Motorbike Safety
Created | Updated Nov 8, 2011
Fifty Ways to Save Your Life
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. —Aristotle
1. Assume the four-wheelers don’t see you
Because often they don’t. They’re just not looking for a vehicle as small as you are going as fast as you are. Use your headlights on bright out of town and drive defensively.
2. Don’t aggravate the ignorant
Stay calm, remember that most of them have no skill, have no idea of what they’ve just done - they just sit there and point - and that you’re at most risk. Make like a penguin and smile and wave.
3. Dress for the fall, not the ball
Even a 5 minute trip can be deadly. Modern mesh gear means heat is no good reason for a t-shirt and shorts. Make sure your gear has armour at vital points and joints. Wear mesh gloves. Rather sweat than bleed.
4. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Assume that car across the intersection will turn across your bow when the light goes green, with or without a turn signal.
5. Stay icy cool to stay alive
Show-offs become organ donors. Don’t.
6. Stay focused
Staring at a butt could land yours on the road. Save it till later.
7. Mirrors are limited
Check your blind spots before moving over.
8. Take time to make sure
Always take the time to be absolutely sure before pulling out, over or accelerating.
9. Pass with class
You’re always at risk when you pass. Take it easy, watch your closing speed. Arriving out of nowhere behind or next to other drivers or riders is a recipe for a collision one day.
10. The sides of roads hold crap
Stay alert for stuff on the sides of roads. In time you’ll see amazing things there. Make sure you see them in time to avoid them.
11. Cross turners are killers
Assume the guy on the other side of the intersection might turn across you without indication or being aware of your presence, because now and then they will.
12. Watch out for light shooters
Even if the light’s in your favour check the side streets. Eventually in your career someone will shoot across. Make sure you survive the experience.
13. Use your mirrors
Do it every time you change lanes, slow down or stop. Stay in gear and check behind yourself at lights. Be ready to move if someone tries to share your space.
14 .Check 12 seconds ahead. Keep your following distance
One second’s worth of distance per 16 kph is the old rule of thumb. Better still, scan the next 12 seconds ahead for potential trouble.
15. Beware of hot cars
They’re quick and their drivers tend to be aggressive. Don’t assume that just because you’ve thrashed them away from the lights they’ve given up - watch out for them screaming up at you when you’ve stopped accelerating.
16. Watch your entry speed on curves
Going in too hot means you run out of road and either wind up in oncoming traffic or in whatever’s on the side of the road, be it barbed wire, bush or a cliff. Slow in, fast out - at a suitable speed. . Even Rossi gets it wrong sometimes – be careful.
17. Watch the dumb animals as well
Birds, foxes and other dumb animals cross roads with gay abandon –especially in spring when they have just one thing on your mind. Believe the warning signs and watch out for animals – a bird hits you like a brick at speed.
18 Practise using both brakes
The front does most of your stopping but trailing the rear helps stability.
19. Keep the front brake covered
Save a single second of reaction time at 90 mph and you can stop 25 metres shorter. Think about that.
20. Look where you want to go
Target fixation is real. Looking at a hazard will put you into it. Look at they way out.
21. Always be scanning and planning
Keep the eyes working all the time and don’t get hung up on one thing . If you want to enjoy the view, stop.
22. Anticipate
Zipping by a kerb crawler could put you into his door when he opens it.
23. Raise your gaze
What’s immediately in front is too late to do much about look ahead to where you can still do something positive.
24. Get your mind right in the driveway
The first quarter hour’s most crucial. Get your bike brain on as you go down the drive.
25. Come to a full stop at that next stop sign
Put a foot down. Look again. Anything less forces a snap decision with no time to spot potential trouble.
26. Never dive into a gap in stalled traffic
Cars may have stopped for a reason, and you may not be able to see why until it’s too late to do anything about it.
27. Get the right bike for you
Don’t get a superbike unless you’re a super rider and you need it for the kind of riding you do. Get a bike that suits your style, skill, weight and height.
28. Watch for car doors opening in traffic
They’ll open them, make sure you see them first.
