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May is Motorcycle and Bicycle Awareness Month

May is Motorcycle & Bicycle Awareness Month

 

 

 Spring is here! It’s time to bring out the Bikes!  Motorcycles are getting a tune up and will soon be on a few of the Best motorcycle hill country rides in Texas. We sometimes get a little distracted by the sunshine and possibilities of what the summer will bring. We need to keep this in our mind as we are on the road. The MSF (motorcycle safety foundation) has some great tips for both Drivers and Riders while out on the roads.

 It’s important to remember that motorcyclists and bicyclists have the same privileges, rights, and responsibilities of those that drive on the same road. As individuals that do not ride, please be cautious by looking out for bikers. Here are a few pro tips for sharing the route:

 

5 Tips for Motorcyclists and Bicyclists

  1. Learn must-know universal hand signals. Learn to communicate correctly with other drivers.
  2. Never assume that a car sees you.
  3. Wear correct protective gear. An excellent place to start would always be to wear a helmet. Make sure that you are meeting the standards of the Department of Transportation in your state.
  4. Make sure your bike has proper reflectors. Reflectors can help when it’s dark and hard to see.
  5. Mind the laws. Adequate training and licenses are imperative before riding.  Also, remember to follow the regulations. You have the same responsibility as someone who drives a car such as using a turn signal and stopping at stop signs.

 

5 Tips for Motorcycle Riders

  1. Be Visible. Motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles, so wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet. Always have your headlight on, day and night, and avoid riding in blind spots of cars and trucks. If possible, flash your brake light when slowing down and before stopping.
  2. But Pretend You Are Invisible. If you assume others on the road can’t see you, and any car that can hit you will hit you, you will tend to ride in a hyper-aware mindset and learn to notice every detail in your surroundings. Take extra responsibility for your safety and ride defensively.
  3. Gear Up Every Ride. Wear proper riding gear from head to toe. Full-Face helmets provide the best protection, and jackets, pants, gloves, and boots that are made for riding will generally be made of abrasion-resistant material, include protective armor, and provide additional comfort. Removing gravel from your body HURTS.
  4. Use Good Street Strategies. Constantly search the road for changing conditions and use the Search-Evaluate-Execute strategy (SEE) to assess and respond to hazards before you have to react to an emergency.
  5. Before You Ride, Check Over Your Bike. Make a habit to doing a pre-ride check, which includes looking over your tires and wheels, checking fluids, cables, your bike’s chassis, lights and electronics, and the stands. Use the T-CLOCS inspection checklist to help you.

 

5 Tips For Drivers

  1. Take an Extra Moment To Look For Motorcycles. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots, so check – then check again – before changing lanes or making a turn.
  2. Predict A Motorcycle Is Closer Than It Looks. A motorcycle may look farther away than it is because of its small size, and it may be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When Checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it appears.
  3. Keep A Safe Distance. Motorcyclists often slow by rolling off the throttle or downshifting, thus not activating the brake light, so allow more following distance, about 3 to 4 seconds.
  4. Understand Lane Shifting. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.
  5. See the Person. When a motor cycle is in motion, See more than the motorcycle, see the person under the helmet, who could be your friend, neighbor, or relative.

 

5 Tips for Everyone on the Road

  1. Drive the speed limit.
  2. Always be aware of your surroundings. Never assume that another moving vehicle is going to make the right choice or that they are paying attention.
  3. No distractions. Turn off and put away all electronic devices.
  4. Don’t drink and drive.
  5. Share the road. The road is not meant for one type of vehicle.

 

We need to be aware of our surroundings out there

Remember, we are not alone on the roads. Above all else, continuously learn.  Utilize the month of May to bring awareness of motorcycle and bicycle awareness. Educate yourself on the laws and regulations in our county and always be looking out for workshops and classes to improve your skills on driving. It’s never too late to brush up on the basics. By going the extra mile, you might save a life!

 

Please Share the Road, and Everyone will arrive at their destination on time and safe.

 

Thank you for reading  & sharing our blog. My brother rides a motorcycle everyday. I ride a bicycle every week. Traffic has gotten crazy and people are just not paying attention to the road. A life can never be replaced. Your phone can wait. PLEASE pay attention. I love my family and my life. Keep all eyes on the road! Thank you !

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