Norm

Norm

Norm

We have had a noticeable influx of new riders and they won’t take the Motorcycle Safety Foundation beginners course. I can’t say enough good things about this course. It’s awesome!!

You said:
“(7) Keep your motorcycle in gear when stopped, and always monitor your rear view mirrors for someone who looks like they are going to rear end you. Always plan an escape route at stop lights.”

Excellent points! When stopped, it is so vital to spend time reviewing what’s behind you and what is coming at your “6”. I’ve seen so many riders drop their bikes into neutral and they simply don’t have a chance of escape should they need to.

I would like to add that it is vital to keep at least two vehicle lengths in front of you at stop lights. This provides two very important safety points for the rider. One, as you stated, it can provide an escape route, and two, just as important, it provides oncoming traffic a better view. In other words, it is OUR responsibility to be as visible as we can be, and if we are tucked behind the vehicle in front of us, we are compromising traffic’s observation of our presence.

Additionally, lane position is important as well. It is best to stop the bike to the left of the middle of the lane you’re in. This positioning aids motorists better observation of our presence, and, since we are putting our left foot down, it keeps the anchoring foot out of the grease and oil slicks.

Another advantage of this lane positioning is that if we are turning left, it gives oncoming cagers better visibility of our blinking turn signal(s). We all use our turn signals for ALL turns, don’t we???