Canadian Symposium to Tackle Rider Safety

Motorcyclists in Canada want recognition, and they're about to descend on the resort town of Whistler, BC to get it.

The first national symposium on the state of motorcycle safety in the country is scheduled for Sept. 27 to 29 at the Hilton Whistler, presented by the British Columbia Safety Council (BCSC), in partnership with the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC).

With the goal to generate motorcycle safety solutions that work in a Canadian context, Motorcycling RPM: Risk Management & Performance Management National Symposium is designed to establish an agenda on motorcycle safety in Canada.

Motorcyclists in Canada need a comprehensive plan to address contemporary motorcycling issues affecting both our safety and enjoyment of the sport, organizers say. The RPM National Motorcycle Symposium is the vehicle that brings together all the playersgovernment, industry, motorcycle sport groups and riders themselvesto address that need.

The Symposiums focus on risk and performance management will help identify strategies for safer motorcycling. Research on motorcycle safety from around the world will be presented in three primary areas of concern: the highway environment, the motorcycle itself and the human element, including riders and other motorists.

One of the key issues facing Canadian riders is indifference and ignorance among government authorities and insurance companies, organizers say.

Suzuki, Harley-Davidson and Honda are involved as sponsors of the event. Presenters include the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations, the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council of Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.