Ride to stay alive on your motorcycle

With the first taste of nice weather, we all see and hear the motorcycles back on the roadways.

The safety of motorcycle riders and passengers falls firmly on the shoulders of the motorcycle rider. But Caledon OPP reports we all can ensure the safety of motorcyclists 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.

Police have some tips for the motorcycle rider. • Get yourself trained. Take a motorcycle training course. • Dress for comfort, but more importantly, crash protection. Protection includes a correct helmet, pants, gloves, eye cover, boots and jacket. • Scan, access and anticipate tirelessly. Never become complacent during your ride. • Don't forget that your image or silhouette is pretty small and may be overlooked. Make yourself visible with brightly coloured jacket or vest. • Obey the speed limit; safe riding is risky enough without increasing the odds. • Practice emergency braking. Anyone can accelerate quickly, but stopping quickly is the skill you need to perfect. • Check all your headlights in a pre-ride equipment inspection. • Always use your signals and consider hand signals as a supplementary step. • Concentrate. Ride with the correct attitude and take it easy. Your life depends upon it.

Take a moment to share these tips with any motorcycle riders that you may know or clip them out and post on your work place bulletin board.