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Riding Safely On A Motorcycle
By Staff Writer
You might have heard various, contradicting
opinions about motorcycles being dangerous. Some say that riding a bicycle or even
being a pedestrian can be potentially more dangerous than riding a motorcycle. What the
heck, whatever they say or whatever you may think, it won't
hurt to practice motorcycle safety at all times. As they say, better safe than
sorry.
There are 3 major components in ensuring motorcycle safety – your condition, your
riding gear and your motorcycle. These three components complement each other in
keeping your riding experience fun instead of dangerous. I know, one would say that
dangerous IS fun – but remember, putting your life and that of others' at risk is
anything but fun. So leave the stunts to the professionals and be a
responsible rider.
Your condition
Your safety may be affected by several aspects of your condition – your riding skills
and you being physically and mentally prepared.
Relatively, your riding skills are the easiest to evaluate and control. You pretty
much know where you're at based on how long you've been riding as well as on what
conditions, and based on what you can or cannot do. As a beginner, it is suggested
that you do practice rides before hitting the public roads. Even as a more
experienced rider, know what your strengths and weaknesses are so that you may improve on
them. A good example is carrying a passenger or carrying load. If you've never
done it before, it may feel a bit off because it's new to you, so be extra careful and
alert.
Equally important is the fact that you are physically and mentally prepared. Your
ability to control your motorcycle may be impaired by being sick or injured, while your
decision-making abilities may be affected by a recent conflict with someone or any other
emotionally stressful event. Imagine, if these factors can affect your riding
skills, just think of how alcohol can totally endanger you. Needless to say, never
ever drink and ride.
Your Riding Gear
Riding a motorcycle is no fashion show – even for the passenger. Be sure to
wear proper clothing, proper footwear and other protective gears such as helmet, gloves
and eyewear. Surprisingly, wearing the right gear not only protects you in case of
an accident, but actually keeps you away from a potential accident by making you
comfortable as discomfort itself can put you at risk.
For your clothing, you and your passenger should be wearing a long-sleeved shirt or
jacket, which is snug at the wrists. For your jacket, ideally, it's
abrasion-resistant that zips up or buttons up close to the neck. Though leather is
best if you have one, a nylon flight jacket or parka are the next best thing. For
your pants, choose a durable pair, preferably leather – again, if you have one.
Otherwise, a pair of jeans or work pants will do. Also wear clothes appropriate for
the weather especially since hot gets hotter and cold gets colder when riding a
motorcycle. Avoid loose clothing like scarves and bell bottoms. Again, riding
is no fashion show. It doesn't mean of course that you can't be fashionable –
but please, dress smart.
For proper footwear, wear sturdy shoes, again, preferably leather and ideally over the
ankle. This should protect you from abrasion and from the hot parts of the bike that
are located near your feet and ankles. Hiking boots are a good example. And of
course, avoid long and dangling shoelaces as these may get caught in the shifter or brake
pedal and may therefore cause an accident.
Lastly, you and your passenger should be wearing protective gears like an approved helmet,
a pair of gloves and protective eyewear. Your helmets should be comfortable –
snug but not too tight. For the rider, a pair of durable, full-fingered gloves
provides better grip on the controls and is especially helpful during extreme weather
conditions. For instance, you can have better grip when it's too hot and sweat may
cause your hands to slip off the controls. On the other hand, it'll keep you warm
during the cold weather. For your eyewear, if your helmets do not have a face
shield, use goggles or a pair of dark or prescription glasses.
Your Motorcycle
You've got the skills, you're physically fit and mentally sound and you're all geared up.
The last thing you need to do is get on the bike -- not! One last, very
important thing you need to do is check your motorcycle and make sure it's ready. As
a guide, use the T-CLOCK inspection. That's Tires and wheels, Controls, Lights and
electrical, Oil and fluids, Chassis and Kickstand. Make sure that everything is in
good, working condition -- nothing cracked, broken, bent, loose nor dented.
Now you are all set and all you need to do is get on that bike and ride. Just remember to
always have fun and keep safe!
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