What is the HARM Triangle?
The HARM Triangle is a simplistic diagram to show each rider the Risk Management one needs to be aware of , in order to help he / she have the best chance at remaining safe while on the roads.
There are basically 3 different elements.... those elements that the rider is in control of (YOU and BIKE) and the elements that the rider is not (Environment). Let's look at a quick explanation.
YOU - Yes, you, the rider. We have to start at the beginning, and You are the beginning. What is your skill and ability level? How long have you been riding, and how many kilometers do you have under your belt? How much learning or development have you had, and do you practice it?
Do you wear proper riding gear, some of it, or none of it? Is your helmet at least up-to-date and looked after properly? Is what you are wearing suitable for the weather you are or could be riding in?
Are you physically prepared for the ride? Are you able to handle your bike in case of a breakdown or just moving it in your yard? Did you stretch before the ride? Are you wearing your glasses or hearing aids if required? Are you hydrated? Do you have any physical ailments or conditions that could cause difficulties for you while riding?
Are you psychologically prepared and in a correct state of mind as to be 100% "road aware"? Are you upset or your mind is elsewhere? Did you just have a disagreement or argument just before you mounted your bike? Did you have any alcoholic drink or narcotic that could alter your ability to fully concentrate and safely operate your bike? Are you on prescription medication that does not allow you to operate your bike, or at least warns against such? The psychological factors are sometimes the most difficult to determine, and play a huge part in the enjoyment of the ride.
BIKE - One size does not fit all!!!! Is your bike to big in physical size for you to properly operate, especially at parking lot and slow speed maneuvers? Is your bike to heavy for you? Are you stretching your arms or legs uncomfortably? Is the horse power of the bike too much for your skill set? Does the bike scare you? Does the bike fit you, not the other way around?
Is the bike mechanically sound? Brakes are good working order? Tires? Regular maintenance has been done? You do a circle check before each ride? If you are unsure of something, you have a certified mechanic check it out?
The bike is legally licensed and you have proper insurance? (this is a very important item!) You have your registration and insurance card with you or somewhere on the bike?
Now that you have the parts of the triangle that are under the control of the rider, let's look at those that are not (note: the following are just some of the main examples, there are many more!)
ENVIRONMENT - Even though we need to do everything to save our earthly environment, there are aspects of the "riders environment" that we need to save ourselves from.
Is the road paved or not? Does the road have grit, dirt, sand, or any other item that could impact your tires ability to grip the road? Are there potholes in the road? (which would make you a PHd - Pot Hole Driver) Paint - is the paint on the highway new? Is there paint on the highway specifically for bicyclists that becomes slippery for braking on, even when dry? Is there construction in the area that could cause issues with the road? Is the road shoulder soft, hard, rutted, or drops off from the pavement in case you veer off the road? Is the road "crowned" (rutted)? Has it recently rained? Is the pavement crack filled by a rubber compound which keeps water out but plays havoc with a motor bike?
Is the weather warm, cold, comfortable, or variable? What is the forecast? Will the temperature drop to close to zero and have black ice form? Freezing rain? Hail? How does the road react to the different temperature changes (cold - grip reduced, warm or hot - grip increased, very hot - oils in asphalt, especially newer asphalt, can "ooze" to the surface.
Is the traffic heavy? Is it city traffic or country traffic? How many lanes of traffic? What time of the day is the traffic (morning to work traffic or evening going home traffic)? Day traffic or night time traffic? Going to the cottage or coming from the cottage traffic?
What kind of vehicles are on the road? Cars, RV's, large trucks, construction vehicles, farm vehicles, combination of all mentioned? Plenty of other motorcycles, and if so, hopefully others are used to seeing and looking out for them.
Are there other variables to be aware of? Animals, location of sun, open areas vs treed areas, falling rocks from cliff sides, detours, and so on.
Are there other things I should be considering? Absolutely! Do not let your guard down or become complacent. It may seem like a lot to do just for a short ride, but the end result makes it all worthwhile. Enjoying the ride safely is having a good ride, and puts you more in control of managing any risk to you or others. AFTER ALL, WE ALL LIKE IT WHEN THINGS ARE WELL MANAGED.
