SOME RULES OF THE ROAD

Every rider has certain points the pay special attention to. Here are some of mine. No guarantees, just some thoughts that run through my mind and some things I practice. Most have worked pretty good for me, so far.

Personal choices to either avoid or to impact road hazards are much too variable and complicated for me to discuss here. These split second, sometimes life altering decisions are a most basic personal responsibility.

1. When the road is rough or slick, slow down. This is a personal judgment based on road conditions, bike conditions, and riders skill.

2. Never ride close behind anything you can’t see around, over or through.

While the vehicle directly in front of you is of major concern, very important advance warning can be obtained by watching traffic in the distance. If you pay attention to the brake lights two or three vehicles ahead of you, you can slow down before the vehicle directly in front of you slams on his brakes.

3. Intersections present special hazards. When you have the “right of way” approaching a controlled intersection, watch the wheels of stopped vehicles. Even the smallest movement of the wheel is apparent. If these wheels move, start slowing down. As you near the intersection, make eye contact with the opposing driver. Then and only then can you assume he sees you. Do not assume he will yield, only that he sees you.

4.When riding alone on a two way road you should have reasons for choosing the right or left side of your lane. Road position when entering curves is obvious. These below might be other considerations.

The left side of the lane provides you with more reaction time to objects entering the roadway such as dogs, deer, squirrels, cows, ect. This is especially important when riding at night. Fortunately these occurrences are pretty rare which unfortunately tends to lull us to sleep regarding this danger.

Dependent on oncoming traffic, the left side of the lane provides alternate evasion options. You might be able to swerve right or left to avoid objects such as deer or potholes.

Riding alone, I like to use the right side of the lane when meeting traffic. It is true that some hazard might enter the roadway from the right but when meeting traffic there is a danger to the left for certain.

I believe that when two vehicles are traveling in close proximity on a two way road you should always anticipate that the one in the rear wants to pass the one in front. This presents a definite challenge when meeting such a convoy. If you occupy the right half of your lane you will enter the trailing vehicle’s field of vision sooner as he begins the passing maneuver. Maybe he will not change over into your lane (head on) before you come into his field of vision. This road position could help advert a nasty situation.

5.When riding in groups you should be aware of your blind spots and of the blind spots of those riding close to you. If you cannot see the eyes of the rider in front of you in his mirror, then he cannot see you. Either move up or back so your leader is aware of your position. If you are the leader, be aware of who is close to you. If you loose them in your mirror, locate them immediately.

In slow moving traffic groups may chose to ride close together, but when riding on the road sometimes it’s nice to space out a bit. If you are on a cross country trip, a mile between riders on a scenic road can be good. It kinda gives you the feeling of traveling alone with a group, if you know what I mean.

6. You must know where your mirrors are aimed. My two mirrors show entirely different views. Don’t trust a quick glance in one mirror.. Check both mirrors before you make a move..

7. You must know where your tires hit the road. This knowledge is important when avoiding alligators. (Road hazards) This skill can be sharpened every time you change lanes…don’t ever hit the raised lane markers. It’s good practice and saves trauma to the tires.

8. Never ride your bike if you are in a hurry. Being late is different from being in a hurry. The difference is your mind set. If you are late, just calm down and accept it. Ride safe and arrive late. The key word here is arrive!!

9. When riding in the rain there a couple of things I watch. Hydroplaning is my biggest concern so I watch the tracks being made by my tires. A quick glance in the mirror gives an indication of the depth of water on the road. If you are leaving a nice long print, that’s good. If the tire print covers with water quickly, you better slow down. When this procedure is practiced enough, intelligent riding decisions can be made based on your particular tire and tread design.

Another consideration for me is familiarity with the road. Hydroplaning potential is created by low places in the road that allow water to pool and by roads that have drainage problems. (draining from side to side instead of from the center to the edges) On familiar roads you know where these hazards exist and can make allowances. On unfamiliar roads you must identify these hazards not only as you ride along but also far enough in advance to allow reaction time. Once again, watching vehicles out in front of you is a good early warning system.

10. Practice preventive maintenance. Never think you must squeeze the last mile out of a tire or the last crank out of a battery. A tire rarely expires at a tire store and the last crank in a battery usually occurs when you are leaving home, as opposed to the last stop before arriving at home.. Considering the cost of a service call or tow charge and the inconvenience of being stuck on the road waiting for one of these, replacing the tires and battery before being stranded seems cost effective to me.

11. There are things we can control and there things beyond our control. You can control and are responsible for yourself. Never allow yourself to be put in an unsafe position by riding outside your personal comfort zone. If we were looking for guarantees we’d have chosen a different occupation. Bike riding has certain inherent risks but, as in the Fire Service, risks can be minimized with the application of competent skills and a little forethought.

Every time you ride it is different. The same old trip from your home to the Fire Station will change based on time of day/night, weather, traffic, your bike‘s condition, your state of mind, that dog running across the road, and I don‘t know what else..