News Taffy

Motorcycle safety is sometimes overlooked so I’d like to remind those who ride of a few safety tips as the weather becomes more pleasant and people ride more. Motorcycles and all terrain vehicles are inherently dangerous so please treat them with the respect they deserve and don’t expect other drivers to see you first. Parents, you need to be aware of these tips as well if you allow your child to ride any type of motorbike.

It may not be the law if you are over 21, but wear a helmet. Your head may be hard but it’s no match for the concrete when you’re thrown off going even 40 mph around town. Riders and operators under 21 must wear a helmet and everyone must wear some type of protective eyewear.

Wear gloves; they may save your hands if you take a spill because you’re instinctively going to put your hands out first when you go over the handle bars.

Wear boots, not sandals or flip flops. Even tennis shoes won’t give you enough support if your bike starts to tip and you’ve suddenly got to keep 300 to 800 pounds upright.

You’ll be wise if you wear riding leathers to protect your precious skin in the event of a wreck. Just think how much skin you’re going to lose when you go skidding across the pavement at 50 mph. Road rash isn’t a good enough description.

Watch out for motorists. Don’t rely on the old “Look twice, save a life.” motto to keep you safe. People are more distracted than ever these days, talking, texting, eating or even dozing behind the wheel. Plus motorcyclists are often hard to spot even in the best conditions. Please don’t weave in and out of traffic or try to pass cars on either side of the lane. I had one idiot pass me as I was slowing to stop at a stop sign and make a right turn in front of me. It would have been so easy for me to have plowed right over him had I not been paying attention. Motorcyclists enjoy the freedom that comes with being out in the elements but remember, there is nothing to protect you in a collision with a car.

Before you take off on a bike for the first time, make sure you understand how to operate it correctly and get plenty of practice riding in safe areas before heading into heavy traffic. A motorcycle will handle differently in wet conditions, sand and gravel so watch out and try to avoid unsafe road conditions.

If you are a passenger, keep in mind that your actions can contribute greatly to the overall ride and your own safety. Wear the same safety gear as the rider for the same reasons. Don’t get on until the rider is ready and once on, sit still as your movements can cause the rider to lose his or her balance, tipping the bike. Always lean with the bike and look over the rider’s inside shoulder in a curve.

When it comes to safe motorbike riding remember Dr. Seuss’s saying, “It’s fun to have fun, but you have to know how.”