New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Surviving The Mean Streets

It is now officially spring and we are all overdue to ride, especially with our past mean winter. Now we are ready to ride our mean bikes on the mean streets. So what is it going to take to survive out in the mean streets? Let look at some ways to "curb" our overly anxious desire to "hit" the Mean Streets.

Inspection

Before each ride, do a quick check on the bike to make sure it is suitable for safely riding. Check tires, fluids and their levels and other related things for a good start. A quick safety walk around your bike before each ride will save you a long walk down the road. If you don't believe this, ask your co-rider.

Mind

Make sure your mind is ready to go with you. If you are in a bad mood or needing to clear your mind, maybe it is not a good time to ride. We say that riding is good for the mind, but if we are focused on other things other than riding, we won't function safely. Make sure that your "therapy ride" doesn't include physical therapy.

SIPDE

This is the method that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has taught to utilize while riding. SIPDE - Scan around you, Identify potential hazards, Predict what will happen, Decide how to avoid problems, and Execute your plan. When you take the MSF course this is practiced in greater detail. Do your self a favor and take the course.

Safe Zone

Try and create your safe space around you. Position yourself in this safe zone to allow an escape route if needed. Continually scan for potential problems and for a potential way out.

  Road Conditions

This time of year the roads are at their worst, beware of salt and sand leftovers, potholes and miscellaneous debris in the streets. With the inconsistent warm and cold weather, the potholes are very large AND deep.

Stay Bright

Wear clothing that will help you to be visible to drivers. This will help you to stand out, especially when it gets dark or starts to rain. Make sure your clothing, helmet and bike "reflects" this visibility. Be right, dress bright.

Critters

All the critters are back out there and just dying to meet you, so be aware of their fondness to get close up and personal. Decline a close critter encounter and visit their kin at the zoo, not on the road. The worst time is early morning and night time. These critters have this sick desire to commit suicide and want to use motorcycles as their weapons of choice. Don't let them use us for their way out.

Our bigger four wheel brothers have had control of the Mean Streets since the fall. It will take a while for them to remember motorcyclists are part of the streets as well. Be aware and be visible. With a little common sense, training and practice, our Mean Street will be tame enough to ride again.

Practice Safe Riding

Gary Mandak

Chapter "W" Educator