Motorcycle Club wants to encourage everyone to take safety precautions whether he or she is on or off the bike.
"With the warmer weather and price of fuel so high, there are going to be more motorcycles on the road," Chapter Director Mark Swindle said.
Swindle said the cardinal rule in motorcycle safety is to make sure the motorcycle is in good condition and that all the equipment is in tact and in good condition as well.
"The first thing any rider should do is check out the equipment and the bike to make sure everything is in good working condition," Swindle said.
Equipment includes boots, a DOT-approved helmet, leather riding gloves, long pants, shirt, riding jacket and eye protection.
Swindle said riders should ride in a staggered formation when riding in groups to prevent injury should a rider in front have an accident or injury.
"Another important thing is for all motorcycles to make sure they are not riding in a vehicle's blindside," Swindle said. "Because if they can't see you they don't know you're there."
Swindle said that loose tires could wipe a rider out should an 18-wheeler have an unexpected blow out.
Swindle suggests that all riders take some sort of rider safety course when a bike is first purchased or annually as a refresher course in motorcycle safety.
Swindle said the Cedar Creek Wings strives to promote safe, enjoyable riding for their members. They meet the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Goodsprings in Russellville.
For more information on the Cedar Creek Wings or Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, visit www.cedarcreekwings.org.