Category: Riding Safety

Georgia

The Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program, housed within the state Department of Driver Services, has received a grant for more than $84,000 from the Governor’s office of highway safety for efforts to reduce the number of motorcycles fatalities in the state. The GMSP promotes state and national safety initiatives through its outreach coordinator,who researches, and helps maintain a voice at industry events, local schools and colleges, regional meetings, festivals and other public events. The program also regulates motorcycle training for new riders and experienced riders.

Washington

The Pierce County Council passed an ordinance in November allowing ATV’s to operate on several roadways to encourage tourism, bring economic benefit to the community and improve recreational opportunities for county residents. The sheriff planned to launch an educational program about the change, which becomes effective on Jan 1, 2019

Michael Theodore National Road Captain

Ohio
The state Senate passed legislation aimed at decreasing driving by imposing up to a $100 fine on offenders in addition to the standard fine established for the moving violation they are cited for. H.B 95 makes distracted driving a secondary offense. Drivers must be pulled over first for a moving violation before they can be cited for the offense. Under the bill,distractions include, but are not limited to,texting,reading,using tablet or smart phone features or applying cosmetics. In lieu of paying the additional fine, offenders may choose to complete a distracted driving safety course.

Ohio
Motorcycle Ohio, the state’s rider training program, has become part of the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The agency previously was part of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Official’s said the program will continue with “business as usual”.

Hawaii
There is a new bill to allow motorcyclist to ride on the shoulders of the road became law without the signature of the Governor. Who initially vowed to veto it. In Hawaii, a bill that passes the Legislature, but goes unsigned by the governor or is not vetoed becomes law. The state Department of Transportation will determine the areas in which motorcyclist may use the shoulders to navigate around slowed or stopped traffic. The zones designated for shoulder riding must have at least two lanes in each direction and have shoulders that allow safe passing.

New Jersey
S.1400 was introduced which would allow the operator of a motorcycle. motorized bicycle or bicycle to proceed through an intersection on a malfunctioning steady red light if the operator comes to a full and complete stop at the intersection for two complete cycles or for two minutes, whichever is shorter. The rider would then treat the signal as a stop sign.

Texas
The state’s Sunset Commission is considering a transfer of the motorcycle safety program from the department of Public Safety to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, saying it is a “more appropriate, non-law-enforcement agency”. The commission “found the motorcycle safety training and driver license programs have not been administered well at DPS.”

Michael Theodore                                                                                                                      National Road Captain

Using rotating wheels to determine if a driver is about to roll.

Will this car pull out in front of you? Watching for the front wheel to begin rolling is a more reliable predictor than making eye contact with the driver.

For Those Of Us On Two Wheels, The most likely clash with another vehicle pulling into our lane from a side road, parking lot or driveway. How can we know if the driver will hit the gas and shoot point blank into our immediate path of travel? When it comes to that anxious driver poised to pull out from our right or left, is there a way to detect the driver’s intent?
If there’s a wheel there is a way. Determining if a vehicle is beginning to move forward is most practical if we look to the car’s front wheel. Our brain has a much easier time detecting even the subtlest wheel rotation than it does trying to discern if the mass of the vehicle itself is moving slightly from right to left (or vice versa). When you see the wheel on the vehicle beginning to rotate counterclockwise? Be ready; the vehicle is about to enter your lane and space!
But what about eye contact? Even if a driver appears to be looking directly at you, he or she may be looking beyond, never even noticing you. And, even if the driver does see you, they could easily misinterpret the distance and speed at which you are approaching, believing that you are farther away than you are.
Always anticipate the move. Even if you are confident that a driver will not pull out, be ready when they do. The way to do this is by managing your speed. Ask yourself if you could smoothly and safely stop your motorcycle to avoid contact if that driver began to pull out. I always tell myself that driver does not see me so I am already taking defense measures when approaching this type situation. Looking and anticipating while still carrying excessive speed takes away your options and limits your space and time you have to work with should the driver enter the lane ahead of you. And He or she wheel. I mean they will.
Keep the contact patch between the lines

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

How to deal with lawn clippings on the roadway.

