Motorcycle crash survivor speaks out amid spike in Calgary deaths
Posted Sep 17, 2025 6:27 pm.
Last Updated Sep 17, 2025 7:29 pm.
Calgary has seen a troubling rise in fatal motorcycle crashes this summer, with six riders losing their lives—many in speed-related incidents. One survivor is sharing his story to shed light on the risks and the mindset behind high-speed riding.
Tim Graham, a lifelong motorcyclist with over 40 years of experience, knows firsthand how dangerous the road can be. In his twenties, he was involved in a crash caused by excessive speed.
Now, he’s urging riders—especially younger ones—to think twice before pushing the limits.
“It’s very exhilarating,” Graham said. “Your senses are all filled. It’s quite satisfying in fact, despite the risk and danger—and that’s the attraction to people.”
According to Calgary police, there have been 27 fatal collisions in the city so far in 2025. Six of those involved motorcycles.
Graham believes that while crashes may be inevitable for long-time riders, there are ways to reduce the risk.
“It’s awareness and experience,” he explained. “Ninety per cent of that is going to lie with the rider himself.”
“He controls his own risk. Slow down if you see a hazard; assume that guy is gonna change lanes without a signal. Those are all the number one things to remain unhurt.”
For Graham, each new report of a fatal crash hits close to home.
“Selfishly, the first thing that I think about is how lucky I was that it wasn’t me,” he said. “And then of course it falls with the family because I too have kids and younger friends that ride and hope that they don’t have to learn that the hard way.”
Among the multiple deadly crashes that have occurred in Calgary over the summer, several have involved speed as a factor.
On Wednesday, a 28-year-old man died in an early morning crash on Macleod Trail.
Last month, a 20-year-old motorcyclist collided with an SUV in the northwest and died, a man in his 60s died after crashing his bike on Centre Street, and a man in his 40s was killed after he lost control while changing lanes on Stoney Trail.
