How To Become A Safer Rider - 10 Tips
One of the first things we ask our students is, Are they aware of the inherent dangers of operating a motorcycle? According to the National Motorcycle Institute in the U.S. (https://www.motorcycleinstitute.org/), an independent organization that uses a scientific approach to trying to lessen the dangers to motorcycle riders, indicates that riding a motorcycle is approximately 30 times than driving an automobile. (a good read is the June 2018 research paper entitled “Nobody Told Me That Motorcycles Are So Dangerous”, by the NMI).
This is one of the many reasons we, as instructors / trainers / coaches are driven to provide the best instruction we can possibly give to new riders, and also those whom wish to improve their riding skills. As mentioned before, we are all lifelong learners, and never stop trying to be more skilled, smarter, and safer. As I have mentioned many times before, motorcycling is really a “sport”, and you, the rider, are an “athlete” (humour me here), and like a good athlete in any sport, you have to practice. If you were playing hockey, basketball, football, etc., you practice to either get better or maintain the skill levels that you already have. So, why is it “motorcycle athletes” do not all have the same attitude towards practice? Your motorcycle skill set is a perishable one, that without constant use or practice, it will only decrease. Remember, riding a motorcycle is a “learned skill”, not a natural one.
Having said the fore mentioned, let’s look at ways a rider can enjoy the sport of motorcycling safer and for a longer period of time.
1. Take a motorcycle safety course – this is the best way for any motorcyclist to begin. Not only for the “newbie” starting out, but for those who have been riding for a while. For the newbie, courses such as the “Gearing Up” program developed by the Canada Safety Council (CSC) or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MTF) in the U.S. allows the new motorcyclist to be trained in the proper safe handling (and attitude) of the “sport”, in a controlled environment.
For those riders with years and kilometers under their belt, a refresher course or advanced program can help iron out issues you may have, and even those issues you don’t even know you have.
2. Buy the best bike for your riding level – as an instructor, I recommend to my students that the purchase of their first bike should be done with care and from the brain, not the heart. If you have just graduated from a motorcycle course, you should have a fairly good feel as to what your skills are, your strong points, your areas needing work, and what you need to do to improve your abilities. This will help you decide what size bike and type is best suited for you.Keep in mind, the bike has to fit you, not the other way around. As a new rider (and also for anyone else, regardless of experience), Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) is the way to go! Chances are, your first bike purchase will only be the beginning, so bare that in mind. If your purchase is a used bike, make sure that you get an inspection done on the bike before you buy. You want to make sure that the bike you buy not only mechanically works well, but also is safe to ride.
3. Wear The Gear – You cannot put a price on your life, or the quality (or lack of) if you do not take the proper precautions to protect yourself. It all starts with the helmet. I recommend a full-face helmet for a number of very good reasons. Research statistics accumulated over the years shows that the frontal area of a helmet (that around your jaws) is the most likely part to come in contact with an object (the road, another vehicle, trees, etc.)
This is one of the many reasons we, as instructors / trainers / coaches are driven to provide the best instruction we can possibly give to new riders, and also those whom wish to improve their riding skills. As mentioned before, we are all lifelong learners, and never stop trying to be more skilled, smarter, and safer. As I have mentioned many times before, motorcycling is really a “sport”, and you, the rider, are an “athlete” (humour me here), and like a good athlete in any sport, you have to practice. If you were playing hockey, basketball, football, etc., you practice to either get better or maintain the skill levels that you already have. So, why is it “motorcycle athletes” do not all have the same attitude towards practice? Your motorcycle skill set is a perishable one, that without constant use or practice, it will only decrease. Remember, riding a motorcycle is a “learned skill”, not a natural one.
Having said the fore mentioned, let’s look at ways a rider can enjoy the sport of motorcycling safer and for a longer period of time.
1. Take a motorcycle safety course – this is the best way for any motorcyclist to begin. Not only for the “newbie” starting out, but for those who have been riding for a while. For the newbie, courses such as the “Gearing Up” program developed by the Canada Safety Council (CSC) or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MTF) in the U.S. allows the new motorcyclist to be trained in the proper safe handling (and attitude) of the “sport”, in a controlled environment.
For those riders with years and kilometers under their belt, a refresher course or advanced program can help iron out issues you may have, and even those issues you don’t even know you have.
2. Buy the best bike for your riding level – as an instructor, I recommend to my students that the purchase of their first bike should be done with care and from the brain, not the heart. If you have just graduated from a motorcycle course, you should have a fairly good feel as to what your skills are, your strong points, your areas needing work, and what you need to do to improve your abilities. This will help you decide what size bike and type is best suited for you.Keep in mind, the bike has to fit you, not the other way around. As a new rider (and also for anyone else, regardless of experience), Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS) is the way to go! Chances are, your first bike purchase will only be the beginning, so bare that in mind. If your purchase is a used bike, make sure that you get an inspection done on the bike before you buy. You want to make sure that the bike you buy not only mechanically works well, but also is safe to ride.
3. Wear The Gear – You cannot put a price on your life, or the quality (or lack of) if you do not take the proper precautions to protect yourself. It all starts with the helmet. I recommend a full-face helmet for a number of very good reasons. Research statistics accumulated over the years shows that the frontal area of a helmet (that around your jaws) is the most likely part to come in contact with an object (the road, another vehicle, trees, etc.)
Although selecting what type of helmet one wants to wear is a personal choice, you need to be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of each type, and make a informed decision. In Canada (and many other parts of the world), helmets are mandatory, and must be worn. The helmet must at least be DOT certified (the lowest type of certification), and if ECE or Snell certified, it offers even more protection.Also, wearing of a jacket that is either armoured or at least, abrasive resistant; leather, full fingered gloves, boots that cover the ankle, and full length pants, or better yet, proper motorcycle pants which can offer the best protection to you in case something unexpected occurs.
