SAN ANTONIO — Recent car crashes on construction-heavy stretches of Interstate 35 have motivated San Antonio motorcyclists to band together in the hopes of raising awareness about the importance of road vigilance.
“We don’t ride to risk our lives. We ride to live our lives,” said Mo Olivares, who’s been riding for more than 30 years. “Most recently, I was in my Triumph Scrambler.”
Olivares recalled his close call with death on the evening of May 10, when he got into a crash along Interstate 35 northbound near the Loop 1604 interchange.
“I was very afraid for my life. I had a semi right next to me, so I had rolled over onto the next lane," Olivares said. "I would have been squished by that semi."
The motorcycle enthusiast shared photos of his scraped-up arms and hands, along with torn protective clothing. He also provided pictures of the scene showing uneven pavement and grooves in the road.
“Those drop-offs can be anywhere from two to three inches, causing that front tire to wobble and you lose control of your motorcycle," Olivares said.” “Something needs to be done about that. They shouldn’t be able to leave the road conditions as they are.”
A spokeswoman with the Texas Department of Transportation noted crews are milling and inlaying the main lanes of I-35 northeast of San Antonio. Officials noted the area of concern is now paved.
Flash Lucich has been working with at least a dozen riders he says have survived crashes on the interstate in recent weeks. He urges extra vigilance for fellow motorcyclists traveling through construction zones.
“From sport bikes to adventure bikes to Harleys, they all went down,” Lucich said. “Ride slower, because that will give you more time to react (to) uneven pavement, gravel in the road, debris in the road.”
Amy Watkins stressed it’s a two-way street where motorcyclists and those behind the wheel need to be considerate and aware of their surroundings. Watkins often rides with fellow military veterans.
She calls it “wind therapy.”
“Motorcycles (are) a way of life,” Watkins said. “A lot of people are not paying attention. We want to be able to go home to our family member and not end up in the hospital."
May marks Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a time when TxDOT is promoting its "Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign. The goal is to remind drivers to keep alert and watch for motorcycles on Texas roadways.
In 2023, nearly 600 motorcyclists were killed across Texas last year, according to TxDOT. Almost 3,000 riders were injured. More than a third of all motorcycle deaths happen at roadway intersections, per TxDOT.
TxDOT is reminding people to use turn signals and check blind spots before changing lanes. The agency said it’s vital to avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle as it can be difficult to judge distance and speed.
>MORE LOCAL NEWS:
>TRENDING ON KENS 5 YOUTUBE: