As we welcome warmer weather and longer days and shake off the stiffness and blow out the cobwebs of a long off season, we must recognize many motorist are not looking for us on the roadways. Ultimate it is up to us to make we Ride S.M.A.R.T. so here are some reminders.
Stay Alert
- Momentary inattention is a major cause of motorcycle incidents, keep your head up and eyes scanning everything in front of you.
- Watch for road hazards (e.g., tar snakes, loose gravel, grooved roads, potholes, grass clippings, railroad tracks, painted direcglass, shoulder debris, and uneven pavement.)
- Do not wear earbuds (in both ears) and stay off your phone while riding.
- Stop frequently for comfort breaks to stretch and hydrate as this will lessen bouts of dangerous fatigue, muscle cramps, and arm pump.
Maintain Space
- Maintain a two second gap between you and other vehicles on highways and freeways.
- Ride in the left-track or right-track of the lane to avoid oil, debris, and to be seen in motorists mirrors.
- Move as far off to the shoulder as possible when stopping on the roadside or freeway.
- Leave enough room in front of you to avoid debris, vehicles, and hazards.
- Merge by using on ramps to match traffic speed (or a bit faster) before merging, and avoid riding the far-right lane near busy exits to avoid oncoming and merging traffic.
Act Safely and Predictably
- Wear a properly fitted helmet and note that eye protection is required in many jurisdictions.
- Don’t override your skill level. Understand your sense of speed and comfort zone.
- Use proper hand signals and turn indicators.
- Be visible but ride like you are invisible. Make eye contact with motorist especially those making left hand turns. Remember if you can see someone in their mirrors, they cannot see you.
- Be courteous and a good witness as an ASR ambassador.
Respect the Rules of the Road
- Be aware and obey local traffic laws. However, while riding on freeways riding in the number one lane at the top allowable speed by local highway patrol is recommended.
- Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of a lane, but some motorist may encroach so be aware and ride with your head on a swivel.
- California and Minnesota are the only U.S. states where full lane splitting (riding between lanes of moving traffic) is explicitly legal. However, several states have legalized “lane filtering” (passing stopped or slow traffic at low speeds or filtering to the front of the line at signal lights or stop signs.) At the time of this article these states are Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and Utah.
- Most organized rides insist that riders use a staggered formation. However, most states it is legal for motorcycles to ride side-by-side (parade formation) in a single lane, but they cannot share a lane with a car.
- Always yield to pedestrians, they have the right of way.
Think Ahead and Talk
- Keep your head up scanning the road ahead anticipating what others will do.
- Signal to fellow riders road hazards with right foot or left hand.
- Approach uneven pavement at an angle whenever possible.
- Utilize trail breaking for improved stability, this will keep your suspension loaded for better traction, and allows faster tighter cornering.
Enjoy the freedom of the road as we take the Gospel to our communities and beyond.
Let’s Go!
