Top 10 Safety Tips:
Top 10 Safety Tips
1
Always wear the correct safety clothing & equipment
Riding Jacket with back, shoulder & elbow protection. Riding trousers with hip & knee protection, suitable riding boots (not trainers)! Gloves with knuckle protection & crash helmet.
2
Always ride within your capabilities
If riding in a group situation, DON’T be tempted to keep up with faster riders. They will wait for you. Don’t put yourself at an unnecessary risk.
3
Ride to the 2 second rule
Only a fool ignores the 2 second rule (try it 😉 )
4
Master limit points. Be able to stop within the distance you can see. Ensure it is clear on your side of the road.
The limit point is the furthest point. It is where you have an uninterrupted view of the road surface. This occurs as it disappears over the brow of a hill or around a bend. It is the point where the two edges of the road appear to meet. On a left hand bend, treat this as the point where the left hand verge appears. It seems to meet the centre line.
5
Never forget your life savers or mirror checks
When changing speed or lane, always check your mirrors first. Indicate and then apply your life saver to check blind spots. This is applicable on over takes & when moving back to the nearside. Also very import when riding in built up areas
6
Information – TUG
Take – Keep your head up for better vision constantly looking around at the front & sides of your motorbike. Consistently using mirrors & checking blind sports. Pay particular attention to any hazards, pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, parked or moving. try to make eye contact with other road users to assist in communication.
Use – Identify seemingly normal items such as bins at the roadside. Notice a sign for a school in the distance. By doing so, you can plan for potential hazards. Such as bins out you could meet the collection lorry round the corner, or pedestrians collecting / filling them. A school sign could mean kids running across the road in front you
Give – Reinforce your position & intentions on the road by accurate signalling to other road users. Make eye contact to help with communication. Always nod or wave when someone gives way to you.
7
Position
Position yourself accurately on the road reduces the risk of collision. However, the ideal position will vary according to road layout, surface & traffic conditions. Remember though Safety first.. Never compromise your safety for road position.
8
Gears & Acceleration
Be in the correct gear for the speed you are travelling at. Aim to have enough flexibility to deal with the circumstances. This way, you won’t have to constantly change gear. Higher gears are more eco-friendly as long as they provide adequate performance. Acceleration should be smooth & progressive when getting up to speed.
9
Riding at night
Presents unique challenges for riders. The limit of vision is determined by how well your headlights perform. It also depends on the condition of your visor and your eyesight. You must be able to stop within the visible distance on your side of the road. Adjust your speed accordingly.
10
Ride at a speed suitable for the road & weather conditions
The Highway Code gives advice on riding in inclement weather. It covers Rain, Snow & Ice, Bright Sunlight, High Winds & Fog. Common sense applies & remember it is a speed limit, not a target.