Maybe it’s just me, but it seems as though motorcyclists have multiplied this year.  Granted, my dad, brother-in-law and two uncles all decided to get their motorcycle licenses this past summer.  It is possible that I have been paying more attention now that most of the males in my family are hitting the road on two wheels, but I think that the summer of 2009 showed an increase in the number of licensed motorcycle riders.



Gatherings



The same way car enthusiasts converge at the auto show, there is an annual motorcycle show in Toronto.  Here, motorcyclists can view the brand new models that will come out the following year and talk amongst themselves about their favourites.  Also available are ATVs and other motorized sporting vehicles, as well as protective gear.  If you own a motorcycle and love everything about it, the Toronto Motorcycle Show is the social event of the year.



In 2009, the show will be held from December 11 to 13 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  Adult tickets are just $16.00 each.



Motorcycles And The Media

Also available for motorcyclists is the magazine Cycle Canada.  This magazine has been available in print for almost 40 years and has recently made its online debut.  Motorcyclists young and old can read the magazine in the form that they prefer and stay current with the updates on gear, bike models, events, rules and safety.  The laws concerning motorcycles change consistently and this magazine gives riders a way of staying on top of the news.  The news and press releases keep riders informed on events and community concerns both in Canada and worldwide.  Plus it is a great way to communicate with other riders and share personal experiences and knowledge.



Another online service available to motorcyclists is the Motorcycle Confederation of Canada (MCC).  Similar to Cycle Canada, this website is a link between riders and riding news.  They post information on events such as the Ride to Work Day, which promotes motorcycle riding as a non-discriminatory pastime that is also used as a mode of transportation.

Safety

Think motorcycles are dangerous and only ridden by gangs or punks?  Think again.  Before becoming licensed, riders must go thorough training both on and off the bike.  The Canada Safety Council is responsible for safety programs throughout the country and has been running the “Gearing Up” training program since 1974.  As Canada’s National Motorcycle Training Program, hundreds of thousands of riders have been trained so well that most provinces allow them to skip the Ministry of Transportation’s road test after finishing and passing the program (which includes a road test at its conclusion).



The Ministry of Transportation has a set of rules for drivers to follow when sharing the road with motorcycles.  These include allowing enough room between yourself and the motorcycle in case the rider needs to stop suddenly or change lanes.  Riders and drivers both have to be aware that signal lights on a motorcycle are harder to see and therefore you must watch out for them.  Likewise, the rider must use the signal at all times.



Canada’s National Motorcycle Training Program is taught in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan.  Emphasis is placed on becoming comfortable with a bike and all of its mechanics, especially balance and control.  Before the practical coursework begins, there is instruction in a classroom setting.  Riders study motorcycle and other vehicle awareness and how to ride defensively, which is important considering riders are on the roads without the protective shell of a car or truck.  In other words, training riders is not taken lightly and they must show the ability to comfortably and safely handle a motorcycle at all times before being awarded a license.



Statistics



In reality, there has been no increase in issued motorcycle licenses.  According to the Ministry of Transportation, the number of motorcyclists is increasing steadily, but did not show any unusual changes this year.  According to the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council, new motorcycle purchases accounted for just over 51 per cent of sales, with the rest going to mopeds and ATVs.

So while my theory appears to be a little off (okay, maybe a lot), I do believe that at least the awareness and popularity of motorcycles are increasing.  This is certainly true in my family and having just recently been for a ride on one, it is easy to see why motorcyclists enjoy being part of their unofficial club.  The ride is thrilling and relaxing at the same time and there is an unspoken rule to have respect for your fellow riders, young or old.  If you decide to join, take the course and enjoy your resulting lifelong membership.