RIDER EDUCATORS SAFETY CORNER

Have you prepared yourself and your co-rider for a safe and enjoyable ride? Here are a few suggestions to help you.

1. Do you have an Emergency Information Form for you and your Co-rider on the Motorcycle in case an emergency does occur?

2. Do you have a small first aid kit on your Motorcycle?

3. Have you performed the TCLOCK inspection of your Motorcycle? If you are unsure how to do this, see the explanation at the bottom of this page.

4. If towing a trailer, have you performed a proper inspection of it?

5. Select safe riding attire (riding jackets, chaps or long natural fiber pants, gloves, and of course a helmet. Bright colored clothing can also help draw attention to you.)

6. While riding, try to position yourself to where the driver in front of your can see you and be far enough back to be able to see any road hazard or debris.

7. If you are feeling tired while riding, get off the road as soon as possibole and take a break. (It is surprising just how getting off the bike and walking around it several times will refresh you.)

8. If riding in a group, ride offset to the motorcycle in front of you (stagger formation) and far enough back to allow for any movements they may have to do. The hard thing about group riding is that you need to ride at your own comfort level, while at the same time, maintaining a constant distance back from the bike in front of you. This is to keep the riders behind you from having to be like a yo-yo on a string going back and forth.

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T-Clock Inspection

You should perform a complete inspection of your bike on a monthly basis. At the March meeting, I reminded everyone of the T-CLOCK inspection method.

T = Tire & Wheels:

Inspect your tires prior to every ride in case you picked up something on your last ride that could cause a problem. Check air pressures with a tire gauge and manually inspect the rest of your tires and wheels, including your brake pads and calipers.

C = Controls and cables:

Make sure your cables are properly connected, are not worn, and do not interfere with steering.

If it has been a while since you rode, make sure all of the levers and pedals operate smoothly.

L = Lights and electrics:

Have a buddy confirm that all of your lights are working properly.

Also confirm that your CB is working properly before you ride.

Check these items before each ride.

O = Oils and fluids:

Check your fluid levels at least monthly.

C = Chassis and drive train:

Visually check the bike’s frame for obstructions, cracks, etc.

K = Kickstand:

Make sure it moves freely and proper function of engine-cutoff feature (if applicable).

A properly maintained bike is a safer bike. So get back to basics and remember to inspect your bike.