29. Don’t get into bad habits
If every road intersection for miles is a four way stop, the one that isn’t is the one that’ll get you if assume it’s the same as the rest.
30. Stay safe in a group
Don’t out-ride your talent. Make sure you know the route and where the group's going to stop. If they’re quicker than you, get there later but get there.
31. Give your eyes some time to adjust
The older you are the slower they are to adjust. Take it easy when going into dark to let them adjust. Ride by what you can see, not habit.
32. Practise U-turns
Weight the opposite peg and tilt the bike, do this without thinking and you can concentrate on your surroundings.
33. Practise hill starts
Traffic’s not the place to master this art. Practice in private and safety
34. If it looks slippery, assume it is
Diesel, oil, even sewerage gets dropped on the road frequently. If it looks suspicious treat it with great respect.
35. Punctures at speed
Don’t Panic! Apply clutch, brake gently with good wheel. Ease gently to side of road. No sudden moves. You can survive these.
36. Raindrops falling on your visor?
It’s raining, it’s slippery, ease up. And increase distances.
37. Wear adequate protection
A full-face helmet, unless you hate your chin. Back protector, have all joints protected with EU approved pads, denim doesn’t do it, track leather or Kevlar. Boots with an inner boot or outer skeleton. Your enemies are impact, abrasion and overextension. Look at your stuff. Can you smite yourself with a 2x4 and smile? If not, what you got ain’t that hot. An inflatable jacket from Hit-air works really well, The original writer tested one at 140 kph and watched the other two guys leave for hospital.
38. Wear the right gear
Having sorted out the protection, make sure the gear fits and suits the conditions. If you’re distracted by your equipment you’re not safe.
39. No phone no music, minimum intercom
Concentrate on the road, your bike and the ride
40. Learn to swerve
Be able to do two tight turns in quick succession. Practice in a safe place. Remember target fixation, look where you want to go, not at the obstacle. Remember; “Clutch, Brake, release, swerve, swerve.” Now practice till it’s a reflex. Riders go under cars because they jam on anchors and swerve. Practise “Clutch, brake, release, swerve, swerve.
41. Be smooth at low speeds
Learn to use your rear brake to smooth out low speed manoeuvres
42. Flashing is good for you
Gently pulling on the lever or tapping the pedal to flash the brake lights before applying will help the drivers behind you see them.
43. Intersections are scary, so cower
Put another vehicle between your bike and the possibility of someone running the stop sign/red light on your right. If you're turning right take extra care you're not being hidden by a vehicle on your left.
44. Tune your peripheral vision
Pick a point near the centre of a wall . Practise scanning using your peripheral vision. The more you can see without turning your head, the sooner you can react to trouble.
45. None for the road
Do you think Valentino has a couple of drinks before a ride? And you’re in a much more hazardous environment than he is. Stay absolutely sharp to spot the blind aunties, the reps with cell-phones and the dumb fools trying to kill you.
46. Every-thing is harder to see after dark
Carry a clear visor and be super careful after dark, especially during, peak hours, when the pubs shut, or in the early hours.
Practise night riding in a safe environment before tackling traffic. Better still try not to ride at night if possible.
47 Leave large lorries well alone.
Their tyres shed tread with some regularity, ‘nough said.
48. Take the panic out of panic stops
Develop an intimate relationship with your brakes. Seek out some safe, open pavement. Starting slowly, find that fine line between maximum braking and a locked wheel, and then do it again, and again. Don’t ride faster than you have practised stopping. Now there’s something to think about.
49. Make sure your tyres are right
Don’t take ’em for granted. Make sure pressure is spot-on every time you ride. Check for cuts, nails and other junk they might have picked up, as well as general wear.
50. Take a deep breath
When aggro rises. Count to ten. Visualise a naked man/woman. Forgetting some clown’s dumb or arrogant move beats running the risk of ruining your life, or ending it.
With acknowledgements to David Hough, Motorcycle News, Two Wheels Only, Arrive Alive, The Hurt Report and all the bikers I've discussed this with.
