| We all have enough "In memory of..." patches | | | | maximum visibility but also consider placing |
| on our vest and do not wish to add any more. | | | | reflective tape on the back of your helmet |
| So here are 11 motorcycle riding tips to | | | | (if you use one) and maybe a glow in the dark |
| remind us of the things that can keep us in | | | | patch on your back. |
| one piece and out of the hospital. | | | | |
| | | | · Never trust cages. Car drivers somehow, |
| · If you are a novice, sign up for and | | | | no matter how loud or how rowdy bikers can |
| attend a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. | | | | be, manage to simply not see us! The blind |
| Not only will this course teach you lots of | | | | spot in most cars is sufficiently large for a |
| the things that will help keep you safe but | | | | motorcycle to be completely hidden from view. |
| your motorcycle insurance will probably be | | | | But other cage drivers simply don't seem to |
| slightly lower as well - and who doesn't want | | | | look for us. Unless, of course, they son, |
| to save on insurance, especially when riding | | | | daughter, husband or wife happens to ride; |
| in states with Helmet Optional laws that | | | | unfortunately, we can't tell who those people |
| require large bodily injury coverage to enjoy | | | | are and have to be doubly aware of other |
| the right for those who ride to decide. | | | | vehicles than when driving a car. |
| | | | |
| · Remind yourself where your suicide or | | | | · Never assume that just because there is |
| kill switch is located. This switch, if you | | | | no turn signal on that car that it isn't |
| realize you are going to have to drop the | | | | going to turn right in front of you. No |
| bike, can save you from having your own | | | | matter how many other drivers don't use turn |
| motorcycle run over you causing injury. | | | | signals, ALWAYS use yours and, if you have a |
| | | | passenger during daylight, hand signals can |
| · If you are just learning to ride and | | | | be an extra preventative measure. |
| live in a highly populated area, have an | | | | |
| experienced rider take you and your bike into | | | | · You know those trucker bumper stickers |
| an area with little or no traffic. A parking | | | | that say "If you can't see my mirrors, I |
| lot of a closed business works very well. | | | | can't see you"? Well, use this same common |
| Neighborhood streets can cause the residents | | | | sense when riding. If you can't see the |
| to complain. Ride in this controlled | | | | driver's face in the rear view mirror of the |
| environment until you feel completely in | | | | vehicle in front of you, chances are they |
| control of the vehicle. Learn how to stop and | | | | can't see you at all. Stay out of blind spots |
| start easily and smoothly. Learn how long it | | | | at all times. |
| takes to stop safely - it isn't the same as | | | | |
| stopping a car. | | | | · Once you become an experienced rider, |
| | | | when riding on city streets, always allow |
| · First-time street riders should choose a | | | | room for other people's errors. An added |
| time of day when the traffic is at a low. | | | | safety tip is that you should remain aware of |
| Jumping into rush hour traffic can easily | | | | where you would choose to put the scoot down |
| lead to an accident on your very first | | | | if the need arose. If you get in trouble and |
| outing. Select a route that takes you into | | | | have any time at all, select where to lay the |
| very low traffic zones such as through | | | | motorcycle instead of allowing traffic or the |
| neighborhoods, scenic routes and avoid at all | | | | bike to determine that for you. If you can |
| cost getting on a freeway until you gain | | | | elect to place the bike on the ground, |
| quite a lot of experience. | | | | allowing it to move out from between your |
| | | | legs at low speed, you will experience much |
| · Never, ever become aggressive toward a | | | | less road rash than allowing momentum to take |
| car or truck driver. Those cars win every | | | | you with the motorcycle. |
| single time in a road rage situation. They | | | | |
| are bigger, heavier and have a lot more | | | | · Novice riders should never carry |
| power. If someone tailgates you, tap your | | | | passengers. That comes later with more road |
| brake lights a few times and if they don't | | | | experience. The movements of a rider can |
| back off, change lanes or give them the road | | | | cause a situation where you can easily lose |
| by pulling off to the side | | | | control, especially at very low speeds. |
| | | | |
| · We all know black is the only cool biker | | | | Above all, plan for safety so you will come |
| color, right? Well, if you are going to be | | | | home safely to ride again another day. Road |
| riding at night in a poorly light area, it is | | | | rash and accidents costing hundreds of |
| much more important to be seen than to be | | | | thousands in medical bills are all too |
| cool, no matter what your friends say! Be | | | | common. Be defensive and be aware to avoid |
| sure your lights are bright and clean for | | | | losing your bike - or worse, your life. |