Many Maritime motorcycle riders are getting “itchy feet” to hit the road!
However, spring conditions are late arriving and Steve Kee of the Insurance Bureau of Canada says bikers need to be patient and play it safe.
“You may not be able to stop the way you would on an absolutely dry road. Then, there are also potholes after a bad winter. You have to watch what you’re riding on.”
Kee, who owns and regularly drives a Harley, says when you do eventually venture out on your bike, the usual safety tips apply including wearing the proper helmet and reflective protective clothing, maybe take a safety refresher course beforehand and keep your eyes on the road ahead.
IBC’s Top 10 tips for a safe motorcycle ride are:
- Drive what you can control. Often, people buy motorcycles that are too powerful for them to handle. Ask your dealer if you can test drive the bike before you buy it.
- Take a safety course. Be aware of your limits on a motorcycle. What would happen if you had to quickly avoid an incident?
- Ride according to weather and road conditions. Check the forecast and keep your eyes on the road ahead.
- Wear a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet. Choose the helmet best suited for how you ride, and replace your helmet every five years.
- Wear clothing that will protect you in a fall. Heavy denim or leather jackets and pants aren’t just stylish; they help prevent nasty cuts and burns if you fall.
- Stay focused on the road. The cold reality is that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a collision than people in a car, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- Always be seen. Assume car drivers can’t see you, so leave them plenty of room. Also, wear clothing or reflective materials that allow you to be seen.
- Ride in the proper position in the lane. Know where you should be positioned in the lane and never drive along the middle of the lane where there is oil build up from cars.
- Practise riding with others. When riding as a group form a staggered pattern and establish hand signals that all of the riders understand.
- Stop frequently. Being rested will help you focus on the roads.
“Stay alert to all potential dangers,” adds Kee. “Riding a motorcycle requires skill, control and a different level of focus than driving a car. Just remember that car drivers may not see you.”