And always remember to Ride Skilled - Ride Smart - Ride Safe!
There are basically 3 different elements.... those elements that the rider is in control of (YOU and BIKE) and the elements that the rider is not (Environment). Let's look at a quick explanation.
YOU - Yes, you, the rider. We have to start at the beginning, and You are the beginning. What is your skill and ability level? How long have you been riding, and how many kilometers do you have under your belt? How much learning or development have you had, and do you practice it?
Do you wear proper riding gear, some of it, or none of it? Is your helmet at least up-to-date and looked after properly? Is what you are wearing suitable for the weather you are or could be riding in?
Are you physically prepared for the ride? Are you able to handle your bike in case of a breakdown or just moving it in your yard? Did you stretch before the ride? Are you wearing your glasses or hearing aids if required? Are you hydrated? Do you have any physical ailments or conditions that could cause difficulties for you while riding?
Are you psychologically prepared and in a correct state of mind as to be 100% "road aware"? Are you upset or your mind is elsewhere? Did you just have a disagreement or argument just before you mounted your bike? Did you have any alcoholic drink or narcotic that could alter your ability to fully concentrate and safely operate your bike? Are you on prescription medication that does not allow you to operate your bike, or at least warns against such? The psychological factors are sometimes the most difficult to determine, and play a huge part in the enjoyment of the ride.
BIKE - One size does not fit all!!!! Is your bike to big in physical size for you to properly operate, especially at parking lot and slow speed maneuvers? Is your bike to heavy for you? Are you stretching your arms or legs uncomfortably? Is the horse power of the bike too much for your skill set? Does the bike scare you? Does the bike fit you, not the other way around?
Is the bike mechanically sound? Brakes are good working order? Tires? Regular maintenance has been done? You do a circle check before each ride? If you are unsure of something, you have a certified mechanic check it out?
The bike is legally licensed and you have proper insurance? (this is a very important item!) You have your registration and insurance card with you or somewhere on the bike?
Now that you have the parts of the triangle that are under the control of the rider, let's look at those that are not (note: the following are just some of the main examples, there are many more!)
ENVIRONMENT - Even though we need to do everything to save our earthly environment, there are aspects of the "riders environment" that we need to save ourselves from.
Is the road paved or not? Does the road have grit, dirt, sand, or any other item that could impact your tires ability to grip the road? Are there potholes in the road? (which would make you a PHd - Pot Hole Driver) Paint - is the paint on the highway new? Is there paint on the highway specifically for bicyclists that becomes slippery for braking on, even when dry? Is there construction in the area that could cause issues with the road? Is the road shoulder soft, hard, rutted, or drops off from the pavement in case you veer off the road? Is the road "crowned" (rutted)? Has it recently rained? Is the pavement crack filled by a rubber compound which keeps water out but plays havoc with a motor bike?
Is the weather warm, cold, comfortable, or variable? What is the forecast? Will the temperature drop to close to zero and have black ice form? Freezing rain? Hail? How does the road react to the different temperature changes (cold - grip reduced, warm or hot - grip increased, very hot - oils in asphalt, especially newer asphalt, can "ooze" to the surface.
Is the traffic heavy? Is it city traffic or country traffic? How many lanes of traffic? What time of the day is the traffic (morning to work traffic or evening going home traffic)? Day traffic or night time traffic? Going to the cottage or coming from the cottage traffic?
What kind of vehicles are on the road? Cars, RV's, large trucks, construction vehicles, farm vehicles, combination of all mentioned? Plenty of other motorcycles, and if so, hopefully others are used to seeing and looking out for them.
Are there other variables to be aware of? Animals, location of sun, open areas vs treed areas, falling rocks from cliff sides, detours, and so on.
Are there other things I should be considering? Absolutely! Do not let your guard down or become complacent. It may seem like a lot to do just for a short ride, but the end result makes it all worthwhile. Enjoying the ride safely is having a good ride, and puts you more in control of managing any risk to you or others. AFTER ALL, WE ALL LIKE IT WHEN THINGS ARE WELL MANAGED.
And always remember to Ride Skilled - Ride Smart - Ride Safe!