Spring Riding Dangers: 11 Risks Ontario Bikers Must Know

Spring is an exciting time for motorcycle riders in Ontario. The snow melts, the temperatures rise, and the open road calls. But while spring marks the start of another riding season, it also brings unique dangers that can make it one of the riskiest times to ride.

From winter-damaged roads to unpredictable weather and inattentive drivers, spring presents challenges that riders must navigate carefully.

This guide breaks down the top spring riding risks and provides safety tips to keep you protected.

1. Risk: Winter-Damaged Roads

Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycle wreaks havoc on roads, creating potholes, cracks, and uneven pavement. While cars might absorb these bumps, motorcycles can suffer serious consequences. Hitting a deep pothole at high speed can damage your tires and rims—or worse, cause a crash.

Safety Tips:

• Scan ahead and keep an eye out for potholes and damaged pavement, especially when cornering
• Ride at a controlled speed so you have time to react.
• If you must ride over a pothole, stand slightly on your footpegs to let your knees and suspension absorb the impact.

2. Risk: Leftover Sand, Gravel, and Salt

Even though winter is over, the roads aren’t always clear. Winter road treatments leave behind sand, salt, and gravel that accumulate at intersections, on shoulders, and around corners—precisely where you need traction most. These loose materials act like ball bearings under your tires, drastically reducing grip during turns and stops.

Safety Tips:

• Slow down and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on loose gravel.
• Take extra caution at intersections and highway on-ramps, where sand and salt tend to accumulate.
• Plan your routes carefully—stick to well-travelled roads that are more likely to be cleaned first.

3. Risk: Cold & Unpredictable Weather

Spring in Ontario means frigid mornings that transform into warm afternoons. This temperature fluctuation creates multiple hazards: cold tires with reduced grip, unexpected frost patches in shaded areas, and rapidly changing road conditions as surfaces heat up throughout the day.

Safety Tips:

• Wait for consistent temperatures above 7°C to 10°C before taking your first ride.
• Let your tires warm up before aggressive leaning or braking.
• Consider tire pressures carefully—what works at midday might be too high for morning riding.
• Wear layered, waterproof gear to stay comfortable in changing conditions.
• Watch for frost in shaded areas, especially on bridges and overpasses, which cool faster.

4. Risk: Drivers Are Not Expecting Motorcycles

After months of seeing only cars on the road, drivers aren’t conditioned to watch for motorcycles in spring. This leads to more left-turn collisions and lane-change accidents—two of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes.

Safety Tips:

• Assume drivers don’t see you and ride defensively.
• Wear bright, reflective gear and keep your high beam on during the day.
• Position yourself for maximum visibility—stay out of blind spots and avoid lingering beside vehicles.

5. Risk: Rusty Riding Skills

If you haven’t ridden in months, your reflexes, balance, and slow-speed control might not be as sharp as they were last fall. Jumping straight into long or high-speed rides without a warm-up increases the risk of errors.

Safety Tips:

• Start with shorter rides to ease back into riding.
• Practice braking, swerving, and slow-speed maneuvers in an empty parking lot.
• Keep a larger following distance to allow for reaction time while readjusting.

6. Risk: Increased Wildlife Activity

Spring means animals are on the move. Deer, raccoons, and other wildlife are especially active at dawn and dusk. A sudden animal crossing can force you into a dangerous emergency stop or swerve.

Safety Tips:

• Be extra cautious in rural areas and near wooded sections of highways.
• Reduce speed and scan the road shoulders, especially at dawn and dusk.
• If an animal crosses, brake in a straight line rather than swerving to avoid losing control.
• Be especially cautious on rural roads near wooded areas and watch for wildlife crossing signs.

7. Risk: New & Unpredictable Road Construction

Spring is prime roadwork season in Ontario, meaning more detours, lane reductions, and rough pavement. Loose gravel, metal plates, and uneven surfaces can all pose hazards to motorcycles.

Safety Tips:

• Slow down and ride with extra caution in work zones.
• Watch for loose gravel around construction entrances and cross steel plates at 90-degree angles when possible.
• Check municipal websites for construction updates before planning routes.
• Approach construction zones with reduced speed and increased following distance.

8. Risk: New Tire Break-In Period

Many riders install new tires at the start of the season, but new tires need a break-in period of 150 to 200 kilometres before reaching full grip. Manufacturing release agents can make the surface slippery at first.

Safety Tips:

• Avoid hard acceleration, aggressive cornering, and panic braking until you've completed the break-in distance.
• Gradually increase lean angles rather than pushing your tires too soon.
• Check tire pressure frequently, as spring temperature changes affect pressure levels.
• Consider slightly higher tire pressures for these initial rides and inspect new tires frequently for proper wear patterns.

9: Risk: Visibility Challenges

Spring's low-angle sunlight creates intense glare, while sudden rain showers reduce visibility dramatically. These conditions make it harder for both you to see hazards and for drivers to spot you.

Safety Tips:

• Carry both clear and tinted visors to adapt to changing conditions.
• Use anti-fog treatments on your visor and keep a microfiber cloth handy for quick cleaning.
• Position yourself to avoid riding directly into low-angle sun, and increase following distances in poor visibility.

10: Risk: Maintenance Oversights

After winter storage, motorcycles can develop hidden mechanical issues—stale fuel, battery problems, rusted brakes, and deteriorated fluids. These problems may not become obvious until you're already on the road, creating a dangerous situation.

Safety Tips:

• Perform a comprehensive pre-season inspection, checking fluids, brakes, battery, and electrical systems.
• Test critical systems multiple times before venturing far from home.
• If you’re unsure, consider a professional service appointment to ensure your bike is in top condition.

11: Risk: Motorcycle Insurance Gaps

Many riders reduce coverage during winter storage or fail to update their policies before spring riding. When combined with spring's increased hazards, this creates dangerous financial exposure. Inadequate coverage can leave you responsible for expensive repairs, medical bills, or liability claims precisely when accidents are most likely to occur.

Safety Tips:

Before your first spring ride, review your policy with your insurance broker to ensure it includes:

• Collision coverage with appropriate deductibles for pothole and road debris damage
• Comprehensive coverage for weather events and wildlife encounters
• Adequate liability limits that reflect current medical and repair costs
• Uninsured motorist protection for hit-and-run situations
• Roadside assistance for spring breakdowns
• Coverage for any new accessories added during the off-season

Remember that the right insurance isn't just about legal compliance—it's financial protection against spring's unique riding hazards.

Spring riding offers some of the most exhilarating experiences for Ontario motorcyclists, but it requires respect for the season's unique dangers. By recognizing these risks and implementing proper safety measures, you can enjoy the thrill of those first rides while dramatically reducing your vulnerability.

Remember that surviving spring riding isn't just about luck—it's about preparation, skill maintenance, and situational awareness. Take your time, rebuild your confidence progressively, and never sacrifice safety for the excitement of that first beautiful riding day.

Before you hit the road this spring, make sure your protection matches your passion. With over 100 years of safeguarding Ontario riders, Streetrider, a product of Youngs Insurance Brokers provides comprehensive motorcycle coverage customized for spring's unique challenges. Contact us today for a personalized quote that gives you peace of mind as you ease back into the riding season!

 

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