Full Coverage doesn’t mean Fully Protected

Spring has sprung 

Spring is finally here and motorcycles will soon be riding the streets again, so it’s important to consider safety both for the biker & other drivers on the road.

    

           Because motorcycles are small, they can be hard to spot, and may appear further away, so always watch for them, especially at an intersection when preparing to pull out.  

     Since motorcycles can slow by downshifting or easing off the gas, their brake light may not illuminate in advance of a stop.  Allow additional following distance and expect the biker to slow down or turn at intersections without the brake lighting.  

     Many motorcycle turn signals don’t automatically turn off after a turn and some riders may forget to manually turn them off.  

     Bikers may shift position to avoid road hazards that you may not notice (a small amount of gravel can be dangerous for a motorcycle, but not noticed by cars). 

          Please understand the bikers are not being reckless ~ they just want to share the road and be safe.

         Before riding the motorcycle, take a few minutes to check the bike & make sure it’s safe. 

•       Check the tires for cuts, wear or foreign objects and tire pressure.
•       Check the cables, controls, lights & horn. 
•       Check the fluids - oil, fuel, battery & coolant if your bike has it.
•       Check the chain to be sure it’s in good condition & tension.
•       Finally, check the brakes.

Pennsylvania repealed the helmet law in 2003, however, wearing a helmet is a good idea and still required for operators under 21 years of age or licensed less than 2 years.

Eye protection, approved by the Dept. of Motor Vehicles, is required for both operators & passengers.  Make sure your eye protection is clean and unscratched. Scratches or cracks can create glare and impair your vision.

Bikers need to exercise extra caution when riding – as previously mentioned, they are smaller & harder to see than automobiles. 

Riders must constantly search for hazards (keep your eyes moving – don’t focus on one object) and be prepared to take evasive action. 

Keep headlights on (even during the day), use signals and try to remember to turn them off once the turn is complete), wear bright clothing and use your horn. 

Make sure your bike is positioned where it can be seen – try to avoid blind spots or being hidden by a big truck. 

Watch your speed and allow appropriate distance between you and other vehicles.  Be careful when passing – don’t’ try to overtake another vehicle when approaching an intersection, as you may not be seen.

Intersections can be especially dangerous. Always check for traffic coming from the side and from behind.  A car turning right may pass up the one turning left to avoid a delay and not see you! 

Always turn your head to check when changing lanes – your bike has blind spot too!

Dusk is particularly dangerous since drivers eyes are adjusting to the light change.  Avoid riding at dusk if possible.

And check the weather too - sudden rain can cause oil on the pavement can be dangerous.

Be Safe & Enjoy the ride!