Local News
This popular mountain town has seen an increase in bike thefts
Canmore Mounties are warning residents after they say they have observed a, 'noticeable increase in the theft of bikes, thefts from vehicles and attempted thefts' in the past two months. "Canmore RCMP are advising residents to lock up their property," a brief news release stated. RCMP are asking residents to protect their property and are giving the following tips: Put your bikes away or lock them up properly Ensure you have your serial numbers recorded in the event your bike is stolen Add your bike to the bike index at “bikeindex.org” Lock your vehicle doors and don’t keep valuables in your vehicles; this makes it tempting for thieves. Ensure you have good lighting around your residence This, however, is not the only safety reminder issued by the Mounties. Until May 20, Alberta RCMP, in partnership with the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, will be promoting safe driving behaviours as part of Canada Road Safety Week and conducting targeted enforcement during National Impaired Driving Enforcement Day. "The annual campaigns aim to reduce roadway collisions, injuries, and deaths by promoting public compliance with safe driving measures, especially during the Victoria Day long weekend." For 2024, the RCMP will be focusing enforcement efforts on behaviours that present serious risk to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. These include drug and alcohol-impaired driving, fatigue, distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving without a seatbelt. "In 2023, the Alberta RCMP removed 7,707 impaired drivers from provincial roadways, an average of 21 impaired drivers per day," said Sgt. Darrin Turnbull, Alberta RCMP Traffic Services. "During last year’s Canada Road Safety Week alone, RCMP officers removed 205 impaired motorists from Alberta’s streets and highways." RCMP has advised motorists of the following tips to avoid unsafe driving behaviours: If you consume drugs or alcohol, arrange for transportation from a sober friend, taxi, family member, or ride-sharing service. Get enough sleep, and if you find yourself getting tired while driving, find a safe place to pull over for a rest. If you are becoming agitated with another driver, or encounter another motorist driving aggressively, safely pull over and contact the police. Always buckle up no matter how short your trip is. Motorists are also being reminded that with warmer weather, motorcycles will be more prevalent on the roads. "Unfortunately, about two-thirds of collisions involving a motorcycle result in death or injury – this compares to about one in 10 deaths or injury for all motor vehicle collisions. When motorcycles crash, their riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle and can suffer serious injuries or be killed," the province stated in a traffic safety release. Motorists are reminded to be aware of motorcyclists and give them the space they need and to be cautious when driving near motorcyclists because motorcycles are less stable and visible than cars. Motorcyclists are also being reminded to ride defensively and avoid blindspots, obtain the proper training - motorcycles demand a high degree of skill, as well as start on a smaller bike if you’re a new driver and move up to a bigger bike when you have more experience. "Focus on riding and nothing else. Riding takes all of your attention and wears the right gear, including a certified helmet, leathers, closed shoes and eye protection." Between 2017 and 2021, 130 motorcyclists died and 2,528 were injured on Alberta roads over the five years. As of March 31, 2024, there were 133,497 motorcycles registered in Alberta. Send your news tips, story ideas, pictures, and videos to news@discoverairdrie.com. You can also message and follow us on Twitter: @AIR1061FM DiscoverAirdrie encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the DiscoverAirdrie app. For breaking news, weather and contest alerts click here