5 tips for safe riding
After a longer than expected winter, the warmer weather has arrived and it’s time to bring out your motorcycle or 3-wheeler! Before you head out for a ride thought, here are a few things worth checking out:
- The condition of your motorcycle. Make sure your motorcycle is ready for the upcoming bike season , both from a mechanical point of view as well as “legally” (insurance, registration, etc.).
- The degree of protection offered by your motorcycle helmet . Motorcycle Helmets will eventually need to be replaced (in other words, they don’t last forever) . Carefully inspect your motorcycle helmet, and replace it if it’s visibly damaged (for example, cracked) or is more than 5 years old.
A scratched visor is especially hazardous, and even more so at night. Replace it when damaged. You can also replace the pads inside your motorcycle helmet when they become flattened over time (leading to a poorly adjusted fit).
- Your attire . Your clothing and equipment may differ depending on the weather and where you’ll be riding. Remember that temperatures changes can be very severe at the beginning of the season. Consider bringing along an “emergency” raincoat - it can’t hurt.
Not only does motorcycle clothing protect you from the elements, but it’s the only thing that protects you in the event of a fall or an accident. Never underestimate its importance!
- The extent to which others can see you. This is obviously critical at all times, but never more so than at the start of the motorcycle season. After having lived through months of darkness and snow, drivers on our roads and highways have usually forgotten to check for motorcycles! Dress in bright colours and make sure all of your lights are clean and working as they should.
- The need to take it easy at first. Early in the season, our roads are still covered with a certain amount of salt and surfaces are often damaged and less than ideal. Be doubly careful during your first bike rides... not only to refamiliarize yourself with your motorcycle’s controls and reactions, but also because of the poor condition of our roads and highways.
Would you like to further enhance your motorcycle driving skills? Some Tecnic schools now offer advanced motorcycle driving lessons for persons who already have a motorcycle license.
