Spring Safety 101

If you’re like me, living in the northeast, you’re champing at the bit to get out on that first forty-whatever degree day to ride, provided the roadways are free of patchy snow or ice.  Before you break your filly out of the stable, take a moment to pause and reflect on some of the details we tend to take for granted during the height of the riding season when our minds are sharper and our bodies are better accustomed to riding. 

Early spring riding presents unique challenges, but a little attention to safety and detail can shake the cobwebs out quickly and easily.

SAND AND ROAD DEBRIS.  Early in the season, sand and loose gravel dropped by plow trucks can easily accumulate in the middle and sides of roadways.  Larger patches of sand often get flung into corners, and they’re sometimes easy to miss until you’re right on top of them.  Train yourself to anticipate sand and gravel in unexpected places.  Use a great deal of caution when turning at intersections, as this is a place where a great deal of sand and gravel accumulates.  Last spring, I went through a patch of sand so large I thought I had taken a wrong turn through some kid's sandbox.  Don’t panic, don’t jam the brakes, and stay with the bike!

Back roads are frequently littered with sticks, small logs and brush in the early spring.  Alertness, riding at safe speeds and knowledge of countersteering techniques are good tools to keep handy!  The omnipresence of sand and road debris in the spring is also a good reason to keep your distance when riding in groups.

TIRES.  Cold weather can have a noticeable impact on tire pressures.   Be sure to check for proper pressure each day you ride.  The variance can be significant from one day to the next due to changing air temperatures.  A good, small and portable battery operated tire gauge can be had for about $10.

One thing we tend to forget when we first head out on a ride is that cold tires do not grip as well as warm tires.  Make sure you take a little extra time on cold days to let the friction from the road surface warm up your tires.  Leaning into the first corner of your ride on a cold day can quickly find you on your keester. 

VISIBILITY.  Remember, you as a motorcyclist are new to the landscape for the average driver who hasn’t seen the likes of your kind for several months now.  So, early in the season, car drivers aren’t exactly “trained” to be watching for motorcyclists.  Do YOUR part by anticipating the actions of others and riding at safe speeds in traffic.  That vehicle at the upcoming intersection – are they going to pull out in front of you???  Don’t look at the driver, watch their front wheel to see if you can see it begin to rotate.  If it’s does, be ready to take action.

A brightly colored fluorescent gear is a good way to maximize your visibility.  If you don't want to spend the big bucks re-equipping yourself, vests are available for a song and a dance.

A flashing brake light setup can enhance your visibility for vehicles behind you.  For a few days last summer, I traveled with a rider using one of these setups.  I must say it really does get the attention of people behind you.

Also, keep your distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you so that oncoming traffic can clearly see you from a distance, and they will likely be less inclined to make a turn across your lane.  Pretending YOU are invisible to others can be helpful practice for safe riding.

WARM AND DRY.  It’s easy to underestimate the impact of cold weather when riding.  You start out, it’s 45 to 50 degrees, maybe cooler, feels nice.  But now, you’re generating a 50 to 60 mph wind, and travel 30 miles away where the air temperature has dropped another 5 degrees.  Suddenly, you’re feeling like a member of the Shackleton Expedition!  Your best bet is to go with heated gear.  Jackets, vests, pants and gloves all are available and easily plug into a 12-volt connection from your bike.  If you don’t have electrics, then be sure to layer up your undergarments using lightweight, synthetic layers to keep you dry AND warm.  If you must use cotton, or cotton blend layers, try to keep synthetic layers closest to your skin for best moisture management.  It’s easy to shed and add layers as needed.  Also be sure to take in plenty of fluids.  A warm, comfortable rider is more relaxed and in better control of the bike than a cold rider.

Stay alert, sharp and focused and be in tune with your surroundings early in the season.  A little extra caution will repay with safer, more relaxed and enjoyable riding!

©2010, Jeff Trent, all rights reserved.