Cycle Safety: How to Keep Yourself Safe While Riding Your Motorcycle
Motorcycling riding is a thrilling experience with some excellent freedom. Motorcyclists over the world can tell you how great it feels to ride across some breathtaking landscapes with nothing but you and your bike. There are no obstructions to block your view of the world, and the only thing you can hear is the hum of your engine.
Unfortunately, you’re also prone to accidents when on a motorcycle since you’re smaller, you have no outward protection like a car and those injuries and accidents have a high chance of leading into life-long scars. You need safety equipment, knowledge and experience to stay safe on the road. Here are some tips to help you avoid those accidents and prepare yourself for a journey on the road.
Safety Inspection Before Riding
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has developed an acronym for this: T-CLOCS. Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis and Stands. It’s a safety inspection that every rider should carry out before even switching on the engine of their motorcycle. You might want to have a flyer or sticker on your bike that reminds you of this before you set off on the road. It’s absolutely critical that you check these things so that you can protect yourself from possible bike failures that might spiral out of control into accidents.
Slow Down
It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of riding a motorcycle at breakneck speeds down an empty road, but keep in mind that cars can appear from almost any turn or driveway and you’ll need to have incredible reactions to even see them coming. Don’t play with your life and slow down. Yes, it’s understandable you want to feel the thrill of riding a bike but don’t do it at the risk of injuring yourself. Stay slow, slow down for traffic and don’t try to speed past lights, and if you really need to get a speed fix, then join a racing club to satisfy your urges on a course with no cars.
Wear the Correct Gear
Protective gear and accessories are crucial for riding a bike. There’s a reason why everyone that rides a bike wears a full set of gear before even getting onto their motorcycle. Helmets are essential and it’s foolish to not wear one. The protective gear around you will save your life if you’re even in an accident. If you need a bit more information on what kind of gear to buy, check out www.bikersbasics.com.
Keep a Clear Mind
Your best defence against accidents is a clear mind. This means no drinking, no muddled thoughts, and only ride while you’re fully awake. Whether it’s an oncoming truck, noticing a tire puncture or just keeping clear vision, you have to be fully aware of your surroundings when riding a motorcycle because it’s far more demanding than driving most cars. With a car, you have some room for error due to the car’s frame itself protecting you. However, when it comes to a motorcycle, your only protection will be your wits.
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