Acting Captain Rob Huss
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov

*** For Immediate Release***

Date: May 15, 2012
Contact: Lieutenant Kandi Patrick
Phone: (509) 682-8103
E-mail: Kandi.Patrick@wsp.wa.gov
Twitter: @wastatepatrol

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Enjoy a Safe Ride on the North Cascade Highway (SR 20)

Wenatchee -- The Washington State Patrol (WSP), Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in British Columbia (BC) have joined together to increase the awareness of motorcycle fatalities involving Canadian riders on the North Cascade Highway. 

Lieutenant Patrick said, "about half our motorcycle fatalities involve only the motorcycle.  Those are clearly 'loss of control' incidents, many of them because people are taking what seem like fun curves at too high a speed."

Two of the most challenging areas on the North Cascades Highway, or State Route (SR) 20, for a novice or unfamiliar riders are the Liberty Bell ("Cut Throat") curve and “Seven Devils." 

Liberty Bell curve sits underneath Liberty Bell Mountain and is marked with yellow speed warning signs to alert drivers to slow down to the recommended 30 MPH speed.

Once through the Liberty Bell curve, riders enjoy Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp, and then take the Loup Loup Pass route cutting across Okanogan County towards Okanogan. The first set of curves they encounter are located at Milepost 215 where there are yellow warning signs recommending a reduction of speed to 25 MPH. Continuing east on SR 20 near Milepost 221 riders encounter a series of curves nick-named  the  “Seven Devils” because of the seven back to back curves. The recommended speed for these curves is 30 MPH.

The suggested speed limit signs in Washington indicate how fast you can take the curve safely. For example, if the suggested sign says 35 MPH that is the speed you should be taking the curve and anything above the suggested speed limit could result in losing control of your motorcycle. 

Be responsible – your safety depends on your driving!

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