Nicole Aimone, Editor-in-Chief
Following two separate fatal motorcycle crashes over the weekend, the Sauk County Sheriff ’s office looks to remind the area drivers to be safe as the weather warms to motorcycle riding temperatures.
On May 2, two separate, unrelated motorcycle crashes occurred outside of Spring Green. Both accidents were fatal, with each single driver found deceased with the arrival of first responders.
The first crash occurred just after noon Sunday on County Road B, near the intersection of Guhl Road in the town of Troy.
According to a press release from the Sauk County Sheriff ’s office, the driver drove off the road, crashing to a nearby field where they were ejected from the bike.
Plain Fire, Plain EMS and Sauk City Fire assisted the Sheriff’s office at the scene.
Just after 1 p.m. Sunday, a second, unrelated motorcycle crash occurred in the town of Troy at the intersection of Highway 60 and County Road C.
The cyclist drove off the road, crashed into a wooded area nearby, and was ejected from the bike.
Spring Green Fire and EMS assisted at the scene.
Both victims were male and their names have not been released by authorities while they notify the families and investigate both incidents.
Sauk County Sheriff Deputy Jeff Spencer, warned of the warming weather, saying drivers will start seeing more motorcycles out on the roads.
“As motorists, we aren’t used to seeing motorcycles on the road, we’re used to looking for bigger vehicles, so we need to be mindful that the weather’s changing, we’re going to be seeing motorcycles and bicycles and ATV/UTV’s out on the roadways and we need be aware of that,” said Spencer.
Spencer also recommended that motorcycle riders should start the warm season with caution, as weather conditions have not been favorable for riding recently, so cyclists are not adjusted to speed and road conditions, leaving them vulnerable to speeding or missed curves. Both of these were factors in these crashes, said Spencer.
“They should keep their speed down, they should be aware of the corners,” said Spencer. “This time of year, the road conditions just aren’t ready yet.”
While Wisconsin doesn’t have a specific law regarding wearing a helmet while operating a motorcycle, Spencer and the Sauk County Sheriff ’s office recommends that all riders wear one.
Both cyclists killed in Sunday’s crashes were riding towards Leland as part of the Slimey Crud Run, a motorcycle event where cyclists from Wisconsin and nearby states ride from Pine Bluff in Cross Plains to Leland and back. The event is a bi-annual ride, with one in May and one in October.
Spencer said neither cyclists were local residents, but visiting for the ride.