Motorbike safety

Prepare yourself
Bikers are advised to ride safely, protect themselves and consider other road users. Remember, riding a motorbike is more physically demanding than driving a car and involves a high level of concentration. For this reason it is even more important to ensure you are fit and healthy, do not feel tired and have not been drinking any alcohol.

It is essential to ensure the correct clothing is worn when riding as, unlike driving a car, there is nothing else to protect you from injury in the event of an accident. A helmet is the best defence against head injury and is also a legal requirement. It is recommended that the following are worn at all times when biking:

• A helmet
• A long sleeved shirt or jacket, which fits closely around the wrists.
• Long pants to provide protection from the hottest parts of the bike
• Full fingered gloves to protect against abrasion and help maintain control of the motor bike
• A visor or goggles to ensure good visibility is maintained and to protect the eyes from dust, wind and debris
• Robust footwear for maximum grip, preferably covering the ankles, with no laces as these can be dangerous if they become tangled in the pedals.
  

Prepare your bike
Stability is the main difference between a car and a bike (only two wheels). The bike needs to be in top operating condition to ensure safety. Before setting off it's essential to check the following:

• Oil and fluids - Check brake, coolant and clutch fluid levels and of course petrol. Also check the hoses, lines and reservoirs for leaks.
• Controls - Check all levers, control cables and hoses to make sure they are in good working order and will not interfere when riding the bike. In addition, make sure that your throttle moves freely.
• Lights and electrics - Make sure the battery terminals are clean, electrolyte fluid is sufficient and the battery is properly secured. Check that all the lights work properly and that there are no cracks in them. Check the routing of wires and beware of frayed or cracked wires.
• Chassis - Check condition of the frame, forks and shocks. Check the chain or belt for tension, lubrication and wear. Ensure all the fasteners, bolts and cotter pins are in place and not broken, loose or missing.
• Tyres - Check for proper inflation as under inflation will wear the sides of the tyres, whereas over inflation will wear the middle of the tyres. Also check that there are no foreign bodies embedded in the tread. Remember a flat tyre is a major problem on a bike as there is no spare.

If you believe that something is not operating properly, don't ride the bike.

Don't overload
You are advised to check your owners' manual to find out the bike's carrying capacity and do not exceed this. Distribute the weight of the load evenly - the bulk of the weight should be positioned low and as close to the centre of the motor bike as possible. Ensure that attached loads are securely fastened and not moving freely. It is crucial that the load does not interfere with your control of the bike.

Safe riding tips

Here are a few tips worth remembering:

1. Be careful on bends and don't overtake if you can't see the road ahead
2. Learn how to handle the power of the motor bike
3. Learn to brake properly without going over the handlebars, as a motorbike's stopping power is nearly all in the front wheel. Equally don't use the back brakes alone as this can cause the bike to skid.
4. Wear protective clothing (above)
5. Ensure the bike is safe to ride (above)
6. Don't do anything outside your own capabilities or take unnecessary risks
7. Don't succumb to peer pressure when riding in groups
8. Don't ride if you feel tired or unwell

Carrying passengers

Unless you are a very experienced biker you are advised against carrying passengers.

If you do carry a passenger, check that the bike has a suitable seat with footpegs. Refer back to the manual to check you don't exceed the maximum weight capacity of the bike. Finally, make sure the suspension is adjusted for the extra weight.

If you ride as a passenger on a motorbike remember the following:

1. Wear appropriate clothing
2. Keep feet on the footpegs
3. Try to sit as still as possible
4. Always lean with the angle of the motor cycle
5. If you are nervous about riding, it's probably better not to!

Link

Teach your Teen to drive : Part 1

BECOME THE COPILOT AND STAY COOL!
BEGIN WITH THE RIGHT FRAME OF MIND

GET A VIEW FROM THE COPILOT’S SEAT
The curb isn’t quite as close as it seems, however, if you are generally the driver, it may look as though your teen driver is going to run into it.

Drive in the passengers’ seat prior to experiencing it with your new driver for the first time. This way, you will have a better feel for what the road looks like from the passengers’ point of view, and you will have one less surprise when your teen takes the wheel.

Example: It can be difficult to tell from the passenger seat if the vehicle is centered in its lane if you normally see the road from the driver’s seat.

Take note: The road looks very different from the passenger side.

PLAY THE ROLE AS THE “NEW DRIVER”
You act as the “new driver” with the experienced driver giving you instructions. You may find being told what to do, for e.g. “turn left”, “stop there”, can be awkward and annoying! This exercise will help you understand how the new driver may feel and what they hear once your practice sessions with them begin.

STAY ALERT
It’s vital for you to stay alert.
Take note: the minute you may start to relax may be the minute your teenager requires your help. Be comfortable, but be alert.

REMEMBER WHAT YOUR GOAL IS
It is important that you acknowledge that only so much can be taught about driving in a limited time-span. However, practicing with your teen can pay off in the years to come and you can help them make decisions and judgments rather than rely on trial – and sometimes error.

FIRST PRACTICE SESSIONS
Attempt to practice as often as possible. Start off with sessions of 15-20 minutes then increase the practice periods to lasting approximately an hour. Practice during daylight hours and then at night and during poor weather conditions as well. Take advantage of the opportunity to practice every time you get into the vehicle with your new driver. Take a break when you or your teen become tired or frustrated. Driving will not improve under tense conditions.

START IN A PARKING LOT
Empty parking lots are a great environment for you to see whether your teen can drive in a straight line forward and backward, start up and drive a short distance, and stop the vehicle smoothly.
Test your teens' ability to turn the wheel and accelerate. Decide on a point in the parking lot to turn right. Make sure they turn without cutting the corner or first drifting to the left . Make a left turn the same way, then try making a right or left turn after coming to a complete stop.