Spring Riding Safety Tips for New Motorcycle Riders

Why Riding Safety Matters

Friday, the 20th of March 2026, marked the official first day of Spring. If you live in the Edmonton area, it felt more like a slap in the face than a day to celebrate. Last Tuesday, the 17th, we enjoyed a beautiful day filled with warm sunshine, a mass snow melt, and a lovely +16°C. We all hoped this would kick off the Spring season, but instead, we faced the typical Alberta first day of Spring. A cold morning rain followed by a colder afternoon and evening snowfall. The next day was slightly warmer, and much of the snow that fell on Friday began to melt. Yet, it looks like we may be getting more of the dreaded "S" word this coming week.

Unfortunately, this also means that the riding season will be delayed a little longer. I have seen motorcycles on the road this past week (including yesterday), and it makes me nervous every single time. I am eager to get back out riding, but safety must come first. Here are a few factors to keep in mind before you decide to ride this Spring:

1. Frost: The Hidden Danger

When people hear the word "frost," they often think of the pretty white frost that gathers on trees. However, the frost I’m referring to is the one that can be a literal killer on the road. After multiple deep freezes over the winter, the frost penetrates deep into the ground. As temperatures warm and the snow melts, the frost in the roads will linger until we have several days and nights of positive temperatures. Any nights that drop below freezing only prolong the frost's presence.

Cold roads lead to cold tires. When tires are cold, they behave more like hockey pucks than actual tires. This is a dangerous situation when you’re on two wheels. Cars and trucks can use winter tires, which are made from a softer rubber compound that increases traction. Unfortunately, motorcycle tires do not have that option. Riding at this time of year significantly increases the risk of hitting a slick spot where frost remains, especially in shaded areas, leading to a potential loss of traction.

2. Sand and Gravel: The Road Hazards

In Alberta, we all know about the sand and gravel spread on roads during winter to prevent slips and slides. With a good snow melt, some of that debris flows down storm drains, but much remains on the roads until the snow is completely gone and street sweepers have done their job. Intersections tend to have more sand and gravel than the roads themselves, making them particularly dangerous for motorcyclists.

Cold motorcycle tires are more prone to losing traction on sand and gravel than any other vehicle on the road. This is especially true when there may still be frost hiding beneath the debris.

3. Salt: A Hidden Enemy

Salt is often overlooked by motorcyclists, but it should be a significant consideration. The salt and de-icing compounds mixed with sand and gravel are detrimental to motorcycles. If you observe riders on either coast of our country, you’ll notice a common trend: rust. Rust on bolts, chains, swing arms, and any exposed metal. The salt air from the ocean slowly deteriorates the metal on bikes, and the same applies to the salt on our roads.

Motorcycles are designed for friendly environmental conditions. Riding in the Spring before the roads are cleaned invites salt to cling to your bike's components, impacting bolts, chains, and paint. When you invest in a motorcycle, wouldn’t you want to protect that investment as much as possible?

The Anticipation for Riding Season

I understand that everyone is looking forward to the 2026 riding season, especially those who are starting their journey to learn to ride this year. My patience for winter was gone by our second snowfall last December, and I am eagerly waiting to get back on my two-wheeled therapy. However, the conditions must be safe before I take my bike out of the garage.

I have completed the services on Little Pup and Mini Me, so they are 100% ready for the upcoming riding season. I will likely perform the Spring service on my bike this week while we brace for more of the dreaded "S" word. At least doing the Spring service will make it feel a little more like Spring is finally here.

Embracing the Motorcycle Community

Please, if you’ve read this far, keep one thing in mind: Being part of the motorcycle community is a wonderful experience. Don’t rush your riding season. Ensure the conditions are safe before hitting the road. We don’t want to become the year’s first statistic. Riding season is coming. Be safe, ride safe, and let’s get as many miles on our bikes as the 2026 season will allow.

Ever wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle but felt a bit intimidated? I get it! Here, we’re all about making new riders, both men and women, feel confident and safe. I offer personalized, one-on-one lessons, drawing on my experience as a CAF Veteran and a biker, to help you master the skills and truly enjoy the open road. It's completely beginner-friendly, and most importantly, it will be a lot of fun!