May 4th marks the opening of the motorcycle season, so various events for bikers are planned throughout Lithuania. In the capital, Upės street will be closed for fans of this transport, where a festive program is planned.
Motorcyclists still remain invisible
However, while everyone is enjoying the warm weather and the festive photo, traffic safety experts remind us that when celebrating the opening of the season, it is especially important for those sitting behind the wheel to remember that they are not alone on the road. The head of the Public Order Office of the Lithuanian Police, Vytautas Grašys, emphasized that it is particularly difficult for car drivers to spot motorcyclists at the beginning of the season, so those riding “steel horses” must remember that they must always not only follow the rules of priority, but also assess whether another road user is really following them. misses despite being on a side road.
“Motorcyclists must realize that car drivers have not seen motorcycles on the road for half a year and the absolute majority do not expect that a smaller vehicle such as a motorcycle can come on the road. And those who drive cars not out of ill will and malice, but simply not expecting and not noticing, do not even miss motorcyclists on the main road. This year, the first death of a motorcyclist occurred in precisely such circumstances, when on March 30, the driver of a car, while leaving a side road, did not miss a motorcyclist who was riding on the main road. Then a young 25-year-old motorcyclist was killed,” explained V. Grashys.
He also emphasized that motorcyclists must always remember that other drivers may not see them, so they should not exceed the speed limit and avoid sudden maneuvers. True, the police representative admitted that in the middle of summer, car drivers get used to and remember that there are also smaller vehicles on the roads. However, even then, riders should be very careful.
Remember skills and take care of safety
V. Grashys also indicated that before riding on the streets, motorcyclists should remember the rules of the road and update their driving skills, and do this not in public traffic, but in closed parking lots or race tracks.
“We have more and more such places in Lithuania, I know that the Aukštadvaris kartdrome already provides such services, so that riders can come after the winter season and refresh their skills on the track. Undoubtedly, everyone who goes out must check the technical condition of his motorcycle and participate in traffic only with a technically sound vehicle”, emphasized the police representative.
V. Grashys also highlighted that motorcyclists should take care of their own safety and not sit on a motorcycle wearing clothes that will not be able to protect them in the event of an accident.
“A motorcyclist’s clothing is another element that increases safety. These days, I’ve seen more than one person riding a motorcycle wearing nothing more than a simple t-shirt and shorts, with flip-flops instead of proper shoes. This is a potential danger to yourself, because in this case, any fall means painful injuries. I myself always sit on a motorcycle only wearing special clothing and wear it even if I only go to the store. It is necessary to understand that health and life are priceless values and there can be no excuses for safety”, said V. Grashys.
Indeed, motorcyclists often argue that they do not wear special clothing in the summer because of the exhausting heat, because with all the protection it is only hotter. However, V. Grashys emphasized that this is not an excuse, because there are protective clothes for riders suitable for the summer, and especially on hot days it should be evaluated: if a rider cannot tolerate wearing special clothing for his safety, then perhaps it is not worth riding a motorcycle at all.
The representative of the Lithuanian police indicated that 13 motorcyclists died on the country’s roads in 2022, and 19 in 2023. Last year, six more motorcyclists died in tragic traffic accidents, and because of this, according to V. Grašios, everyone sitting at the wheel should be even more attentive and remember that there is no vacation or rest when participating in traffic. He emphasized that everyone who drives must do so carefully and with all their attention focused only on driving.
It urges us not to forget respect
V. Grashys also reminded that it is very important that drivers follow one of the most important road traffic rules and move with mutual respect and caution.
“Of course, the dangerous and hooligan behavior of motorcyclists, which poses a danger not only to themselves, but also to those around them, does not bring honor. However, I am not talking about those cases when, after everyone has stopped at the traffic light, motorcyclists carefully pass ahead at the STOP line without endangering anyone. It is not forbidden to do this, and car drivers should not be angry about it or somehow “teach” motorcyclists, because there are still cases when those sitting at the wheel of a car maliciously miss a motorcycle in a traffic jam or even spray it with car window fluid. It is not prohibited for motorcyclists to move while cars are parked. It’s completely different when the cars are moving, then it’s not safe for a motorcyclist to ride between the cars,” said V. Grashys.
The head of the Public Order Office of the Lithuanian Police said that police officers driving service motorcycles will also participate in the celebration in the capital on May 4. It is they who will accompany the convoy of motorcyclists during the festive ride. However, V. Grashys himself emphasized that the participants of the celebration should behave in a disciplined manner.
“I want to urge everyone to act responsibly and drive carefully in the festive procession, without disturbing or endangering other road users and passers-by,” V. Grašys conveyed the message to motorcyclists.
“Delfi” reminds that during the opening celebration of the motorcycling season in the capital, traffic restrictions are also planned from Friday.
From Friday at 7 p.m. until Saturday 22:00 parking of vehicles is prohibited in the part of Upės street from Kalvarijų st. to Studentu st. Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. vehicular traffic is prohibited on Upės st. in the part from Kalvarijju st. to Studentų g., ensuring the possibility for service transport and shopping center visitors to approach the building on Upės g. 9.
As the motorcade moves through the city, from 16:00 to 18:00. as needed, traffic will be restricted in one of the lanes on the Green Bridge, A. Goštautos, Geležinis Vilkas, Oslo Streets, Laisvės Avenue, Ateitis, Kalvarijões, Kareivės, O. Milašius, Lizdeikas, Antakalnis, T. Kosciuška, Arsenal and Žygimantų streets.
Saturday from 11:30 a.m. there will also be a procession in the old town, the route of which may temporarily stop the traffic of vehicles, including public transport, on Gedimina Ave. in the section from Independence Square to Cathedral Square, Šventaragi, University, St. Jono, Pilies, Didižioja and Aušras Varta streets.
Tags: motorcycling season begins officials appeal drivers young man died year
