Survival Skills for New Riders

Aboard their motorcycles, new riders face a brave new world. Not literally, of course. But from the standpoint of learning fresh physical skills, powers of observation, actions and reactions, and embedding vital strategies for survival, it certainly is. If this is you, first and foremost locate, attend, and successfully complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course in your area. Then prepare for and pass the written and riding tests, as required by your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV).

Imagine a Quarterback

In football, the quarterback is perhaps the most lauded, heroic player – the guy with the ball. But that comes with peril because the quarterback is who the opposing team wants to sack. We’ve thus adopted an attitude when riding: We’re the guy with the ball, and every other driver on the road wants to get us. A juvenile approach, perhaps, but the advantage is that it breeds wariness – continually, genuine, and on a real-time basis – of other drivers. Such constant suspicion may seem callous, but we’ll accept that, because wariness of other vehicles can be a lifesaver.

Adopt a Leader

Every DMV pamphlet probably has a driving rule of thumb about checking the mirrors every few seconds. Multiply that for motorcycling, where situational awareness is essential. When you accept that anything and everything could happen at any moment, you’re on track to an awareness mindset that will hold you in good stead for a long time. Get used to automatically glancing across intersections, across corner apexes, at traffic to your left, right, and behind, and into driveways and alleys. This observational duty should not replace or displace your most essential job of riding well, and happily. It’s supplemental, but essentially so.

Look for Escape Paths

A favorite and constant tool for us has long been, “Where will I go?” Name it whatever you like, but the goal is, especially at intersections, pick out a path to take if you must escape. Examples may include a car turning left in front of you; a van blindly changing lanes into your space; and construction materials falling off the pickup in the lane ahead. The possible list and chances are nearly endless. But the “escape path” practice can work, just like it may work for a Super Cub pilot in the Alaskan bush, constantly eyeing sandbars in a riverbed as emergency places to land. One day, you might need it.

Right Turns are Safer

If you’re learning to ride in traffic, or are uneasy about riding in the thick of it, consider sticking to the right lane and right hand turns for a while. These keep you away from some of the chaos of city traffic, particularly turning left across intersections. Yes, making right turns adds distance to your trip, but isn’t that part of the goal – getting miles in? (Example: Instead of turning left at an intersection, proceed past it, turn right at the next three streets, and then approach the original intersection and proceed straight across. That’s three right turns instead of one left turn, but you’ve done it.)

Keep It in Gear

While waiting your turn at a stop sign, traffic light, or most especially in a left-turn lane, make a habit of keeping your bike in gear with the clutch lever pulled in. Yes, one can argue that this creates minimally more clutch wear. But it gives you something that’s way more important – instant getaway capability if circumstances demand it. When split-seconds count, pulling in the clutch and engaging first gear takes time you might need to stay safe.

Watch the Driver – and Their Wheels

We have found that generally, a car will proceed in the direction the driver is looking. So, while street riding, we make a habit of noting drivers’ posture and eye position, if possible, while we’re in intersections, approaching certain oncoming traffic, and in other situations where an “opposing” vehicle might constitute a threat. If they’re not looking at you, they may not even consciously see you. And that’s a recipe you don’t want.

When it comes to busy places such as intersections, shopping centers, driveways, and other situations where a car might suddenly vector in an unexpected direction, notice their front wheels. Where are they pointed, and just as importantly, are they rolling? Those two quick observations, along with noting the driver’s head position, gaze, and maybe even their hand position on the steering wheel, can provide useful intel about where the car is headed.

Dirty Learning

The dirt is arguably the finest place to learn, practice, embed, and master motorcycle handling skills. Since nearly every foot of surface is different, the contour, context, and makeup of the terrain demands constant analysis and vigilance by the rider. Moreover, riding in the dirt is essentially a constant state of traction loss, and demands of the rider are the opposite, searching for good traction. How’s that for a great game? (It actually is.)

In the dirt you learn to look at trails for way more than just where they will take you; additionally, you study the makeup of the ground. Sand means the front tire may plow and the rear tire may dig in or the engine may bog; loam is like chocolate cake – enjoy it; and hardpack “blue groove” roads are nearly like asphalt. You get the idea. Plus, the constant wheel slips and balance adjustments that go along with dirt riding will absolutely improve your street skills. More dirt means better street!

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