With spring on the horizon, we are all waiting for that first warm, sunny day to rev up the motors and get the scooters out. We have heard the stories about the danger of motorcycle riding, and they are true. As a biker, I would like to discuss some things that are in our favor and make our pastime both pleasurable and safe.
• Motorcyclists have better visibility and maneuverability.
• Safety can be increased by anticipating the unexpected, and planning a move to avoid an accident.
• Safety courses like the MVA Program and Harley Davidson Riders Edge both offer riders good, hands on, training.
The two situations I find most challenging are deer on back roads, especially in fall, and drivers at rush hour on congested roads. Another time is on the interstate after dark when you need to run 75mph to keep pace with the 18 wheelers, while overrunning your headlight.
What’s your story, suggestion, beef?
I’m looking forward to getting back out on my bike as well. I’d have to agree that the thing that concerns me most are the deer after dark. Everything else I at least have some control over or awareness of. I’ve hit a few deer with my car over the years and it was always totally unexpected, wouldn’t want to do it on my bike.
I know exactly what you mean Chuck. Particularly where you and I live, for about 3 weeks in the fall, its’ anybody’s guess what these deer will do. At least we can anticipate probable boneheaded moves from cars.
As a former motorcycle owner I would say take a safety course which can make a world of difference in your riding and in some cases what you pay for insurance. I went through a service called Saddle Back Rider in CA http://saddlebackridertraining.com/
Went though similar couses with the DMV here in Maryland (basic and advanced). I have a friend that teaches Riders edge for HD.
Mike:
Here is a link to a publication I really like http://www.americanrider.com/ (American Rider). In particular, Life with Clem has some interesting stories and perspectives relating to riding the open road. He is a local California rider.