TT#3--Thirteen Things about Motorcycle Safety We ride a motorcycle, and we enjoy the sport. I’ve written about it before. Just like any other sport, preparation and training are key to success. Though I am the rider, not the driver, I have learned that many accidents are caused when four-wheeled vehicles do not see the bike. Yes, accidents are also caused by bikers who are reckless, unskilled, and perhaps filled with alcohol. They are foolish. Safety is our first concern. Here’s what we do to be safe. Motorcycle Safety Foundation course. Tom took that when he bought the first bike. It is a one-weekend course taught in every state, and he says it is excellent. Not only did it teach him maneuvering skills and increase his confidence, he said it also made him a better 4-wheel driver because he is more aware of other motorists. Only about 10% of those involved in accidents have taken a safety course. Loud mufflers. I know, some are too loud, but the fact is, bikers use their sound as an awareness tool to ensure that others know they are on the road. Mufflers really are a safety feature. Leather jackets. Again, not to be cool; well, that, too; but leather jackets are protective. In the unlikely event of an accident, even laying down the bike at zero speed, the leather protects against scrapes and burns. Also, leather is warm. Let’s say the air temp is 60 and the motorcycle speed is 60; I think that equates to a wind chill of about 32. Yes sir, the leather feels good. Chaps and gloves. Ditto #3. DOT approved helmets. Our state and our good sense require it. I would love the wind blowing through my hair, but it won’t happen. Group riding. We like to ride in groups of three or four bikes (all drivers of which are equally committed to safety). We contend that other motorists can see the group better---and its fun. Riding in lanes. You may have seen groups of riders in what appears to be formation---a biker riding the middle line, the next one in the middle, and the next one on the outside line, each staggered behind the other. Yes, it looks good, but that’s not the reason for it. The first reason is that in formation, the bikes take the whole lane; other motorists are not likely to get confused and try to illegally pass. Another reason is that it gives the riders in the group a little extra room. If the biker on the center line slows or stops unexpectedly, the one in the middle behind him has more room to compensate. Good practice. No alcohol. Period. Controlled speed. We don’t ride the bike to get somewhere; we ride it for enjoyment. We are most comfortable at 55 or 60. I don’t do 80! Retroreflective clothing. At night, we wear a retroreflective vest. If I am riding passenger, I wear the vest; if Tom is alone he wears it. The important thing is that other motorists see us. Plan. We always discuss our destination, route, and first pit stop in advance with other riders in the group. The lead bike has responsibility for the group. He uses the rear mirror to watch what goes on in the group and hand signals to identify road hazards. Passenger behavior. It is important for the passenger to be sensitive to the driver. Sudden shifts in weight can cause problems. Also, I always wait until Tom signals that he is prepared for me to get on or off. Avoid riding in bad weather. It is not fun or safe. On one ride, we had a perfectly lovely lunch outside in Aspen CO; 30 minutes later the snow forced us to find an alternate route. Not fun. If you are a careful biker, you know all this. If you are not a biker, perhaps this list will help you to understand bikers and to give them a little room and respect on the road. So the next time you see a group of bikers, smile, raise your hand in greeting, and think of your Thursday Thirteen friend.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants