First serious motorcycle crash of the year prompts Calgary Police safety warning

A motorcyclist is recovering in hospital after crashing into a tree in northwest Calgary on Monday afternoon, the crash prompting police to issue safety reminders that come with the first rides of the season.

The collision appears to have been a single‑vehicle crash, with early indications pointing to a loss of control, according to investigators.

As the warmer weather brings riders back onto the roads, many say early spring conditions demand extra caution.

Mark Dumpit, a student at SAIT, says the hazards are already obvious.

“For me, it’s more of the other gravels and the potholes,” he said. “As I hit a pothole… it starts shaking my seat. That is what I think is dangerous for me.”

Justin Strong, who works at Calgary Harley‑Davidson, echoed the concern.

“My worst fear is aggressive drivers with the poor road conditions,” he said. “A lot of debris on the road, gravel, we’ve had these snowstorms.”

“Be ultra aware where you’re putting your feet, where you’re riding, when you’re approaching intersections. Other drivers on the road, they’re not expecting motorcycles out yet.”

Speeding and loss of control remain the leading factors in motorcycle collisions. according to police.

Six riders died in crashes last year. So far in 2026, there have been no fatalities, and officers hope to keep it that way.

Traffic Unit Insp. Andy Woodward says the surge in motorcycles over the past few days has been noticeable.

“My advice to them is absolutely slow down,” he said. “There is a ton of gravel out on the road that still hasn’t been cleared up, and that will take you off your bike quite quickly.”

Police continue to stress the importance of proper riding gear, while riders say they’re doing what they can to stay safe.

“I do take safety precaution, like be more defensive,” Dumpit said. “One of my friends says you don’t have a spare part once you start riding one of those bikes.”

Strong added that many riders are choosing to head out of town for now.

“Most customers are riding out of town, getting highways where there’s less debris on the road and a little more space between cars and motorcycles.” he says.

Police say the injured rider in Monday’s crash is expected to recover.