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Local expert offers tips for safe motorcycle riding

May 26, 2023   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

There have been several motorcycle accident fatalities already this year in Ontario.

Two people died on May 11 on Tottenham Road when they collided with a pickup truck.

Now that the warmer weather is here, more motorcycles will be on the road, and motorists are encouraged to always keep an eye out for two-wheeled vehicles as they as smaller and often hard to spot on the road.

People have a tendency to look for other automobiles on the road but often neglect to watch for motorcycles. This can result in a dangerous situation.

Motorcycle expert from Beeton, Alan Masters, offers riders tips on keeping safe on the road.

Alan is a lifelong rider, former racer, motorcycle instructor, examiner, and host of the TV show “The Ultimate Two Wheel Classics.”

First of all, if you are a new rider or haven’t ridden for some time, Alan suggests you take Rider Training at a well-recognized and improved school.

During the spring, roads may still be loaded with winter salt, sand, and other debris. Be careful when accelerating out of corners and at intersections.

When riding on rural roads, slow down in the corners. Vehicles tend to throw sand and stones back onto the road surface all year long. Never go into a corner faster than you are prepared to take it comfortably and safely.

When it comes to emergency stopping, keep in mind your front brake is your main stopping brake. Even with applying both brakes together, you normally stop with a 70 per cent front and 30 per cent rear bias.

When on the highway, don’t allow yourself to be boxed in by vehicles. Always find the open spaces, move up ahead, or drop back from traffic. If you can’t do either, move to the inside ‘driving’ lane and take up as much space as possible using the left wheel track – always leave yourself an ‘out.’

When cruising, keep in the left third of the lane. This gives you good heads-up visibility. Let traffic know where you are by moving into their line of sight. Never ride in a car’s blind spot.

In city driving, ride as though every car at an intersection or in a driveway or laneway will pull out in front of you.

Cars turning left in front of you is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents.

Keep your eyes on the road ahead of you, and always look way ahead at all times.

When it comes to riding protection, always wear the right equipment. Don’t buy gear for looks only.

Wear proper riding boots with good ankle protection, wear pants, jackets, and gloves designed to protect you in the event of an accidental fall.

Most importantly, a good helmet is designed for optimum protection.

Following these tips will provide you with a better and safer riding season.

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