Be Safe
How to Stay Safe on the Road
- Wear protective clothing. Even if only on a short and slow journey, make sure you wear good safety clothing. Should you come off your bike, clothing will make the difference between living, injury or worse. Many items of rider clothing have padding and attachments (body armour) that can help protect the spine, neck, wrists and other crucial body parts. The use of fluorescent/reflective clothing and accessories will help you be seen easier by other road users. Weather protective clothing will help you keep warm and dry and in turn help you stay more focused and alert and therefore safer. The best clothing/accessories will be “CE” marked
- An approved helmet (SHARP) that fits comfortably and securely is crucial. Wearing a bright coloured helmet will also help you to be seen. Remember, a loose or unstrapped helmet is pointless. The visor needs to be clean and scratch free. Do not use a tinted visor and/or goggles at night.
- Position yourself safely. Keeping away from the kerbside means that not only can you see down the road better, but that other road users can see you. The kerb area can also have a build up of debris and drains etc. Generally, the middle of the lane is the best location to be.
- Observation. A lot can be learned as to what to expect further down the road and prepare yourself by using observation. For example, you’re riding along and narrowly miss a fresh pile of horse manure! what could be around the corner? A horse and its rider. Dustbins outside houses = good chance of a dustcart nearby, maybe, just maybe around the next bend.
- “Lifesaver” look. Give a look over your right shoulder especially before carrying out manoeuvres near turnings and roundabouts. Don’t just rely on your mirrors.
- Ride to your limits. If you’re in a group, don’t force yourself to keep up with the pack. They may know the roads better, or their centre of gravity may be different so handling may vary to your bike. There could be many reasons. You can easily get yourself in a position of no return if you’re not careful. Confirm a finishing location before you set off so you can all meet up safely if separated on the road.
- Maintenance. We all know that you need to keep your bike, helmet and clothing in good serviceable condition, but even simple pre ride checks of your bike can help save a disaster. Tyre pressures, brake pipes, loose objects, clean lights, etc, by getting into a habit of checking your bike equipment could save a lot of problems. If you are a season rider, areas such as tyres and brake pipes can deteriorate just by months of non use over the winter/autumn time.
- Knowing others limits. Drivers in many cases are just unaware of the incredible acceleration a motorbike can have. One look in their mirror there’s nothing, within a second you’re there, maybe even overtaking.
When approaching vehicles. ALWAYS give them the benefit of the doubt that they may not have seen you and therefore expect the unexpected.
- Information from others. Chat to other riders as they may be able to give you valuable advice about motorcycling and tips on the roads you ride. Also websites, such as this one, can keep you updated on road issues and help you get the most out of enjoying your 2 wheeler.