Biker Safety
Ride Intelligently
Safe riders are alive riders. Bikers who let their guard down on the road, or try to beat a motorist, are bikers at risk. Motorcyclists usually come off worse than cars, so it’s not really worth trying to prove a point. The best thing a biker can do is work hard to stay up right and safe.
If not, a biker is likely to become one of the sad statistics which see some 600 killed every year and some 6,000 injured.
So how can a biker help himself to avoid being another news report.
Ride Defensively
This means thinking for the other guy. What’s that car driver about to do; is that pedestrian about to step off the pavement? Think ahead and try and visualize the road and the situation before you. Careless drivers cause most motorbike accidents, so if you view every car user as a potential accident in the making, then it will make your ride safer.
Technique
Good riders are not born, despite what many think. And just because a test has been passed, it does not mean that a rider knows all there is to know. A good riding technique evolves over time, it doesn’t just appear. And a good rider has an intimate knowledge of their machine. They know its stress points and its tolerances, and they how it will behave in a given situation.
Think Ahead
The idea about thinking ahead is born from defensive riding. Riding intelligently is a must for a safe rider. A good rider will be able to visualize the road scene opening up in front of him and adjust their riding style. Take the obvious; lets say you’re riding on a nice country road, there’s few cars around, it’s Sunday morning, and you can give your bike its head. And here comes the sweeping left hander, unfortunately the apex and exit is obscured by trees, but what the heck, it’s a quiet day, what can be around the other side. This is where visualization tactics come in. Assuming that there is nothing around the corner is dangerous. You could have cows crossing the road after milking, a diesel spillage at the apex of the curve, or a slow –moving tractor pulling out of a field. Assess the risks, no matter how clear and easy it might seem.
Attitude
You might think that car driver is a bit of an idiot, but keep that yourself. Getting worked up, pulling wheelies, shouting obscenities, or elaborate finger gestures might make you feel better, but might also invite retribution from someone driving a far bigger object than you’re riding. Defensive riding is all about keeping cool. Keep your emotions intact, look down upon them and ride away. Above all else, keep cool.
The Bike
Don’t forget that your bike needs attention. It cannot go on from day to day without a little tender loving care. And that means checking the tyres before each ride (just a glace will do); a quick test of the brakes as you take the bike off its stand; and a moment before you set off to hear the sweet and even notes of the engine. Then on a rest day you can do the once over of the other bits, including chain, oil, coolants, main nuts and bolts, and lights.
Clothing
Looking the part is essential, okay, but also playing the part is also key. Going out in dark clothing maybe making a fashion statement, but it’s more sensible to make sure that other road users can see you coming for miles, than hiding yourself on the road. And make sure you wear clothing that can sustain a 60 mph scrape along the road. T-shirts and shorts might seem cool, but peeling your skin off the tarmac is not so cool. And get the best helmet you can afford and get it fitted professionally. It’s one of the best investments a biker can make. A head is a soft melon; don’t get it bruised on the road.
Highway Code
All road users need to know the highway code inside out. Know what certain road signs mean and how they will effect your ride. Don’t get caught out by misinterpreting a given situation because you haven’t got a clue what something in the road meant. It comes down to knowing the basics.
Courses
There are literally hundreds of riding courses available, so once you have completed your test, then take more courses to enhance your riding style and ability. It’s a great investment
and one good way of trying to keep yourself alive.
And some of the best courses in the U.K. are run by highly experienced police motorcyclists. These guys have seen it all and done it all, and are happy to pass on their knowledge to fellow bikers.