ATGATT – All The Gear, All The Time
4. Get Ready To Go – Before each ride, do a quick inspection and walk-around to make sure everything is still working as it should. Especially check the tires and brakes before you ride (this takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute). At least once every 2 weeks, you should do a full circle-check of your bike, using your owner’s manual to help you. If done properly, and completely, should take you approximately 15 -20 minutes to complete (see print out of a guide to a complete circle-check here). The piece of mind you get from knowing your bike is in the best condition to allow you to ride as safe as possible is worth it!
5. Your Frame of Mind and Body – what kind of a mood are you in? Are you stressed? Sleepy? Over-tired? Are you nursing a nagging injury or physical ailment? Remember – when you are on a motorcycle, you are the only one out there looking after you! If your mind, emotions, and physicality’s are taking you elsewhere than the road you are on, you become easy “prey” to creating rookie errors that can end in a not-so-nice way.
6. Get To Know The Weather – This is also a crucial part of being prepared for a motorcycle ride, especially if you are going a long distance. Monitor weather forecasts, not only for the local area, but those along the way. Keep in mind that the weather can change very quickly, especially in hot, humid areas. Try to avoid bad weather, but if you can’t, have you a Plan “B” and “C” (wet and / or wet weather gear, where you can take cover or stay if needed, etc.)
Have you noticed that everything discussed above is in preparation for the ride? You haven’t even left your driveway yet! Now, let’s look at the actual ride itself.
7. Ride According To Your Skills and Ability – It takes practice and training, proper training, to improve ones skills and abilities. Until then, get to know your limitations and what you feel comfortable with. This is really your “Comfort Zone”, and it is especially important if you want to ride with a group. Ride your own ride, and if you do not feel comfortable due to the riding the other bikes are doing, excuse yourself from the group (“I just want to have a few moments by myself”) and meet up at a predetermined spot. With experience and additional training, you can move your comfort zone to a higher level.
8. Ride Defensively – Keep on alert for any potential hazards, whether it be other vehicles, the weather, or road conditions, and do your best to make sure nothing is going to spoil your day. “Rider Radar” is so important here as it gives you a “situational awareness” of everything that is going on around you, not just what is in front of you.
9. Respect The Traffic Laws, and Newton’s Laws – Too many accidents occur when we have a disregard for the rules of the road (Traffic Laws), and believe a number of them do not apply to you. In respecting the traffic laws, you may have to “bend” them a bit every so often, such as merging onto a major highway at the “Flow Rate” the traffic is traveling and then when you can, and if safe to do so, get yourself back to legal speeds. At the same time, obey Newton’s Laws as they have been proven to be correct, and can especially affect a motorcycle (braking distance, inertia, gravity just to name a few). These laws really can’t be bent!
10. Have Fun, and Enjoy The Ride!
And always remember to Ride Skilled - Ride Smart - Ride Safe
ATGATT – All The Gear, All The Time
4. Get Ready To Go – Before each ride, do a quick inspection and walk-around to make sure everything is still working as it should. Especially check the tires and brakes before you ride (this takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute). At least once every 2 weeks, you should do a full circle-check of your bike, using your owner’s manual to help you. If done properly, and completely, should take you approximately 15 -20 minutes to complete (see print out of a guide to a complete circle-check here). The piece of mind you get from knowing your bike is in the best condition to allow you to ride as safe as possible is worth it!
5. Your Frame of Mind and Body – what kind of a mood are you in? Are you stressed? Sleepy? Over-tired? Are you nursing a nagging injury or physical ailment? Remember – when you are on a motorcycle, you are the only one out there looking after you! If your mind, emotions, and physicality’s are taking you elsewhere than the road you are on, you become easy “prey” to creating rookie errors that can end in a not-so-nice way.
6. Get To Know The Weather – This is also a crucial part of being prepared for a motorcycle ride, especially if you are going a long distance. Monitor weather forecasts, not only for the local area, but those along the way. Keep in mind that the weather can change very quickly, especially in hot, humid areas. Try to avoid bad weather, but if you can’t, have you a Plan “B” and “C” (wet and / or wet weather gear, where you can take cover or stay if needed, etc.)
Have you noticed that everything discussed above is in preparation for the ride? You haven’t even left your driveway yet! Now, let’s look at the actual ride itself.
7. Ride According To Your Skills and Ability – It takes practice and training, proper training, to improve ones skills and abilities. Until then, get to know your limitations and what you feel comfortable with. This is really your “Comfort Zone”, and it is especially important if you want to ride with a group. Ride your own ride, and if you do not feel comfortable due to the riding the other bikes are doing, excuse yourself from the group (“I just want to have a few moments by myself”) and meet up at a predetermined spot. With experience and additional training, you can move your comfort zone to a higher level.
8. Ride Defensively – Keep on alert for any potential hazards, whether it be other vehicles, the weather, or road conditions, and do your best to make sure nothing is going to spoil your day. “Rider Radar” is so important here as it gives you a “situational awareness” of everything that is going on around you, not just what is in front of you.
9. Respect The Traffic Laws, and Newton’s Laws – Too many accidents occur when we have a disregard for the rules of the road (Traffic Laws), and believe a number of them do not apply to you. In respecting the traffic laws, you may have to “bend” them a bit every so often, such as merging onto a major highway at the “Flow Rate” the traffic is traveling and then when you can, and if safe to do so, get yourself back to legal speeds. At the same time, obey Newton’s Laws as they have been proven to be correct, and can especially affect a motorcycle (braking distance, inertia, gravity just to name a few). These laws really can’t be bent!
10. Have Fun, and Enjoy The Ride!
And always remember to Ride Skilled - Ride Smart - Ride Safe