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. —Aristotle
1. Assume the four-wheelers don’t see you
Because often they don’t. They’re just not looking for a vehicle as small as you are going as fast as you are. Use your headlights on bright out of town and drive defensively.
2. Don’t aggravate the ignorant
Stay calm, remember that most of them have no skill, have no idea of what they’ve just done - they just sit there and point - and that you’re at most risk. Make like a penguin and smile and wave.
3. Dress for the fall, not the ball
Even a 5 minute trip can be deadly. Modern mesh gear means heat is no good reason for a t-shirt and shorts. Make sure your gear has armour at vital points and joints. Wear mesh gloves. Rather sweat than bleed.
4. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Assume that car across the intersection will turn across your bow when the light goes green, with or without a turn signal.
5. Stay icy cool to stay alive
Show-offs become organ donors. Don’t.
6. Stay focused
Staring at a butt could land yours on the road. Save it till later.
7. Mirrors are limited
Check your blind spots before moving over.
8. Take time to make sure
Always take the time to be absolutely sure before pulling out, over or accelerating.
9. Pass with class
You’re always at risk when you pass. Take it easy, watch your closing speed. Arriving out of nowhere behind or next to other drivers or riders is a recipe for a collision one day.
10. The sides of roads hold crap
Stay alert for stuff on the sides of roads. In time you’ll see amazing things there. Make sure you see them in time to avoid them.
11. Cross turners are killers
Assume the guy on the other side of the intersection might turn across you without indication or being aware of your presence, because now and then they will.
12. Watch out for light shooters
Even if the light’s in your favour check the side streets. Eventually in your career someone will shoot across. Make sure you survive the experience.
13. Use your mirrors
Do it every time you change lanes, slow down or stop. Stay in gear and check behind yourself at lights. Be ready to move if someone tries to share your space.
14 .Check 12 seconds ahead. Keep your following distance
One second’s worth of distance per 16 kph is the old rule of thumb. Better still, scan the next 12 seconds ahead for potential trouble.
15. Beware of hot cars
They’re quick and their drivers tend to be aggressive. Don’t assume that just because you’ve thrashed them away from the lights they’ve given up - watch out for them screaming up at you when you’ve stopped accelerating.
16. Watch your entry speed on curves
Going in too hot means you run out of road and either wind up in oncoming traffic or in whatever’s on the side of the road, be it barbed wire, bush or a cliff. Slow in, fast out - at a suitable speed. . Even Rossi gets it wrong sometimes – be careful.
17. Watch the dumb animals as well
Birds, foxes and other dumb animals cross roads with gay abandon –especially in spring when they have just one thing on your mind. Believe the warning signs and watch out for animals – a bird hits you like a brick at speed.
18 Practise using both brakes
The front does most of your stopping but trailing the rear helps stability.
19. Keep the front brake covered
Save a single second of reaction time at 90 mph and you can stop 25 metres shorter. Think about that.
20. Look where you want to go
Target fixation is real. Looking at a hazard will put you into it. Look at they way out.
21. Always be scanning and planning
Keep the eyes working all the time and don’t get hung up on one thing . If you want to enjoy the view, stop.
22. Anticipate
Zipping by a kerb crawler could put you into his door when he opens it.
23. Raise your gaze
What’s immediately in front is too late to do much about look ahead to where you can still do something positive.
24. Get your mind right in the driveway
The first quarter hour’s most crucial. Get your bike brain on as you go down the drive.
25. Come to a full stop at that next stop sign
Put a foot down. Look again. Anything less forces a snap decision with no time to spot potential trouble.
26. Never dive into a gap in stalled traffic
Cars may have stopped for a reason, and you may not be able to see why until it’s too late to do anything about it.
27. Get the right bike for you
Don’t get a superbike unless you’re a super rider and you need it for the kind of riding you do. Get a bike that suits your style, skill, weight and height.
28. Watch for car doors opening in traffic
They’ll open them, make sure you see them first.
