Oregon Bikers For Christ

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Motorcycle Safety

 

I helped write this for the Motorcycle Travel America Foundation - I figured it might be helpful for folks to review from time to time.   Chaplain Rich and I have been to many hospital visits with very sad outcomes.  We visited a brain-dead rider once.  It was sad because his situation might have been different if he had been wearing a different helmet.  Another visit to a rider whose foot was "degloved" because his low top motorcycle shoe didn't provide enough protection.  In both situations, would things have been different if the gear the rider was wearing was better?  Maybe.  In my opinion it is best to be well dressed for the party -- that way, when the crash comes injuries can be minimized.  Falling down is going to hurt and it is best to be as well protected as possible.

 

Here are some safety tips that will help you become a safer rider.

 

There are two things to consider when out on the road:  What we can control and what we cannot control.  We can control what we wear, our level of training, and making sure our motorcycle is in good working order (like checking the tire pressure for example).   Most riders do not know the limits of their motorcycle.  This is something under our direct control – understanding the limits of one’s machine can be accomplished by practicing braking, swerving, cornering, etc.   Also, attending a rider safety training class or a track day is a huge step in getting to know one’s motorcycle as well as sharpening your riding skills.

 

The things we cannot control are the unexpected situations like animals crossing one’s path, other drivers, other riders, weather, and road conditions.  It is best to be as prepared as you can be and hopefully these things will not be an issue.

 

Finally, we would like to say that the pavement is the rider’s very best friend.  It is always best to stay on the pavement.  Staying on the pavement ensures some measure of safety in that if there is a fall or a crash, you are dressed well enough to be protected from very serious injury.  Going off the pavement for any reason may end in disaster for the rider.  Once one is off the road all bets are off.   Rocks, trees, guardrails, lamp posts, fences, etc. may pose very dangerous outcomes.  Do your best to stay on the road!

 

At some point early in the season, schedule a rider-training course or track day to brush up on your skills.

 

Before you ride:   (WE ALSO LIKE TO PRAY BEFORE WE RIDE)

A pre-ride ritual is beneficial in ensuring you cover all the bases before going on a ride.  As important as all the elements noted below are, one thing to check is your attitude for the day.  Are you grumpy?  Are you upset, nervous, overly hungry, are you unable to maintain your focus for some reason?  Did you just have a fight or argument with your spouse?  Your mental state is a very important consideration before you go for your ride.  Some health conditions can have an effect on one’s mental state so that is something to think about as well.  Sometimes it is just best to leave the motorcycle at home and take the car.  There is no shame in making that kind of decision.

• Always check the oil level, fuel levels, and tire pressures of your motorcycle.  Check for excessive tire wear.  If the tire wear is at or below the marker level, limit your riding - you need a new tire right away.  Do not let yourself rationalize that riding your machine is going to be okay.  Many accidents happen due to tire failure from bald tires and low tire pressures.  Tires are your connection to the road.  A poor connection almost guarantees there can be some type of safety issue on the road.

• Check the cables to make sure they aren’t worn or frayed.  Stick with the cable lubrication schedules as per manufacturer recommendations.

• Test the lights, brakes, and turn signals.

• Adjust your mirrors.

• Lube the chain and adjust it according to the manufacturer’s specs.

• Did we mention to check your tire pressures?

 

Always wear protective gear!

A well-dressed motorcyclist is a much safer rider.  Remember to always dress for the crash.  There are several different manufacturers of gear that not only has gear available that looks good, but is also constructed to help the rider in the event of a crash.  Riding gear does not prevent crashes or injury but it can do a very good job of limiting injury.  Also, your riding gear can protect you from the weather elements – extreme cold, rain, heat, and sunlight.  Below are some things to look for when buying gear:

• Wear a full face helmet that is DOT, Snell, or ECE approved.  There are many good helmets on the market.  Avoid the “beanie” or novelty helmet because they do not provide adequate protection.  Although the “beanie” is legal in many states, this does not necessarily mean this style of helmet will protect you well in a crash.  If you do wear an open face helmet, be sure to wear eye protections such as a good goggle or face shield.  A bug in the eye is a sure-fire way to end up in a serious situation.

• Wear armored gloves or a good leather glove with good palm padding.  Do not wear cloth gloves or cutoff gloves.  When one goes down, the natural tendency is to put one’s hand out to break the fall.  Poor quality gloves or no gloves will ensure the loss of skin on the palm of the hand(s).  Also look for gloves that will not come off in a crash type situation.

• Pick a motorcycle boot that goes above the calf.  This will help protect shins and offer some ankle support and protection.  Waterproof boots are great for winter riding.  Sorry but tennis shoes, sandals, flip flops, and bare feet do not provide a good level of foot protection.

• Choose a CE armored jacket and pants - these will help protect against a hard impact with the street and help keep on from losing skin.  The classic leather riding garments will help to keep from losing one’s skin as well.  Some leathers also include CE armor.  In order for these garments to be useful they must always be worn - even on hot days.  Some riders wear back protectors under their leather jacket or textile.  It is never a good idea to wear the back protector over a t-shirt only.

• Riding gear should also include high visibility elements.  High-vis gear is not any more expensive than solid colors.  There are many companies that provide riding gear that offer good protection and high visibility for day time and night time travel.

              

 

When you are on the road:

Riding a motorcycle gets into one’s blood.  It is a ton of fun and that is why millions of motorcycles are on the roads across the country and across the globe.  There is a sense of freedom and oneness with other riders that no other sport or mode of transportation can compare to.  With that said there are things to keep in mind when on the road:

• Know your bike’s limits.  This is a key element.  Many riders are not aware of what their bike is capable of.  Practice panic stops, swerving, and U-turns.  Know as much as you can about your machine and how it handles.  This knowledge will come in handy in an emergency situation.  An emergency situation is not the time to learn your motorcycles unique handling characteristics.  Do your best to practice up front, so if and when, that time comes you need to act quickly, your muscle memory will remember what to do.  Again, scheduling a track day or riding training class will go a long way here.  For example, the State of Oregon has Team Oregon classes for beginners, intermediate and advanced riders.  Most states have something very similar.

• Use your signals – use also hand signals.  Other drivers seem to see hand signals better than the lighted turn signals.  Or better yet, use both hand and electronic signals will maximize visibility and the fact there is a human being on the motorcycle.

• Be respectful of other drivers.  Avoid other driver’s blinds spots.  Leave yourself a big bubble to travel in.  If a car sneaks up on you and you find yourself in their blind spot, move forward or behind the car to regain visibility.

• Stick to the speed limit.  Don’t tailgate other vehicles.

• Brake smart. Follow your training.  The front brake is the most powerful brake and does most of the stopping.  When used in conjunction with the rear brake both brakes are an excellent combination.  ABS braking systems are a great advance for motorcycle braking.

• Make sure other drivers can see you. Don’t ride in blind spots and always use your headlights.  Adding additional lighting is also helpful in being seen during the daytime.

• If you are riding in a group, be sure to have a rider’s meeting prior to the ride.  Select a ride leader.  Talk about safety, the riding formation, hand signals, where you are stopping for breaks, gas, lunch, etc.  Keep everyone informed and do not leave anyone behind.  Riding in a staggered formation with the lead rider occupying the left-front riding position is best.

• Did we mention to have a ton of fun!  That is what riding is all about.  Enjoy the ride!

 

REMEMBER WE RIDE FOR JESUS!!