Grass on the roadway can be a non- issue or an extremely slippery condition. If possible,slow down using clear pavement ahead of the covered are.

I’ve Got A Grass – Fed Beef, And based on recent conversations, with other riders I am not alone on this issue. We see this all to much while out on the road enjoying a nice ride. Homeowners mowing their lawns and throwing abundant grass clippings onto the roadway can create a special kind of threat to motorcyclist.
Dry grass will typically blow away as vehicles pass through or a nice breeze sweeps it off the roadway. But if grass is wet,it will cling to the surface and can be like grease under your motorcycle tires. If possible, when confronted with grass- covered pavement leading up to the grassy area. Keep your eyes up, look well ahead to increase stability. To maximize your traction, minimize steering,braking and throttle inputs and coast through the grass patches. If the equivalent of one of these Chia Pet patches of pavement appears in a corner,you should minimize your lean angle and look to the exit,not down at the grass or toward the edge of the road.
Remember that grass will stay wet longer than the pavement will. So after a rain shower or in the morning when dew blankets the landscape with moisture, the road surface may be dry, but the grass clippings may still be wet and slippery.
The best way to avoid this problem is ride only as fast as you can see and anticipate the possibility before you encounter it. Slow down and if there is any clear pavement in your lane ride on that instead of over the grass clippings.
If you see homes with lawns especially on the weekends when homeowners are most active doing yard work. There is a good chance someone will be mowing. Larger lawns like those found in rural areas where we like to ride, are often maintained with large tractors that process large amounts of grass and throw it greater distances. While discharging grass onto roadways is illegal in many areas, it remains a big threat to us riders. Anticipating the condition and riding smoothly and calmly through it will reduce the likelihood that grass on the road will clip you.
Keep the contact patch between the lines

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

Fall Motorcycle Riding Tips: How to Stay Safe on the Road

California
The state’s bill to protect motorcyclists from profiling by law enforcement officers failed to move forward. The bill, AB 2972, cleared the policy committee on a 5-2 vote. But the measure met opposition on the Assembly floor. Several lawmakers abstained, resulting in a 28-24 vote against the bill, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from stopping and questioning motorcyclist based on their choice of vehicle or clothing. Assembly member Anna Caballer, who introduced the bill was granted reconsideration, but ultimately pulled the bill when it became clear it wasn’t likely to pass.

Minnesota
The state Legislature passed S.F. 3466, which allows people possessing a motorcycle learner’s permit to ride a motorcycle on interstate highways and expressways. A person 16 or older who has a valid drivers license may obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit by passing a written examination and paying a fee.

New Hampshire
Gov. Chris Sununu signed S.B. 516 into law prohibiting motorcycle -only checkpoints by law enforcement agencies in the state.

Tennessee
S.B. 680, signed by Gov, Bill Haslam, removes a restriction that off highway vehicles only be operated on public streets and roads during one day of each of two big event weekends each year in Scott County. The new law specifies that the off-highway vehicles may be operated untill midnight. The law became effective on May 3rd.

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain

Proper mirror positioning can give you the fairest view of them all.
Most riders position their mirrors to provide the same rearward view. Resulting in a duplicated image and a much narrower overall view. By angling mirrors outward, you the rider can expand and optimize the rearward view while still seeing everything behind.
You wouldn’t ride with a blindfold on. Nor would you ride with blinders to Obscure your peripheral vision (like horses wear). Yet many riders keep their right and left mirrors adjusted in a way that provides the narrowest view (including an excellent view of their elbows). Hum is this you?
Next time when you get on your bike, and before you pull away, take a careful look into each mirror. What do you see? Is the view in the left mirror virtually the same as the view in the right mirror? How much of the scene behind you can you see in both mirrors? If the scene is largely duplicated by each, try angling both mirrors outward to expand the width of your overall view. The ideal adjustment allows you to see a vehicle directly behind in either mirror but with minimal overlap of that image. You should have a distinctly different view to the outside of the mirror now as well. The left mirror  should reveal more of the space adjacent to your bike on the left (where cars pass), and the right mirror should expand the view of the space to the right of your bike (where merging vehicles appear from), significantly expanding your total rearward view.
While we are talking mirrors, it’s a good time to consider what other drivers see. Car drivers have a rearview mirror mounted on the windshield that provides exactly what the name suggest; a rear view. Cars also have two side – view mirrors mounted to the outside of the vehicle one on the left one on the right side. Unfortunately, dispite the name. those mirrors are typically adjusted inwards to take in the same rearward view as the inside mirror. That means that vehicles – including our motorcycles – are easily obscured from the driver’s view. Be aware as you ride alongside other vehicles; if you can’t see their reflection in their side mirror, then they can’t see you.

