Britt Santowski

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Throttle Therapy hits the road

Given that this is Britt Santowski's last Throttle Therapy for Black Press, she thought she’d leave you with her top 10 list for riders.

Editorial: Culture of Entitlement has to stop

Entitlement seems to be the norm among many politicians

This is a recovery scene from a non-fatal accident that occured on Sunday, August 25. The incident was handled by the Metchosin Fire Department, and I had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie Dunlop, the Fire Chief who attended the scene. “The helmet the gal had probably saved her life,” said Dunlop, stating that she was the one who attended the female passenger. It was at least a three-quarter helmet that included a face shield. Dunlop offered two profound pieces of advice. For riders, slow down. The 4000 to 4500 block of Sooke road sees a lot of accidents. For people who witness a motorcyclist going down, do not try to move the rider, don’t take off their helmet, and don’t do anything to improve their comfort. “When an accident occurs, don’t try to propel their head,” Dunlop advised. Motorcyclists, due to their vulnerability, “are much more liable to have spinal injuries.”

Column: The ache of motorcycle fatalities

This week's Throttle Therapy column parks the didactic view and looks through a lens of compassion.

This is a recovery scene from a non-fatal accident that occured on Sunday, August 25. The incident was handled by the Metchosin Fire Department, and I had the opportunity to speak with Stephanie Dunlop, the Fire Chief who attended the scene. “The helmet the gal had probably saved her life,” said Dunlop, stating that she was the one who attended the female passenger. It was at least a three-quarter helmet that included a face shield. Dunlop offered two profound pieces of advice. For riders, slow down. The 4000 to 4500 block of Sooke road sees a lot of accidents. For people who witness a motorcyclist going down, do not try to move the rider, don’t take off their helmet, and don’t do anything to improve their comfort. “When an accident occurs, don’t try to propel their head,” Dunlop advised. Motorcyclists, due to their vulnerability, “are much more liable to have spinal injuries.”
Imagine the facial rearrangement had this helmet not existed.

“I like my face as it is,” says bike rider wearing full-faced helmet

Throttle Therapy examines end-of-life issues as it relates to the sanity of wearing a motorcycle helmet.

Imagine the facial rearrangement had this helmet not existed.

Doing the group thing

Throttle Therapy: There’s magic in motorcycling when riding in groups

Retirees Gail and Rene Patenaude stand in front of their house at the Beecher Bay camp ground. Rene has lived there for 30 years. He first moved in with a trailer and, using his carpenter skills, has over time built a 1500 square foot home.

Cheanuh Campground at Beecher Bay scheduled to close, residents to vacate in less than one month

The Cheanuh campground will close on August 11 to allow for development that will help the Beecher Bay Band improve their quality of life.

Retirees Gail and Rene Patenaude stand in front of their house at the Beecher Bay camp ground. Rene has lived there for 30 years. He first moved in with a trailer and, using his carpenter skills, has over time built a 1500 square foot home.
Debra Roberts with her grandson Darren, both in full gear, ready to enjoy their ride.

Throttle Therapy: Motorcycling, a family affair

Should young children ride as passengers on motorcycles? Our columnist ponders the question.

Debra Roberts with her grandson Darren, both in full gear, ready to enjoy their ride.
Britt Santowski has been riding since she was 25, and served as a Chief Instructor with the Vancouver Island Safety Council, where she taught for nine years.

Throttle Therapy looks at roundabouts: It’s enough to make you dizzy.

Navigating roundabouts sounds easy in theory but get more complicated in practice. Throttle therapy takes a spin from a biker's perspective.

Britt Santowski has been riding since she was 25, and served as a Chief Instructor with the Vancouver Island Safety Council, where she taught for nine years.
Britt Santowski has been riding since she was 25, and served as a Chief Instructor with the Vancouver Island Safety Council, where she taught for nine years.

ATGATT and other cool motorcycling acronyms

Motorcycling columnist from Sooke News Mirror shares her knowledge of motorcycle "lingo."

Britt Santowski has been riding since she was 25, and served as a Chief Instructor with the Vancouver Island Safety Council, where she taught for nine years.
Former motorcycle safety instructor Ole and his wife Cathie Jorgensen took advantage of the great weather to come out to where the intersections are fewer and the roads are twisting.

Throttle Therapy: The fine art of motorcycling and practicing safe intersections

This week’s column looks at the basics of traffic-light controlled intersection etiquette.

Former motorcycle safety instructor Ole and his wife Cathie Jorgensen took advantage of the great weather to come out to where the intersections are fewer and the roads are twisting.