SAFETY TIPS OF THE MONTH

“EARLY SPRING RIDING”

Hello fellow BK Chapter VI members. It seems we have been blessed with a mild winter and an early spring. March is starting off on a good note with warm riding weather. With that said, there are a few things that you may wish to consider before you head on out on your iron horse. For starters check the bike. Make sure to perform the routine checks on the bike such as proper tire pressure, brake lights, headlight as well as running lights. Also, check that all fluids are topped off and visually inspect cables.

Secondly, check over your riding gear. Make sure that your helmet still fits and is in good condition. Check leather gear such as your jacket, gloves, chaps and boots. Finally check your rain gear.

Now with that behind you, the fun time begins which is the riding. As you head on out for a ride, keep in mind that although there has not been much snow on the ground this winter, there is salt and dirt around those bends so be careful. Remember that drivers out there are not expecting us out so early in the year so ride carefully.

Finally, if you plan on having a passenger on the bike you should consider a brief discussion on passenger rules. Make sure they are familiar with the bike. Remind them to keep their feet on the pegs/floorboards and away from the pipes. Also, remind them to hold onto your waist or the seat strap for some bikes and handles on others. When riding around turns they should place their helmet on your shoulder in which you are turning so that the bike rides smoothly through the turn and avoid bumping helmets during quick stops.

So get out there and enjoy the early riding season we have been given. Stay safe in your travels and I hope to see everyone soon.

Sincerely

Blue Knight Chapter VI Safety Officer

MORE SAFETY TIPS………….

Hand Signaling and Riding Formation:

MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) link to “Group riding quick tips”. You may want to print out the group riding quick tips and share them with friends for a safe and fun ride. Many groups may have there own signals. Therefore, when heading out with other groups, hand signals should be discussed prior to the ride so that everyone is on the same page. MSF has a good baseline for all to use. The following MSF main website at www.msf-usa.org has more informative riding tips. At the top of the page, go to library/safety tips.

Following Distance:

MSF states that a safe following distance helps ensure that you will not rear-end another vehicle that stops suddenly and will not hit a road hazard (potholes or debris) that you may not see until after the car in front of you passes over it. Following distance must account for three components of stopping distance: First, Perception Distance - how soon you are able to notice a hazard in your path. Secondly, Reaction Distance - how quickly you can decide to take evasive action and third, Braking Distance - how skillfully you apply the brakes. The MSF recommends a minimum of TWO seconds following distance in most riding conditions.  Some traffic safety organizations are recommending three seconds or more because vehicle operators tend to be more distracted these days with cell phones and text messaging. The distance you choose must balance the need for adequate spacing so you can react to a hazardous condition and the need to protect your space. Keep escape routes in mind and cover the brakes in heavy traffic.

From personal riding experience, if you cannot see them, they cannot see you. Stay out of drivers blind spots so they can see you. When riding behind or to the side of vehicles, try to make sure you can see the driver either in their rearview mirror or side-view mirrors. This will help them to see you. This is also helpful to riding groups along with the use of the two second rule. If your buddy can see you in his mirror, he knows where you are so he can react when and if needed.

Have a safe riding season and Ride with Pride

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