29. Don’t get into bad habits
If every road intersection for miles is a four way stop, the one that isn’t is the one that’ll get you if assume it’s the same as the rest.
30. Stay safe in a group
Don’t out-ride your talent. Make sure you know the route and where the group's going to stop. If they’re quicker than you, get there later but get there.
31. Give your eyes some time to adjust
The older you are the slower they are to adjust. Take it easy when going into dark to let them adjust. Ride by what you can see, not habit.
32. Practise U-turns
Weight the opposite peg and tilt the bike, do this without thinking and you can concentrate on your surroundings.
33. Practise hill starts
Traffic’s not the place to master this art. Practice in private and safety
34. If it looks slippery, assume it is
Diesel, oil, even sewerage gets dropped on the road frequently. If it looks suspicious treat it with great respect.
35. Punctures at speed
Don’t Panic! Apply clutch, brake gently with good wheel. Ease gently to side of road. No sudden moves. You can survive these.
36. Raindrops falling on your visor?
It’s raining, it’s slippery, ease up. And increase distances.
37. Wear adequate protection
A full-face helmet, unless you hate your chin. Back protector, have all joints protected with EU approved pads, denim doesn’t do it, track leather or Kevlar. Boots with an inner boot or outer skeleton. Your enemies are impact, abrasion and overextension. Look at your stuff. Can you smite yourself with a 2x4 and smile? If not, what you got ain’t that hot. An inflatable jacket from Hit-air works really well, The original writer tested one at 140 kph and watched the other two guys leave for hospital.
38. Wear the right gear
Having sorted out the protection, make sure the gear fits and suits the conditions. If you’re distracted by your equipment you’re not safe.
39. No phone no music, minimum intercom
Concentrate on the road, your bike and the ride
40. Learn to swerve
Be able to do two tight turns in quick succession. Practice in a safe place. Remember target fixation, look where you want to go, not at the obstacle. Remember; “Clutch, Brake, release, swerve, swerve.” Now practice till it’s a reflex. Riders go under cars because they jam on anchors and swerve. Practise “Clutch, brake, release, swerve, swerve.
41. Be smooth at low speeds
Learn to use your rear brake to smooth out low speed manoeuvres
42. Flashing is good for you
Gently pulling on the lever or tapping the pedal to flash the brake lights before applying will help the drivers behind you see them.
43. Intersections are scary, so cower
Put another vehicle between your bike and the possibility of someone running the stop sign/red light on your right. If you're turning right take extra care you're not being hidden by a vehicle on your left.
44. Tune your peripheral vision
Pick a point near the centre of a wall . Practise scanning using your peripheral vision. The more you can see without turning your head, the sooner you can react to trouble.
45. None for the road
Do you think Valentino has a couple of drinks before a ride? And you’re in a much more hazardous environment than he is. Stay absolutely sharp to spot the blind aunties, the reps with cell-phones and the dumb fools trying to kill you.
46. Every-thing is harder to see after dark
Carry a clear visor and be super careful after dark, especially during, peak hours, when the pubs shut, or in the early hours.
Practise night riding in a safe environment before tackling traffic. Better still try not to ride at night if possible.
47 Leave large lorries well alone.
Their tyres shed tread with some regularity, ‘nough said.
48. Take the panic out of panic stops
Develop an intimate relationship with your brakes. Seek out some safe, open pavement. Starting slowly, find that fine line between maximum braking and a locked wheel, and then do it again, and again. Don’t ride faster than you have practised stopping. Now there’s something to think about.
49. Make sure your tyres are right
Don’t take ’em for granted. Make sure pressure is spot-on every time you ride. Check for cuts, nails and other junk they might have picked up, as well as general wear.
50. Take a deep breath
When aggro rises. Count to ten. Visualise a naked man/woman. Forgetting some clown’s dumb or arrogant move beats running the risk of ruining your life, or ending it.
With acknowledgements to David Hough, Motorcycle News, Two Wheels Only, Arrive Alive, The Hurt Report and all the bikers I've discussed this with.
