With over 3.8 million registered for street use in the U.S., motorcycles are probably the most dangerous transport you can choose. Because of their vulnerability, whether you’re on one or near one, motorcycles require extra caution and special consideration.

Bikes are less stable, provide less protection to the rider and are less visible to other drivers. Bikers must ride with headlights and TAILLIGHTS ON at all times.

The most serious crashes involve cars turning left at intersections when the motorcycle is going straight. Misjudging the bike’s speed and distance, drivers either turn directly into its path or, while looking at other cars, miss its presence. Dangerous conditions to bikers are potholes, gravel, wet pavement and railway tracks. Bikers may need to change lanes quickly to avoid loose gravel and debris. When approaching a railroad crossing they may slow down and approach the tracks at a right angle. On bridges with metal grates, they may move to the center of the lane and compensate for the uneven surface.

Bikers have the right to full use of the lane, which they may share two-abreast with another motorcycle. A car may not pass a motorcycle in the same lane or share a lane with one. When passing a motorcycle, be aware that the draft of your car can affect its stability, especially on wet or icy roads.

1. Always wear a regulation HELMET.
2. Drive with HEADLIGHTS on at all times.
3. Drive with an INCREASED SPACE cushion between other vehicles.
4. BRAKE and downshift before reaching a hazard or stop.
5. SLOW DOWN to a safe speed upon entering curves.
6. Avoid ABRUPT CHANGES in lane and direction.

TAKE A SAFETY

7. Use feet and body to MAINTAIN BALANCE when riding over rough surfaces or turning sharply.
8. Cross RAILROAD TRACKS at a 90-degree angle.
9. REMAIN ALERT to other traffic, its speed and proximity.
10. BE CAUTIOUS in cold and early rain road conditions.
11. At night, USE HIGH BEAMS but be careful not to override head lights. Wear retro-reflective clothing and other reflective gear.
12. Always UNDERESTIMATE YOUR VISIBILITY to other vehicles.

- ED COURSE

http://www.msf-usa.org

REPLACE YOUR HELMET AFTER AN IMPACT OR DROPPING IT.

Proper clothing prevents discomfort and protects against injury. Leather clothing offers better weather and road protection. It protects against hypothermia from wind chill, which can reduce concentration and slow your reflexes. Boots should cover ankles, and have heavy soles & reinforced toes. LEATHER GLOVES prevent hands from getting sore or cold, and can improve your grip. Gloves should fit snugly but not too tightly. Seamless palms help prevent blisters and gauntlets keep cold air from going up your sleeves.

WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET.

ITS PROTECTIVE QUALITIES SURVIVE ONLY ONE IMPACT.

Your helmet is your most important piece of equipment. Helmets are 29% effective in preventing fatal injuries. Worn properly, they don’t hamper vision or hearing. Your helmet should fit snugly but not too tightly. Its face shield should afford good eye protection. Fasten the chin strap securely – a loose helmet will come off in a crash. All helmets sold in the U.S. must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218, the minimum protection performance standard. Make sure your helmet meets the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation, The British Standards Institute or the Canadian Standards Association.

WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR A HELMET. WEAR

http://www.smf.org

HOW TO CRASH

1. Cyclist enters roadway mid-block, without looking or stopping.
Car is surprised – has no time to react or stop.

2. Cyclist rides the wrong way, facing traffic. Cars expect cyclists to ride on the right.

3. Cyclist suddenly swerves to the left, colliding with a car.

4. Car overtakes cyclist and fails to react. This happens more at night, on dark or in rural roads, as a result of driver inattention, impairment or fatigue.

5. Cyclist rides out into an intersection, disregarding traffic signals.
BAM!

and NOT

Look left-right-left before entering a roadway.

Always ride on the right side of the road, with the traffic.
It’s the law.

Ride in a straight line. When preparing to turn or change your lane position, look behind, signal and yield to overtaking traffic.

Avoid dark and narrow roads and roads over 35 mph. Use reflectors and light, retro-reflective clothing at night. Stay as far to the right as possible and be alert for approaching traffic.

Obey traffic signals. Stop and signal before entering an intersection, or walk your bike across.

http://www.bicyclesafety.com

1. Obey the same rules as traffic; all regulations, signs, signals and markings.

2. Know and abide by registration, licensing, inspections and riding ordinances.

3. Ride single-file, on the right, with traffic (not against it), and as close to the curb as possible.

4. Watch out for drain grates, soft shoulders, potholes, sand or loose gravel and other road surface hazards, such as metal bridge surfaces.

5. Watch for cars pulling into traffic, or opening doors.

6. Ride one person per bike: and don’t carry passengers or packages that obstruct control or vision. Use baskets, saddle packs or backpacks.

7. Always wear a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) approved helmet or a Snell Certified helmet.

8. Use care at intersections, especially when turning left. Many accidents happen at intersections. In heavy traffic, get off and walk your bike across with pedestrians.

9. Don’t wipe out in wet weather.

10. Use hand signals for turning left, right or stopping to let motorists know your plans.

12. Ride a safe bike: make sure it fits you. You should be able to stand flatfooted over your frame without touching the crossbar. Sitting on the saddle with your heels on the pedals, your leg should extend fully and straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke.

13. Have your bike inspected to insure good mechanical condition. Regularly check brakes, pedals, lights, reflectors, gears, sounding devices, tires, spokes, saddle, handlebars and nuts and bolts.

14. Leave yourself room for defensive action. Observe cars ahead. Always look behind before making any turn. Unless you make direct eye contact, assume that drivers fail to see you.