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Always ride within your own abilities ! ! !
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Here are some other motorcycle safety rules to keep you alive
and uninjured.
Be alert and ready.
If you are angry or preoccupied by something, taking your bike out is a bad idea. In an aggravated or distracted state you are much more likely to be involved in a crash or do something foolish. A proper attitude will make you safer. Put your worries in your saddlebags and focus on riding the bike. Limbering up mentally, by taking time to focus on the task ahead, visualizing your route, and being ready for trouble spots, is a great way to prepare to ride.
Of course, drugs and alcohol should be avoided at all costs. Alcohol affects your judgment, reaction time, and balance, among other things. Loss of your control over these things can easily mean your bike will soon be lying on its side and dripping important fluids. You may even get a ride in the back of a squad car. Even simple cold and allergy medications can seriously impair your riding, making you sleepy or sluggish. Do not drive when you have been drinking or are taking prescription or recreational drugs.
And, stay healthy.
Well-balanced meals, plenty of water, and minimal amounts of fatty food and caffeine lend themselves to safe riding. Physical fitness will help your riding in countless ways including better and sharper reflexes.
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Two-Up Riding:
Riding two up on a motorcycle is quite a bit different from riding solo. There are several changes that you should make to your bike prior to riding off. Increase the tire pressure to the recommendation in your motorcycle manual. Make any suspension changes that are called for in your manual, both for riding comfort and safety.
It’s not a passenger; it’s a co-rider. As a co-rider on a motorcycle you have responsibilities. A second set of eyes never hurts in spotting hazards. An experienced co-rider knows how much braking is required in each situation and braces during hard braking to prevent the “dreaded” helmet banging. Two up riding is really a team sport and both the rider and co-rider should help each other to provide a fun and safe riding experience.
Communication is important, the co-rider must tell the rider when he or she wants to mount or dismount the motorcycle. One hundred or more pounds on that passenger peg can lever a motorcycle over instantly. Be aware as the co-rider of the level, or lack thereof, of the ground where the motorcycle is parked. Ideally it is advisable to mount and dismount on level ground, but this isn’t always available. If mounting or dismounting on unlevel ground always get off or on the high side.
The most common mistake made when riding Two-Up, is that the co-rider SHOULD NOT lean when turning. The only thing a co-rider might want to do is shift his/her head over the shoulder of the driver, toward the turn.
Co-riders SHOULD NOT try to help the driver with hand signals. Co-riders hands tend to block the vision of rear view mirrors when their hands and arms are signaling.
Your Co-rider will have four jobs the must do.
They are to wave at all motorcyclists approaching us.
They are to wave at all law enforcement officers.
They are to wave at all children.
They are to demonstrate to the world that they are enjoying themselves, particularly at all rest stops.
Failing any of those jobs, I declare, will result in them having a new job when the ride is over – cleaning the motorcycle!
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Here are 10 more motorcycle safety tips. These safety tips are taken from discussions in the Motorcycles and Harley-Davidson forums. Most of these riders have been riding a long time. Here are some of the reasons.
1) Expect that everyone who has the opportunity to pull out in front of you or cut you off will take it.
2) Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front, watch out for left turners, and stay out of blind spots.
3) Do you need to make an evasive maneuver? Remember the bike goes where you look. Don't fixate on any object unless you want to hit it.
4) When it comes to group rides, the primary directive has to be 'Ride Your Own Ride'. Many people get into trouble trying to keep up with a group.
5) At low speeds you can stabilize your bike by "loading" your rear brake slightly while idling in low gear. With practice, you can roll up to a light so smooth and straight you can balance for four or five seconds before you need to drop a foot.
6) Check your tire pressure BEFORE every ride.
7) Take the Riders Edge or a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) class.
8) When stopping in traffic, position your bike either to the left or right hand side of the lane and stop at least 8-10 feet from the car in front. This gives a clear shot out if the guy coming up behind doesn't stop.
9) Don't allow your eyes to fix on one object too long. Keep searching your surroundings including your mirrors for hazards and potential hazards.
10) Never start across an intersection from a stop light without looking at the oncoming cross traffic. Someone may be running a light and heading right for you.
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QUICK TIPS: General Guidelines For Riding A Motorcycle Safely
Be visible:
Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time.
Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.
Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.
Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have.
Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.
If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.
Dress for safety:
Wear a quality helmet and eye protection.
Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet.
Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing.
Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
Remember – the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear.
Apply effective mental strategies:
Constantly search the road for changing conditions.
Use Search, Evaluate, Execute strategy to increase time and space safety margins.
Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists’ actions.
Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible.
Watch for turning vehicles.
Signal your next move in advance.
Avoid weaving between lanes.
Pretend you’re invisible, and ride extra defensively.
Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Know and follow the rules of the road, and stick to the speed limit.
Know your bike and how to use it:
Get formal training and take refresher courses.
Practice.
Develop your riding techniques before going into heavy traffic.
Know how to handle your bike in conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and uneven surfaces.
Remember:
Give yourself space.
People driving cars often just don’t see motorcycles.
Even when drivers do see you, chances are they’ve
never been on a motorcycle and can’t properly judge your speed.
Until next time, ride safe and have fun.
Jeffrey Self
Safety Officer |
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