Look Twice, Save a Life
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, National Bike Month, and Bicycle Safety Month.
May isn’t just the time for pollen, road construction, and that weird weather in Minnesota that can’t decide if it’s spring or still winter—it’s also Two-wheeler Month. That means it’s time for all of us behind the big wheel to keep an extra eye out for the two-wheeled folks out there.
Let’s face it: motorcycles and bicycles are small, fast, and sometimes hard to see—especially in blind spots, at intersections, or when they sneak up like ninjas in our mirrors. But while they may be tiny, they’re still somebody’s loved one, and they don’t stand a chance against 80,000 pounds of rolling steel.
Truckers:
- Look twice. Seriously. One extra glance might save a life—and a ton of paperwork.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. Motorcycles and bicycles are excellent at hiding where you least expect them.
- Give them space. If it looks like they’re swerving or wobbling, they’re probably dodging a pothole, a squirrel, or a bad life decision.
- Be predictable. Signal early, brake gently, and don’t try to play chess in traffic.
Motorcyclists:
Now, for the folks on bikes and motorcycles—you’re not off the hook, either. We get it: wind in your hair, freedom vibes, etc. But if you’re going to share the road with vehicles the size of a small building, a few pro tips:
- Dress like you want to be seen. Black-on-black in the dark is camouflage. Reflective gear saves lives.
- Assume nobody sees you. It’s not personal. We’re juggling mirrors, traffic, GPS, and weather.
- Don’t linger in blind spots. Especially the “No Zone.” If you can’t see the driver’s face in the mirror, they can’t see you.
- Signal your intentions. Swerving in and out of traffic might feel fun, but it turns your life expectancy into a guessing game.
- Helmet hair beats head trauma. That one’s not even up for debate.
Let’s all do our part to share the road and stay alert.
