This is my first blog and it is about motorcycle safety.
I went on my first motorcycle ride when I was in 9th grade and was hooked. Throughout the years, I dated men who had bikes and was content to be a passenger; I never wanted my own bike. One friend did not ride enough and he got tired of my constant requests to go riding, so he bought me a bike for Christmas 2002. I enrolled in the State approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider course and received my motorcycle endorsement. One month later, I took the Harley Davidson Rider’s Edge New Rider course, three months later, I took the Skilled Rider course, and one year later, I took the Experienced Rider course. By July 2003 I had already logged in 10,000 on my bike.
Through the years, I have learned some basic safety tips:
Know your limits, know the limits of your motorcycle, and ride within these limits.
Common rookie mistakes are not looking far enough in front, not using proper braking technique, and not understanding how to counter steer.
It is a good idea for experienced riders to occasionally take a refresher course, as we all get accustomed to everyday riding, which includes basic straight-line riding, turning, shifting, and stopping. We do not practice critical lifesaving skills such as the quick stop or quick swerves to avoid obstacles, which are perishable skills that diminish without regular practice. Taking a refresher course every two to three years refreshes these reactions as well as reinforces our everyday riding techniques.
Anita
8 comments:
Anita -
I'm really glad you posted on this subject - motorcycles are something I've thought about. I think a lot of people do, but they only think about the "glamourous" aspects - the freedom, the wind blowing past you, the leathers... I think it's important to know about the skills and training needed to make it a safe success.
This is a great blog for anyone thinking about riding to read.
Kathy
Anita,
A great idea for a blog. Some excellent advice for those thinking of riding and some good points for those of us experienced to use as a refresher. Nice!
Greg
What a great subject and great way to open a dialogue for further discussion. I have had numerous "close calls" over the years and have always been thankful for rider education. Too bad we can't eduate the auto drivers to be more aware of motorcycles!
Motorcycle safety courses are just one part of being a competent rider. The natural ability of a rider is a big part of being a good rider. During my forty years of riding I have come to the conclusion there are 3 types of riders. First is the rider with natural ability, their first time riding the appear to ride as if they have been doing it for years. Second type, with practice and training they can become a competent rider. Third is the person that should not be on a motorcycle for any reason. They will never aquire the skills to be a safe and competent rider.
With proper training a rider can improve and become a competent rider. The natural skilled rider can improve with training to become a great rider. The person without any natural ability will never become competent and no amount of training will make them safe. It would be best for them to find another form of transportation.
Hi Anita,
I like your blog! My husband has a Harley and wants me to learn how to ride on my own. His real motivation it to get me to learn to ride his bike and then he can get a new one! I have been very reluctant. When I was a teen, I went to the funeral of a 19 yr. old friend who was killed on a motorcycle and have been afraid of them ever since. Your focus on safety and rider continuing education is refreshing. Maybe I'll think about it and check into some classes!
A great subject that isn't talked about enough!
Motorcycle safety requires a higher sense of awareness than a 4-wheel driver. I think of it as "Road Surfing" in the way a surfer judges the condition of the ocean and their confidence to navigate it based on real ability.
The same way a motorcyclist must judge the road based on their ability as well as the condition of their motorcycle.
I do a walk around of my motorcycle before I ride and check for any condition that could jeopardize my safety.
I don't ride until I'm satisfied that everything possible is working correctly.
So, knowing yourself and your motorcycle as well, should give you years of fun and a minimum of danger providing you keep in mind that awareness is the key to riding as mentioned above.
Know what's happening around you 360 degrees all the time-
Ride Forever, Work Whenever!
Pat
anita,
i am so glad you shared this information on your blog. a very good friend of ours owns a
harley. he loves to go out on his bike, especially when he is in a bad mood. he says it
helps him relax and to take his mind off of things... i will share your blog with him...
thank you for posting your helpful blog...
Now that we are on the topic of motorcycle safety, I would like to share a sad story with all of you. About four years ago a good friend of ours lost his brother to a motorcycle accident a week before Christmas. His brother was in his early 20's. He was a cautious driver, but it was not enough. I am not saying that being cautious is not needed, it most certainly is. I just want bikers out there to know that they need to practice extreme caution. Enjoy your bike with precaution of other drivers and never ride when you are under the influence. Thank you for sharing Anita...
:O) Maggie
Anita,
Nice blog. I have never been on a motorcycle and have no desire to ride, but motorcycle safety is a very important issue. At my university we lose an average of one student each semester to a motorcycle accident. Being in Daytona Beach the home of Biketoberfest and Bike Week do not help. A good majority of those deaths occur due to someone not on a bike causing the accident!!!
Plus, in Florida, depending on your type of insurance, you can ride without a helmet!!!! I personally think if you have a basic understanding of physics, you would always wear a helmet and other types of protective clothing.
Anthony
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