Keep the contact patch between the lines

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain
Coordinator for Ohio

California
The states anti-profiling bill (A.B. 2972), would prohibit law enforcement officers from stopping and questioning motorcyclist based on their choice of vehicle or clothing,cleared the policy committee on a 5-2 vote. However, the measure met opposition on the Assembly floor, resulting in a 28-24 vote against the bill. Assembly member Ann Caballero who introduced the bill, requested reconsideration, which means the bill may be voted on again before the July1 deadline. Also A.B.2761 introduced by Assembly member Jay Obernolte, would authorize the driver of a vehicle facing a traffic-actuated signal that fails to turn green with in a reasonable period of time to proceed with caution when it is safe to do so, after having stopped at the intersection. Similar legislation has been adopted in 16 states already.

Florida
Driving requirements for auto cycles change July 1, allowing residents to operate these vehicles with a valid state driver’s license.
According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, an auto cycle is “a three-wheel motorcycle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride it”.

Nebraska
The auto cycle definition has been adopted for three-wheeled vehicles such as the Polaris Slingshot. State residents no longer have to obtain a motorcycle endorsement to drive them in Nebraska. State Sen, Jim Smith, who sponsored the legislation, said the change helps broaden the market for the vehicles and “makes it easier for the small businesses who sell them to expand and create jobs.”

Colorado
H.B.1272 is a distracted driving proposal that requires cell service providers to make distraction-control technology available. Use of the technology would be at the customer’s discretion. The technology would limit distracting content from the network on any mobile device while the customer is driving. The bill was introduced by state Reps Mike Foote and Jovan Melton.

Mississippi
Drivers of auto cycles, such as the Polaris Slingshot, will no longer have to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their licenses after July 1. Mississippi is the 43rd state to adopt such legislation.

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain
State of Ohio Coordinator

The question always comes up. Should you stick with the tire pressure recommended in your owner’s manual? Or should you go by the maximum pressure listed on your tires sidewall?

Answer to this question is. Check the air pressure with a good tire gauge. Check them when your tires are cold or at least 3 hours after a ride. As part of your pre-ride inspection, and adjust it according to your motorcycle owner’s manual. Or the tire information label on the chain guard,frame or swing arm.
There maybe two sets of recommendations for tire pressure one for solo riding and one for riding with a passenger and /or cargo.
Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure listed on the tire’s sidewall. And never exceed the motorcycle’s or tire load limit (combined weight of operator,passenger,cargo and accessories), since that can cause tire failure.
Some riders reduce the frequency of tire pressure checks to once a week or two before long trips. And perform only a visual inspection for surface conditions is this you? How ever, be aware that it is impossible to determine proper inflation by appearance alone. Again a accurate pressure gauge is needed, unless your motorcycle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that gives a specific pressure read out.
Proper tire pressure is critical for optimal bike handling and maximum tire life.
Under-inflation or overloading can cause heavy steering,irregular wear,internal damage due to over-flexing and tire separation from the rim. Over inflation can reduce the contact area (and available traction) and can make the motorcycle react harshly to bumps.
Safe riding depends on selecting the right tires,inspecting them and maintaining them and replacing them.
Always be aware while riding Keep the contact patch between the lines.

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain
State of Ohio Coordinator