A local group of motorcyclists are working to create harmony on the highway.

Section VIII started as a group of guys who were tired of having their bikes sit in the garage so they decided to take them out and ride together.

The group works with the Foothills Special Needs Association for Parents and Siblings to promote motorcycle safety, along with the organization's upcoming annual Leather N' Chaps Ridin' for SNAPS event.

Terry Earl, Vice President of Section VIII, says riders should be properly dressed before hitting the road.

"Helmets, because that's the law, but make sure it's a good helmet," he says. "Personally, I wear my leather chaps and anything that I can gain as an advantage in case of an accident. We try to ride like that. Some days it gets pretty hot in that leather but it's better to sweat than bleed."

In a report from Alberta Transportation it indicates head injuries as being the leading cause of death in motorcycle crashes. A rider with a helmet is 37 per cent less likely to sustain a fatal injury in a crash than a rider without a helmet.

Earl says while it may be hot sporting heavy leather gear, he takes advantage of any equipment that would help in case of an accident. (Photo Courtesy: Section VIII)

The same report also says in half the fatal collisions from 2009 to 2013, motorcyclists were traveling at unsafe speeds

Earl says he witnesses many riders who don't obey the speed limits.

"There's lots of guys out there that are riding way too fast. Like they say, don't ride faster than your angels can fly, and that's absolutely true."

Earl says he's seen vehicles not properly check their surroundings or use signal lights when changing lanes on the highway and blow through stop signs in town.

According to Alberta Transportation motorcycle crashes are more likely to occur in July.

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