Motorcyclist dead after hitting concrete barrier in McCauley neighbourhood: Edmonton police

Police say a 35-year-old motorcyclist is dead after he reportedly struck a concrete barrier in Edmonton’s McCauley neighbourhood early Sunday morning.

The Edmonton Police Service believes speed was a significant factor in the 12:35 a.m. collision on Stadium Road NW near 111 Avenue.

The man was riding down the bend in the road when he reportedly hit the barrier on the south side of Stadium Road and was thrown from his motorcycle, according to investigators.

He sustained serious injuries and was declared dead when paramedics arrived on the scene.

Officers with the Major Collision Investigation Section (MCIS) are investigating the incident.

It was the second fatal collision in Edmonton over the weekend. Police say a 40-year-old man riding a scooter was fatally struck by an SUV early Saturday morning in Old Strathcona – on 85 Avenue near 106 Street.

According to rider safety experts, drivers need to be more aware of bikes and scooters on the road, especially as the weather warms up.

“Spring is where there’s a lot more concern because motorcycles are coming back to the road so everybody needs to relearn how to work together and watch out for each other,” said Liane Langlois, president of the Alberta Motorcycle Safety Society.

This includes those riding bikes and scooters. Langlois says the number of accidents vary from year to year, but the spring season is when people are eager to get back on their bikes.

“Possibly going down a road for potential mandatory training might be something to look at, just to make sure those skills are put into place before you get on a bike,” Langlois said.

–With files from Adam Ziccarelli