Ride to stay alive

If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you know that the safety of the rider and any passengers lands firmly on the shoulders of the motorcycle rider. Safely maneuvering among cars, trucks, potholes and pedestrians requires skill, control and most importantly experience.

A rider and any passengers on the bike have the most to lose in a collision. Therefore, there is an increased need for safety and co-operation between two- and four-wheeled operators. Car drivers can do their part in ensuring the safety of the motorcyclist by remembering to check carefully when changing lanes and turning, especially turning left. The small visual profile of a motorcycle and rider is sometimes very difficult to see.

Tips for the Rider

1. Get yourself trained. Take a motorcycle training course.

2. Dress for comfort, but more importantly, crash protection. Protection includes a correct helmet, pants, gloves, eye cover, boots and jacket.

3. Ride with the correct attitude and take it easy.

4. Scan, access and anticipate tirelessly - never become complacent.

5. Don't forget that your image or silhouette is pretty small and may be overlooked. Make yourself visible with a brightly coloured jacket or vest.

6. Stick to the speed limit, safe riding is risky enough without increasing the odds.

7. Practice emergency braking. Anyone can accelerate quickly, but stopping quickly is the skill you need to concentrate on.

8. Check all your headlights in a pre-ride equipment inspection.

9. Always use your signals and consider hand signals as a supplementary step.

10. Concentrate. Your life depends on it.