Staying Safe
Before You Ride It - Maintain It
Get to know your machine. What makes it go? What makes it stop?
What makes it go round corners?
Having answered these questions don't ask your machine to do the impossible. If something goes wrong with it or gets worn, fix it. If you don't it's you who will suffer in the end. It may be in Court or it may be in hospital.
Clothing (wear some !!!)
How to avoid skin grafts.
- Wear something sensible, preferably genuine manufactured motorcycle clothing i.e. leathers.
- Trainers will not protect your feet.
- A T-shirt will not stop you being struck by insects and debris.
- A pair of gloves may help you to keep the skin on your hands.
- Bees and wasps will often sting on contact with unprotected skin.
Helmet & Visor
- Keep it all in good condition. (If you want to see where you're going)
- Always use plenty of water to wash the dirt and debris off; this will reduce scratching to a minimum. Then use a special helmet/visor cleaner OR a good quality household polish to help the rain run off and improve visibility.
- Don't get caught out on a dark night, in the rain, with a scratched visor, because all you will see is stars as vehicles approach with their headlamps on. You stand a good chance of not seeing danger ahead; the roadworks, the parked car, the unlit pedal cycle or anything else. Give yourself a chance to see where you are going.
Concentration (to avoid accidents)
- Motorcycling is probably the most enjoyable and economical form of motorized transport.
- A motorcycle is NOT dangerous. However Your actions, or lack of them, can make it dangerous.
The key to enjoyable safe riding is concentration. While you're riding your machine make the most out of it, allow your skills, which will come with experience, to build your confidence.
Diesel (get to know the smell)
Don't fall off on roundabouts!!
Usually the first indication is the smell. Often on the approach to a roundabout. If you're concentrating you should also see it. Always consider other traffic first. Take an exit you don't want rather than falling off. Speed should be as low as possible without braking. Remember it is like riding on sheet ice !!
Riding
You must enjoy riding before you even consider buying a motorcycle. Don't rely on others to get you out of a situation you have got yourself into. Other people have the same right as you to use the roads and they will always be out there, all the time.
For example: When following another vehicle make your presence known. Don't ride in their blind spots, put yourself in their mirror. By being in this position, should they stop suddenly, for whatever reason, you will have an escape route along the side of the vehicle and this will give you more time to stop instead of crashing into the tailgate.
Then taking it one stage further, when the opportunity to overtake arises, have you considered ALL the possibilities. If there is nowhere for them to turn into or anything to make them deviate, then hopefully the opportunity for the other driver to make an unsigned, unexpected turn when you are alongside has been removed. So your desire to survive has removed the possibility of another driver unknowingly putting you at risk.
There will be times when your attitude and intention will be recognised by the driver of the vehicle in front of you. They may signal you past or just move over a few feet. This lets you know you have been seen and your intention recognised, you can then be on your way. Unfortunately there are a few `motorists' who do not share your desire to maintain a high standard of driving. Don't give them the chance to spoil your day.
Adverse Weather
After quite a dry summer - some newer riders may not have much wet weather experience. On a wet road surface, previously unnoticed hazards, such as: Drain Covers, Road Repairs, Jointing (Overbanding) can get quite slippery. The bike will `step out' slightly if you ride over these things.
A novice rider might be tempted to brake but this will make things worse. Relax - Right from the start of your journey, loosen your grip on the handlebars. The ride will then be much more pleasurable. Any slight slip will not end up with an accident.
Remember - Any fool can ride fast in the wet but he won't be able to stop very quickly!
When there's ice about, unfortunately, the only advice we can offer concerning riding in these conditions is... don't.
No matter how good you are, a normal motor cycle is not capable of being ridden safely on black ice. You are a danger to yourself and an inconvenience to others.
Junctions (they're all out to get you!)
In our experience most motorcycle accidents happen at road junctions, mainly in built-up areas. It may not be your fault but that doesn't help if you end up in hospital.
When approaching junctions, crossroads, T-Junctions, roundabouts, traffic lights or even private driveways always adjust your speed accordingly, depending on how clear you can see it to be.
If it is "wide open", then a slight reduction in speed on the throttle may be all that is required. To the other extreme, at a badly concealed crossroads with moving traffic approaching it, you may have to brake and/or change down a gear or two - this will prepare you for someone pulling out in front of you.
But always do something. It will keep you alert - always assume you haven't been seen - don't rely on others for your safety.