Growing numbers of people are riding motorcycles these days, as they offer an economical and fun way of getting around and in busy cities they are great for cutting through traffic jams. But motorcycles have one major downside; they are very dangerous. In fact, statistically speaking motorcycles carry the highest risk of death or serious injury of any form of transportation, by a significant margin.
So if you're thinking of getting on two wheels, it's crucial that you understand the risks you face on the road, how to spot problems before they happen and how to get out of dangerous situations.
The first point to understand is that no matter how safely you ride, you are still far more likely to be involved in a serious accident than a car driver, simply because on the road you are more difficult for other drivers to see and with only two wheels motorcycles are inherently unstable. With that in mind, you need to prepare for the very real possibility that you will be involved in an accident. This means investing in high quality safety clothing, including:
o Helmet (preferably full-face)
o Armoured jacket and trousers (either thick leather or abrasion-resistant material)
o Boots and gloves
If you value your life, don't skimp on safety gear. Read up on product tests in the motorcycle press and spend as much as you can afford on the best quality items. The day a careless driver pulls out in front of you at high speed, you'll be glad you're wearing the best possible gear.
Safe Riding Tactics
One of the most important skills you can learn is how to perform an emergency stop safely. Whatever you do, resist the urge to slam the brakes on by grabbing the front lever and stamping on the back pedal, this will only result in you losing traction and flipping the bike onto its side.
To stop safely, start by squeezing the front brake lever smoothly and progressively tighter, and gently applying pressure to the back brake. It's especially important not to over-use the rear-brake, as it's easy to lock up the back wheel, causing it to lose grip and slide out of control. Practice this regularly so that when you need to do it in a split-second, it will happen instinctively.
Traction is hugely important when you only have two wheels because if just one of your tires loses grip, you will most likely lose control of the motorcycle. This is why you need to pay close attention to the road surface ahead of you and be constantly scanning for anything on the tarmac that might present a risk: loose gravel, spilled fuel, etc. In wet weather things like manhole covers and painted road-markings can also become hazards.
An advanced technique that can help you stop safely on a surface with poor traction is 'cadence braking' - this simply means pumping the brake on and off to slow the bike down without losing grip. Bikes fitted with ABS (anti-lock braking system) will do this automatically, so you don't need to. Cadence braking is an advanced skill, it's worth hiring a professional riding instructor to teach you how to do it properly.
Other Road Users Are Dangerous
Your number one threat on a motorcycle is other road users. They will find it harder to see you, misjudge your speed, and generally treat you like you don't deserve to be on the road. Essentially you have imagine that you are almost invisible and expect that other road users will drive unpredictably.
Pay attention to what drivers are doing in their cars. Are they paying attention to the road or are talking to passengers or a cell-phone? Look to see if the driver in front of you appears to be checking his mirrors regularly - if not, he might not be aware of your presence. Remember that many drivers are very sloppy when it comes to using their turn-signals, but you can get a hint of their intentions from their position on the road. Sometimes, if you have a clear view into the car, you can see what their hands are doing on the steering wheel, and this can provide you with an early warning if they are about to turn.
Finally, one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is a car pulling out of a junction without noticing a bike travelling along the road they're pulling into, causing a typical t-bone accident. Always slow down when you are approaching a junction, even if you have right of way, and especially if there is a vehicle waiting to pull out. As you get closer to the junction, you can use your horn to alert the driver of your presence, but one of the best tools you can use is eye-contact - if the driver makes clear eye-contact with you, it's easier to assess whether he has seen you and will wait for you to pass before pulling out.
Remember, at the end of the day it's your life and you're the only person who can look out for your own safety on the road. Knowing that "it was the other guy's fault" will be small consolation when you're lying in a hospital bed, or worse.
Lance Carter has 16 years experience of riding high-performance motorcycles, and competed in motorcycle road-racing for 3 years. He is the editor of: http://www.riding-motorcycles.com
