BIKESAFE
The Motorcycle Action Group Supports Bikesafe.
Some Advice from fellow
bikers:
*Motorcyclists are
vulnerable road users and mistakes by others and yourself are liable to be
painful. Be cautious. Do not rely on luminous clothing or headlights as a means
of other road users seeing you. For them to see you they have to look in your
direction.
*Use bus lanes wherever
you are allowed, to avoid the most hazardous traffic flows and increase your
conspicuousness.
*Always ride within the
limitations of your bike and your own abilities.
*Be aware that manhole
and drain covers offer very little friction and represent a particular hazard to
powered two wheelers (PTW).
*The further you can
see in front of you the quicker you can react to potential dangers. If you are
following a car look through it's rear window and windscreen (the same can be
done with parked cars) to see what is in front of it.
*Wearing a helmet is
likely to reduce your perception of speed and increase your feeling of
invulnerability, try to resist the temptation to let this affect your riding.
*Don't rely on eye contact at junctions watch the vehicle for movement.
*Slow down when
approaching corners until you know it is safe to make it round them.
*Attend Bikesafe
lectures. You will definitely learn something new.
*A more relaxed riding
position with your arms bent comfortably at the elbows will allow your body to
absorb more of the energy passed through the bike from lumps and bumps in the
road, making your overall ride smoother and more controlled. A simple check is
to try and flap your arms whilst your hands remain firmly on the bars. If you
can't flap you're too tense so relax! Check your feet also; you'll be surprised
how tense you can get on a day out.
*While filtering
through traffic be aware that drivers will not be expecting anyone overtaking
them so they may not signal or use their mirror before pulling out in front of
you.
*The only positive information a flashing indicator on another vehicle tells you
is that the bulb is working. Wait until the vehicle has made it's turn before
proceeding with your manoeuvre. (The
indicator may have been left on from a previous manoeuvre).