For some, staying safe on the road is as simple as common sense and following the rules of the road. For others it requires a 'higher power.'

Recently members of the Northern Stars Motorcycle Association held their first annual bike blessing at the Memorial United Church in Clarenville.

The purpose of the event was for riders to come together and reflect on road safety. In the last week alone, there have been four accidents involving motorcyclists in the province. Two, were fatal.

Dozens of bikers attended a church service in May geared to themes of safety and motorcycle riding. The service was followed by a blessing of the bikes, which involved the pastor reading a special prayer to riders beside their bikes outside in the church parking lot.

"We all have a common bond. And that is, we all want to be safe on our bikes," said biker Paula Keats who organized the gathering.

"A blessing does give you a sense of peace and oneness," said Keats. "A thought of being aware, more safety conscious, more conscious of your other fellow rider on the road, whether that person is riding a bike 18 wheels, or six wheels. I think people will leave here feeling 'I'm responsible.'"

According to RCMP and Royal Newfoundland Constabulary statistics in this province, 45 motorcyclists suffered injuries from road collisions in 2011. Another four accidents last year were fatal.

Transportation Canada identifies motorcyclists as vulnerable users of the road because they lack the protection of car if they are struck. One problem it highlights is that bikers aren't always visible to other drivers.

Motorcyclists at the blessing said there's no comparison driving a motorcycle in the open air.

"If you enjoy the freedom of riding through the communities and smelling our Newfoundland jigs dinner or smelling the lemon meringue pie that's out in the window, and if you're on the bike, that's what happens," said biker Hugh Newman from the parking lot of Clarenville's Memorial United Church.

Newman, who has been riding a motorcycle for 45 years, said many bikers refer to people who choose to drive vehicles with rooftops as 'cagers.'

"They call it cagers because they are inside a cage," he said.

Many of the bikers said having the blessing made them feel better as the summer season got underway.

Peter Dawe has been riding a motorcycle for 24 years. He said he had numerous close calls until he started getting his bike blessed 10 years go.

"My bike wasn't getting blessed back then, so it must be working," he said with a laugh.

Listen to the audio attachment to hear the CBC's Beth Macdonell tell the story of the service and her ride with one of the bikers.