Hollywood actors and movies have been glamorizing motorcycle riding for years. Many film buffs still recall Marlon Brando in “The Wild One,” Steve McQueen in “The Great Escape” and Peter Fonda in “Easy Rider.” Although such films have become a staple in the film industry, the actual real world experience of riding a “bike” is rarely as glamorous. In fact, motorcycles can be very dangerous. Even if you’re convinced you’re an excellent rider, you’ll always be vulnerable to the worst car drivers on the road who may be drunk, speeding or simply distracted and unaware of your presence. In fact, a twenty-year-old Sacramento rider recently lost his life after colliding with a woman driving a Honda Accord.

http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/crime/archives/019198.html

Our government’s most recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics contain a number of startling facts about motorcycle accidents. For example, during 2007, the last full year for which we have comprehensive statistics, 5,154 American motorcyclists were killed in accidents. (See the NHTSA’s Motorcycles Traffic Safety Facts Sheet; 2007 Data: DOT HS 810 990). It can be found at the following Internet URL:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.6a6eaf83cf719ad24ec86e10dba046a0/

As that 2007 Fact Sheet indicates, the number of motorcycle fatalities has more than doubled since 1997. Injuries have also come close to doubling during that same time period. All responsible drivers should be asking themselves what they can personally do to decrease these devastating statistics. Perhaps the following is the most telling statement contained in that Fact Sheet: “NHTSA estimates that helmets saved 1,784 motorcyclists’ lives in 2007 . . . 800 more [lives] could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets.” (See http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/portal/site/nhtsa/menuitem.6a6eaf83cf719ad24ec86e10dba046a0/ ).

Since wearing helmets is a key component to making motorcycle riding safer, it’s time to once again debate whether comprehensive legislation should be passed making it mandatory for all motorcyclists to wear helmets.

General Tips for Safeguarding the Lives of Motorcycle Riders

• Never ride any motorcycle without knowing if it has been fully serviced recently Check the tire treads and be sure the gears and brakes are in good working order.
• Only purchase the size of bike you need and be sure you can lift it up should it fall to the ground.
  Never make even short trips on your bike without wearing a helmet. It doesn’t matter how far you’re planning to travel – injuries or death can always occur.
• With more than four million registered motorcycles in the United States, it’s in everyone’s best interests to try and help their riders remain safe. If you’re driving a car or other large vehicle, remember that it’s your duty to share the road. If you want to ride a motorcycle, don’t be lazy – obtain the proper training and licensing.
  Our government estimates that nearly one-third of all motorcycle accidents involve poorly trained or improperly licensed drivers.
  http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/motorcycle/motosafety.html
• Invest in the leather or other heavy fabric garments and boots that are likely to minimize your injuries if you do have an accident. Only ride a bike that makes it possible for you to rest both feet on the ground when you stop.
• Follow all of the laws of the road. Remember that motorcycles don’t have the same balance and center of gravity that cars have — carefully slow down when making turns.
• Limit your travels when the road surfaces are wet or slick. Avoid riding on gravel surfaces.
• If you’re going to take along a passenger, be sure your bike has a back seat and pegs for your friend’s feet to rest upon.
• If you’re driving a car, remember to always try to keep All vehicles in view. An accident between a car and a motorcycle can sometimes be as deadly as one between two larger vehicles. Of course, it’s always more courteous to share the road, regardless of what the other person is driving.

Those who keep all of the suggestions listed above in mind while driving, should be able to help minimize the dangers we all face out on this country’s roads and highways.

As reported earlier this year in The Sacramento Bee, even experienced cyclists can fall victim to road accidents. One local resident broke his leg after trying to ride his bike over light-rail tracks. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/story/1543509.html

As he sought to recover from his injury, the cyclist tried to learn why he lost full control of his bike. During his investigation, he learned that train rails are regularly oiled to minimize train noise and prevent undue rail wear.

In order to avoid this type of accident, especially if it has recently rained, cyclists are urged to walk their bikes across rails or unusually busy street intersections. Check to see if your city has provided adequate crosswalks before beginning your journey.

We hope you’ll review the following general road hazards, important safety precautions and basic tips on riding etiquette so you can maximize your cycling safety.

Road Hazards for Cyclists

In general, cyclists should avoid riding around construction sites or when streets are unusually slippery, wet or icy. Care should also be taken to only ride in areas with adequate road signs, traffic lights and smooth road surfaces. High-traffic zones are never recommended for cyclists, nor are poorly lit parts of town.

Important Safety Suggestions

Experienced cyclists know that they should always wear a properly fitting helmet, good shoes for gripping the pedals and bright clothing to increase their visibility to car drivers. Other riders recommend applying plenty of reflective tape to your bike for safer night riding, in addition to purchasing front and rear lights.

Proper bicycle maintenance is equally important and should include keeping the proper tire pressure and making sure the bike seat is kept at its optimal level.

Although they don’t look very stylish, some children and amateur cyclists like to wear protective knee and elbow pads. Special riding gloves can be useful for gripping the brake handles and sunglasses can protect your eyes from harmful irritants. Glasses can also help you recognize the correct colors of upcoming traffic lights.

Both professional and amateur riders should always carry a bike pump and at least one spare inner tube in case they have a flat tire. Other essentials include a first-aid kit, a flashlight for nighttime repairs and a carefully mounted bell or horn to signal an approaching car that just can’t see you.

Bicycle safety also involves avoiding dangerous riding habits. You should never wear earplugs or headphones because they’re likely to keep you from hearing an approaching vehicle. Furthermore, you should never allow anyone to ride on the front or rear of your bike.

Finally, be sure you know how to work the gears and brakes on any new or borrowed bike before leaving for your destination.

Basic Bike Riding Etiquette: Just Follow the Rules

As children, many of us foolishly disregarded stop signs, traffic lights and other rules of the road. While we may have lived to tell our tales, it’s still both illegal and unwise to keep tempting fate with such behaviors. Furthermore, many jurisdictions issue traffic citations as readily to bicycle riders as they do to automobile drivers.

Hopefully, paying close attention to weather and surface road conditions, wearing appropriate safety gear and abiding by all pertinent traffic laws will help you avoid any future bicycle accidents.