Look at me, look at me! There is nothing like standing out from the crowd, and that is exactly what you want to do. Usually we try to "bling out" our bikes to make them unique and "a stand out" from everyone else, but many of us forget to also make ourselves stand out for another reason.
When we ride, we (the bike and rider) present a smaller profile for other drivers to pick out and see. Compound this with the attitude (for the lack of another word) those driving four wheeled (and more) vehicles have for not seeing or expecting motorcycles on the road, and we have all the makings of a real bad day!
So, what are some of the simple things we can do to make our rides as safe as possible, other than improving our skill level? The following are some suggestions and there are others that can be added as well.
1. High Visibility Riding Jacket or Vest - Black seems to be one of the most popular colours for both bike and riding apparel, and while it has endured, black is hard for the eye to pick out from the background, especially from dusk to dawn. Dare to stand out and be different - wear a lime green high visibility jacket or vest, with reflective tape or stripping. You will be seen easier, and faster as you stick out from your surroundings. While we are starting to see this apparel used more frequently, unfortunately our traditions have not caught up to them yet. In Europe, it is more the norm than the exception.
When we ride, we (the bike and rider) present a smaller profile for other drivers to pick out and see. Compound this with the attitude (for the lack of another word) those driving four wheeled (and more) vehicles have for not seeing or expecting motorcycles on the road, and we have all the makings of a real bad day!
So, what are some of the simple things we can do to make our rides as safe as possible, other than improving our skill level? The following are some suggestions and there are others that can be added as well.
1. High Visibility Riding Jacket or Vest - Black seems to be one of the most popular colours for both bike and riding apparel, and while it has endured, black is hard for the eye to pick out from the background, especially from dusk to dawn. Dare to stand out and be different - wear a lime green high visibility jacket or vest, with reflective tape or stripping. You will be seen easier, and faster as you stick out from your surroundings. While we are starting to see this apparel used more frequently, unfortunately our traditions have not caught up to them yet. In Europe, it is more the norm than the exception.
2. High Visibility Helmet - For the exact same reasons as above, in Lime Green or if you want something not as "outstanding", try a white helmet. Even add reflective tape or stickers to your helmet so that when you turn your head to do shoulder checks, etc. (you do those, right?), the movement will catch the eye of other drivers or riders.
3. Light Up Your Bike - Not so much with fancy glow lighting (although it does look awesome and does grab attention) but with additional headlights or marker lights. Most cruisers have one headlight (usually under-effective) and gets lost in the "clutter" of the surroundings because there is only one beam. This happens during the day as well, especially in Canada, where cars must have daylight driving lights on at all times. The daytime driving lights have shown to reduce accidents significantly by drawing attention to them by others, but a motorcycles single beam is not really what other drivers are looking for. So, by adding 2 other lights up front, you stick out because it almost causes the brain to say, "what is that?" If it does then the lights have done exactly what they are supposed to do. If you have a sport bike, ride with your high beams on during the day as this just makes you more visible, or add extra lighting for the reasons already mentioned. Another thought, don't forget about the rear of your bike as well! Extra brake and marker lights do make it easier to see. Ever notice how well a GoldWing stands out when all its brake lights come on? Companies, such as Admore Lighting, have a great selection of lights for both the front and back. Oh yes, don't be afraid to leave all your lighting on throughout the day!
4. Be Swervey and Move About In Your Lane - Many head-on collisions occur because the driver trying to pass pulls out into the passing lane but does not see the oncoming vehicle, for any number of reasons. One of the most dangerous situations a rider can face is when a large vehicle, such as a vehicle hauling a trailer or a cargo box is followed by a number of other vehicles who may be getting impatient to pass the larger vehicle, and are just waiting for the first passing lane. I have a habit of moving back and forth in my lane to allow me to see better what is behind the large vehicle, and to put myself in a better line of sight for a would-be passer. The movement of the bike swerving or moving back and forth in the lane (plus my lighting) presents a better profile to the traffic. This is all in addition to the earlier reasons for getting over and that is avoiding the wind blast of the larger vehicle!
Over-all, these are simple and really inexpensive tips to be seen and whether used together or collectively (the more the better!), they should help to "raise your profile" to others on the road.
3. Light Up Your Bike - Not so much with fancy glow lighting (although it does look awesome and does grab attention) but with additional headlights or marker lights. Most cruisers have one headlight (usually under-effective) and gets lost in the "clutter" of the surroundings because there is only one beam. This happens during the day as well, especially in Canada, where cars must have daylight driving lights on at all times. The daytime driving lights have shown to reduce accidents significantly by drawing attention to them by others, but a motorcycles single beam is not really what other drivers are looking for. So, by adding 2 other lights up front, you stick out because it almost causes the brain to say, "what is that?" If it does then the lights have done exactly what they are supposed to do. If you have a sport bike, ride with your high beams on during the day as this just makes you more visible, or add extra lighting for the reasons already mentioned. Another thought, don't forget about the rear of your bike as well! Extra brake and marker lights do make it easier to see. Ever notice how well a GoldWing stands out when all its brake lights come on? Companies, such as Admore Lighting, have a great selection of lights for both the front and back. Oh yes, don't be afraid to leave all your lighting on throughout the day!
4. Be Swervey and Move About In Your Lane - Many head-on collisions occur because the driver trying to pass pulls out into the passing lane but does not see the oncoming vehicle, for any number of reasons. One of the most dangerous situations a rider can face is when a large vehicle, such as a vehicle hauling a trailer or a cargo box is followed by a number of other vehicles who may be getting impatient to pass the larger vehicle, and are just waiting for the first passing lane. I have a habit of moving back and forth in my lane to allow me to see better what is behind the large vehicle, and to put myself in a better line of sight for a would-be passer. The movement of the bike swerving or moving back and forth in the lane (plus my lighting) presents a better profile to the traffic. This is all in addition to the earlier reasons for getting over and that is avoiding the wind blast of the larger vehicle!
Over-all, these are simple and really inexpensive tips to be seen and whether used together or collectively (the more the better!), they should help to "raise your profile" to others on the road.