Contract For Safety

I stumbled across this the other day and I think it is worth a read. Some may consider it bad timing, or is it?  You be the judge!

You are not asked to sign and send in, but at least spend 2-3 minutes and read it over.

(copied from the MSF)

 


Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Rider Choices

Contract For Safety


I appreciate that my family and friends may be concerned about my safety now that I have chosen to ride a motorcycle.

I also understand that my choices can affect those who care about me, especially if I am injured in a motorcycle crash.

I agree that motorcycling, like many activities involving vehicles and motion, involves some degree of risk, and I hereby commit to riding safely and minimizing my risk. By initialing each of the following statements, I agree to:


 

___ Be Aware of the Risks Associated with Motorcycling – I understand that safe motorcycling requires dedicated attention to the immediate task and a keen awareness of everything going on 360 degrees around me. I also understand that motorcycles lack the crash protection of cars, and since motorcycles are smaller and narrower than cars, car drivers may not see me and may cut me off or squeeze into my lane without warning.

___ Get Trained and Licensed – I will take at least one MSF RiderCourse® to learn the proper mental strategies and riding skills in a controlled environment, under the guidance of professional MSF-certified RiderCoaches, before riding on the street. I will get a motorcycle license or endorsement and obtain proper insurance for my motorcycle, to demonstrate that I am a responsible individual.

___ Wear Protective Gear – I will always choose to wear proper protective riding gear when I ride; most importantly a DOT-compliant helmet, plus eye protection, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, jacket and pants, regardless of my destination or the duration of my ride.

___ Select an Appropriate Motorcycle – I will only ride a motorcycle that fits my physical characteristics and is otherwise right for me. I will become familiar with its controls, power delivery, braking, and handling characteristics by studying the owner’s manual and practicing on lightly traveled streets before venturing onto busy streets or highways.

___ Use a Safe-Riding Strategy – I will maintain awareness of the traffic environment and my position within it by using safe-riding strategies such as SEE – Search, Evaluate, Execute – and a 2-second minimum following distance. I will communicate with other motorists by always using my turn signals and a head-check when turning or changing lanes, and will make a mental note of possible escape routes in case my path is blocked.

___ Ride Within My Limits – I will not ride faster or longer than my abilities allow, nor will I ride aggressively or make risky maneuvers. Riding too fast in corners is a primary cause of single-vehicle crashes. I will honestly assess my own physical capabilities and mental attitude before each ride since both aspects are required to safely navigate my motorcycle on the street.

___ Ride Unimpaired – I will never use alcohol or drugs when riding. I understand that motorcycling is a serious activity that requires intense focus, keen perception, split-second decision-making, physical coordination, and a fine sense of balance, and that alcohol and drugs weaken those abilities. In fact, almost half of all motorcyclists killed in crashes were using alcohol.

__ Keep my Motorcycle in Excellent Operating Condition – I will follow the recommended maintenance schedule as outlined in the owner’s manual, will ensure repairs are made promptly, and will pay particular attention to the tires, since inflation pressure and overall condition affect the critical grip between my motorcycle and the road surface.

___ Be a Lifelong Learner – I will return periodically for a variety of refresher rider training courses to brush up on my skills and knowledge, because the positive effects gained from a training course do not last forever.

To summarize, I acknowledge that if I ride untrained, recklessly, or without the protection of motorcycle-specific safety apparel, I am at increased risk of a life-altering injury or death. This would not only affect me but could affect my family and friends. Therefore, I am committed to being a safe and responsible motorcyclist.

Fallen Bikers Prayer / Poem

It hurts so bad, to say goodbyes
Pain is felt, with tear filled eyes
The news we dread, want not and fear
Suddenly reality, becomes crystal clear
Knowing the risk, and chances we take
We start up our motors, the trip we do take
With freedom, and passion, the wind in your hair
You may not have made it, but I’ll meet you there
I’m not sure when, but I’ll see you my friend
Making sure that your journey, never will end
Ridding beside you, our spirits let free
All of us bikers, together we’ll be !!!!!
My prayers to all….Fallen, and Riding

Choose your Companion Wisely

A good article on Motorcycle-Gear-and-Riding-Info.com


Thoughts to consider when planning a trip with someone else.

Here is a snip:

Over the course of a trip, many other factors can make the difference between fun and aggravation.

  • Some riders want to ride, ride, ride for hours…while others would rather stop often for a Dairy Queen or to take in the sights…
  • Some riders must fill up their gas tank every 150 miles…while others can go for 300 miles or more between refills…
  • Some riders would rather camp out at the end of the day…while others would rather stay at the Holiday Inn…
  • Some riders can’t decide where they want to go and how they want to get there…while others plan their route and stick to it throughout the day.

You can read the full article HERE

Parking Lot Safety for Motorcycles

When is the last time you had a close call in a parking lot?

Was it your fault or the other guys? I had a slow speed close one recently and it would have been all my fault. Good time to review some safety steps:

Using the SEE system in parking lots

The SEE system is used by millions of motorcyclists to get them safely from Point A to Point B.  It can be broken down into the following steps:

1. Search for possible dangers.
2. Evaluate all potential hazards, including turning cars, loose or uneven road surfaces, rain or other precipitation, etc.
3. Execute the proper action to avoid the hazard.

 

Read the full article here on the  Impact Recovery Systems website

A Motorcycle Christmas Poem

By: Rich Gouin

Twas the night before Christmas when all through the garages

Not a motorcycle was rumbling, except for Santa Claus’

The leather was hung in the closet with care

In hopes that nice weather, soon would be there

 

Our bikes were all nestled snug in their covers

With visions of blacktop and burning up rubber

With momma in her bandana and I in my skull cap

We had settled down for a long winters nap

 

When out on the lawn, arose such a rumble

I sprang from the bed as I started to grumble

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

Was a pack of motorcycles, with riders and gear,

With one old driver so lively and quick

I knew in a moment it must be biker St. Nick

 

He was dressed all in leather, from his head to his foot

His clothes were all tarnished with bugs and road soot

A bundle of chrome he had flung on his back

Down the chimney he came, carrying a big red sack

He spoke not a word but went straight to his work

As he filled all the riding boots, then turned with a jerk,

And laying a finger aside of his nose,

And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose

 

He sprang to his motorcycle, to his team gave a sign

As they cracked there throttles and got into line,

Now Honda, Now Harley, Now Triumph, and Trike,

On Kawasaki, On Suzuki, On Yamaha and Victory,

But I heard him exclaim as he roared out of sight

Keep the rubber side down and have a good ride.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!