Ride Smart

In a Split Second, everything can change and your pleasant afternoon ride is turned into tragedy. Enjoy your ride, but keep a sharp eye peeled for the enemy. The enemy... is the driver that doesn’t see you. They're out there. I know this from personal experience.  I don't think they started their day off looking for a motorcycle to run down, but it sure works out that way. I’ve been caught out a couple of times because I get cocky and careless, not paying close enough attention to others on the road around me. It is possible to increase the odds of avoiding trouble by following some simple rules:

1.            Start with a good bike. Maintain your bike to the highest standard with good tyres, brakes and working lights. Always ride a bike you are comfortable with and can handle well. And ride only within your own abilities. Better to get to the other end a bit later than not get there at all.

2.            Wear proper attire. Leathers and boots take to bitumen much better than acrylic or even denim. The new draggin’ jeans products are also great as are the trusty old dri-riders. No thongs & shorts for riding, Please!!!  And make sure your helmet is up to it. An out of date or structurally compromised helmet can be the difference between a bruised ego and a cracked scone.

3.            Remember, you are on a stealthy vehicle. Even with a loud exhaust and bright yellow paintwork I NEVER assume another driver sees me. Don't ever ride in the Blind Spot and avoid tailgating. Always be prepared to evade disaster & don't get closed in by surrounding vehicles if possible. Where possible keep away from drivers who seem to be unaware. I personally prefer to ride in the right hand lane. This will save you when cars entering from side streets don’t see you or pull out regardless.

4.            Watch out for the other fellow! Don't assume any driver has a brain and will observe stop signs, traffic laws or your right of way. Some are talking on phones, reading papers and munching on snacks at 80ks. Ride defensively, don't put your life in their hands.

5.            Scan the road ahead. Learn to habitually scan the road for gravel, potholes, road kill, kids playing on footpaths, idiot drivers ... whatever. This is an easy habit to develop. In a curve, shoot a quick glance at the farthest point. In fact, where possible, sweep the road a couple of curves ahead. Topping a hill, sweep the road ahead to the next one. (This will also help you to be able to overtake slow traffic safer and easier).

6.            Know what is behind you. Use Your Mirrors! Generally, cars need more distance to stop than a motorcycle does so beware of making quick stops. And again, when passing, you first need to make sure you’re not being passed! Are your indicators/brake lights working?

7.            Watch for vehicles lane swapping & turning right. Abrupt lane changes & right turns across your lane are a common cause of the worst car/bike accidents. Only your awareness and ability to react stand between you and tons of steel that swerve around you in traffic. Leave yourself plenty of room between yourself and cars ahead where possible and anticipate an escape should you be cut off.

8.            Know the road's surface. If it looks slick, it probably is. Avoid the dark area (oil slick) down the centre of lanes on roads and at busy intersections. Go SLOW entering Petrol stations. Slick concrete and a little Oil... You'll hit the deck before you know you're sliding!

9.            Simply SLOW DOWN! Know when to tread lightly! Back it off for intersections, poor weather and heavy traffic. Don't speed in parking lots, commercial areas or neighbourhoods.

10.        Ride Smart! NEVER ride under the weather (be it alcohol, drugs or just a bad day).

Most of the time, motorcycles are only as dangerous as we make them. We can always increase our ability on the bike by practising skills; so do some practice emergency stops once in awhile, practice those U-turns and do a Rider training course every few years to beef up your skills. Enjoy your time on the road by knowing that you are alert, prepared and informed. Confidence in yourself and your bike are the key to a long and rewarding relationship with two wheels, and the road...

Jacqui Cymerman Member #37

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WIMA South Australia is a branch of the Australian Division of WIMA
This page last updated: August 17th 2004