Global Premises

What a great summer it has been. We went on an amazing mountain bike ride through the Sequoias. It was an glorious trip, but started with the dragging drive. My gear was packed with my bike ready the night before. I left work early Thursday and started the drive alone. I was on a race against time as I was supposed to meet my buddies at the top of the mountain road, marked by a picnic table, at 8pm. I knew my window of opportunity was about thirty mins. After that time, they were to expect that I got held up and would try again at the same spot at 10am the next day. The only logical outcome of there is that I would be taking a long nap in my car alone that night if I didnt make it in time

Turns out I made it through traffic and up the hill in time to unhook my bike, crack open a beer and bike ride up and down a couple of little hills before dark and before my buddies would arrive. The air was crisp and I was excited to be away from the city. My Santa Cruz Heckler was in tip top shape and ready to tear up some rails and free riding, fresh out of the shop. The crew arrived to pick me up and show me where our spot was.

Our bike ride started early and we were ready with big packs stuffed with plenty of food and water. The first crank up the big hill was ridiculously long. The crew cranked slowly up for about 2hrs. Making it to the summit was spectacular. We took a break and sipped some water from our stainless steel water bottles.

The rest of the day was spent busting tricks, hitting logs and enticing each other to go big. We half a few good breaks in between stopping to eat lunch and have a smoke at the three sisters, what an amazing spot. The dirt was just right. Not too dry as to cause any dust and not too wet that our wheels would get stuck. It was nice to see just a bit of snow left on the ground in certain spots.

This article will discuss the characteristics of motorcycles in everyday traffic situations. Automobile drivers, also known as Cagers, need to be aware that a motorcyclist will often slow down their motorcycle by downshifting or by simply rolling off the throttle. What this means is that the brake light is not activated. Given this knowledge, we advise that motorists allow more following distance to give motorcyclists and yourself more room to maneuver. Common sense also dictates that you predict a motorcyclist may slow down at intersections without visual warning.

Motorcyclists use both their turn signals and hand motions to announce a lane change or turn. Some motorcyclist forgets to cancel their turn signals. Although newer models have built in self-canceling turn signals, some beginners and experts may still forget to cancel their signal. So, make sure a motorcycle’s signal is valid.

A motorcyclist will often adjust their position within their lane. This is mainly for better visibility, to avoid debris, and to minimize affects of weather and other vehicles. This behavior should not be interpreted as reckless driving. If anything, it will help you, the Cager, be aware of the motorcyclist.

Since a motorcycle is obviously smaller in size than an automobile, although the rider may be quite large, please be aware that because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to moving faster than it actually is. Also because of this small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, always predict that a motorcycle is closer than it looks. A car pulling left in front of an oncoming motorcyclist causes the number one motorcycle and automobile accident. Please do not do this; it tends to ruin everyone’s day.

A motorcycle’s stopping distance is almost the same as for a car, but road conditions and rider skill level may affect stopping distance. As always, allow for more following distance when behind a motorcycle.

When a motorcyclist is carrying a passenger, this will complicate all of the motorcyclists riding responsibilities. Stopping distance, motorcycle handling, maneuverability and balance are all affected by the passenger. When you see two on a motorcycle, give the motorcyclist plenty of room.

Keeping a safe following distance when following motorcyclists cannot be stressed enough. From the motorcyclist ability to slow with using the brake, to having a passenger, to having smaller mirrors making it harder to judge the distance of the car following them. We strongly recommend keeping a three or four second following distance and space cushion when following a motorcyclist.

As the weather turns warmer, start to look for motorcyclists, especially when checking traffic at intersections. There are a lot more trucks and cars than motorcycles on the highways. Many motorcyclists do not recognize a motorcycle. They often choose to ignore it. Whether unintentionally or through stupidity because the Cager is busy applying their makeup or talking on their cell phone while drinking their Starbucks coffee all while trying to drive. Please stop and be a responsible citizen and drive your car when you are moving. There will be plenty of time later in the day to use your cell and drink your coffee. Hopefully these tips will keep me alive by making you more aware of the characteristics of a motorcycle in traffic.

Finally, do not think of a motorcycle as a machine; we motorcyclists are people so treat us with the respect with which we are due.

Contributing author to Cycle Solutions and Kingpin Cruisers
http://www.cyclesolutions.net
http://www.kingpincruisers.net