Many bikers haven't even taken their motorcycles out of winter storage yet but the spring riding season had a tragic start when a 23 year old man was killed in a crash on Route 81 near the Bear Street exit ramp in Syracuse. Police spokesperson Tom Connellan said the man was traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving between cars.
"When you're out there on the roads, you've got to use you head - don't drive recklessly. You've got to remember when you're driving like this, you're not just putting your own life at risk as we've seen here today but you're also risking the lives of other people on the road," said Connellan.
Warm weather means more bikes back on the roads for the first time in months. That can be an adjustment for many drivers.
"I think a lot of it is, they haven't seen them all winter long. they aren't used to seeing bikes on the road. The biggest thing people need to do is pay attention," said Mark Foraker from the motorcycle safety and education organization A.B.A.T.E.of Onondaga County. Foraker said while drivers need to be aware, riders also need to be defensive on the road and always think about safety.
"That's something you have to do day in and day out if you're going to ride a motorcycle. You need to know exactly what you can and can not do and you need to look out for other people. You have to or you're going to get hurt," said Foraker.
Motorcyclists say intersections can be particularly dangerous as drivers get used to seeing bikes back on the road. Tonight several bike owners asked everyone to "look twice and save a life."
