ST. PAUL, Minn. – Thousands of motorcyclists will kick off the unofficial start of the Minnesota riding season during the “Spring Flood Run” Saturday, April 20. The route takes riders along the scenic Mississippi and St. Croix Valley roadways between the Twin Cities and Winona.
Motorists need to use extra caution this weekend with thousands of motorcyclists riding between the Twin Cities and Winona for the event. Riders should take safety into their own hands and motorists are encouraged to always look twice for motorcycles.
Riders also should watch for dangerous spring riding conditions as the April snow melts. Snow run-off freezes at night, pavement is uneven and there is sand and gravel at intersections and turns.
To ensure a safe riding environment, law enforcement agencies in southeast Minnesota will have patrols out during the event. The Minnesota State Patrol will also have troopers patrolling the area.
“Riders and other motorists need to work together and share the road to prevent deadly crashes,” says Lt. Gordon Shank, Minnesota State Patrol. “Taking small steps like putting on your helmet and protective gear or looking twice for motorcyclists before pulling out into an intersection could save another person’s life, or your own.”
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Motorcycle Safety Center (DPS-MMSC) offers these safety tips for motorists and motorcyclists:
Motorists:
- Watch for motorcycles. Speed and distance is difficult to judge due to their smaller size.
- Always look twice before entering a roadway or changing lanes.
- Give riders room and check blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn.
- Pay attention and drive at safe speeds.
Riders:
- Be prepared for inattentive drivers by staying focused on riding and keeping your speed in check.
- Wear the gear. Motorcyclists should wear a DOT-approved helmet and brightly colored protective gear for visibility and protection.
- Don’t drink and ride. One-third of all motorcycle fatalities involve impaired riders.
- Take a training course. Training is underway at most MMSC training sites. Visit motorcyclesafety.org for information.
About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 11 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.
About the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center
The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) provides high-quality rider education, training and licensing to prevent motorcycle crashes and the resulting fatalities and injuries. It was created in the early 1980s to address record high motorcyclist fatalities.
The MMSC provides on-cycle and classroom rider training courses, develops awareness campaigns and informational materials, and coordinates third-party skills testing for motorcycle license endorsement through the Basic Rider Course and evening testing at select DVS Exam Stations.
Motorcycle safety is a component of Toward Zero Deaths (TZD), the state’s primary road safety initiative. A primary vision of the TZD program is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes — education, enforcement, engineering and emergency trauma response.
Recent MMSC Activity and Statistics
- In 2018, there were more than 223,000 registered motorcycles and more than 414,000 licensed operators in Minnesota.
- During the 2018 training season, MMSC trained more than 5,000 students statewide.
- Follow MMSC on Twitter @MnDPS_MCSafety and “like” MMSC on Facebook
