Motorcyclists to drivers: watch out for us on the road

Some motorcyclists say it's becoming more dangerous to ride on Nova Scotia's highways because many drivers are not looking out for bikes.

RCMP figures show seven people have died on motorcycles so far this year, two more compared to this time last year.

Jimi Swinamer, who runs a group that provides financial and moral support for people injured in motorcycle accidents, said many crashes are preventable.

"It's way too high. Way to high. We have to bring that down and the only way I think we can do that is through education. I get on my own motorcycle and my wife and I ride frequently. You really have to watch out. Everything we do, you just have to be so careful now," said the creator of the Bikers Down Society.

Swinamer said he knows people selling their bikes because there are so many incidents.

Biker Doug Bethune, also an automotive forensic investigator, said he does not ride the 100 series highways at night or during bad weather.

"Cars just do not see motorcycles, they don't look for motorcycles. We've found out lately in studies that if a motorcyclists puts more than one headlight on the front of their motorcycle they're more apt to be seen," he said.

Swinamer said he would like to see signs on the province's highways reminding drivers to look out for motorcycles.