May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

Mike Lawrence - Staff Writer

“Take a sec and double check!”.  
It’s a timely reminder for motorists as temperatures rise and area roadways begin to see more motorcycle traffic. 
Rick Jaworski is the Director of the Sioux Lookout Harley Owners Group (HOG) Chapter. As he notes, getting back in the habit of having motorcycle awareness after our long winters can take some time and effort. Jaworski points out, “Once we’ve trained our brains over the winter it takes a while to get back into the swing of things. Our motto is ‘take a sec and double check’. Sometimes you do have to sit at a stop sign and recognize you are only looking for one headlight, so just keep that in mind when you are out there on the roads.”
As a reminder to area motorists, the local HOG Chapter has once again placed their Motorcycle Awareness Month sign across from the Town Beach, to reiterate that with spring weather, comes motorcycles.
Jaworski notes that due to the late spring, the club was unable to do their usual spawning run to Mill’s Creek, an event that usually takes place in early May. Although it’s still a long way off, the HOG Chapter will be participating in their annual Toys for Tots ride come October. Items donated for this event supports the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre’s Christmas Hamper Program.
Jaworski adds, “It’s retraining yourself, every year. Even if you have 20 years’ experience on a motorcycle, it’s retraining your body. It’s just as much our job (as motorcyclists) to watch out for people. Hopefully we get a lot of motorcyclists out this year. It’s a great opportunity to get out there while the weather’s good.”