The motorcycle club is taking to the streets in April to promote safety and awareness, reminding both drivers and riders to stay alert and cautious.
TOLEDO, Ohio — With warmer weather rolling in, more motorcycles are hitting the road and the Toledo Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club wants to ensure those riders are safe.
The club is taking to the streets in April to promote motorcycle safety and awareness, reminding both drivers and riders to stay alert and cautious.
As part of their annual outreach, the Buffalo Soldiers held their spring motorcycle safety seminar over the weekend, bringing in an instructor from the state Department of Transportation’s Motorcycle Ohio program to lead the session.
With motorcycle season in full swing, Earl Mack, post commander and president of the Buffalo Soldiers, shared key advice for motorists who may encounter more bikers on the road.
“Just be cautious of those motorcycle riders, be courteous to them,” he said. “Give us our space. If something happens, like getting cut off by a motorcyclist, don’t get upset. Just swallow it and keep going, because you as a motorist help keep us safe on the road as well.”
Mack also emphasized preparation and personal responsibility for riders hitting the road after a long winter.
“Be very cautious of your surroundings,” he advised. “Check your bike out, check your tires, check your oils. I always check my bike in at the beginning of the year to have all my oils changed and all my tires checked before I put it on the road.”
He also stressed the importance of proper safety gear.
“You see folks out there with shorts on and short-sleeved shirts — that’s a no-no. Make sure you have that helmet on because you have to protect your head,” Mack said.
The Buffalo Soldiers hope their annual efforts continue to reduce crashes involving motorcycles and promote a culture of respect and safety between motorists and bikers.
