New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Rider Education Information by Gary Mandak

Riding Educator, New York Chapter "W"

Can You See Me Now? Good!

Now that riding season is finally in full swing, we have to aware that drivers have probably forgotten about motorcyclists. Visibility is one tool to re-introduce ourselves to the driving environment. If they can't see you, you have become a possible target.

 Clothing

Wear clothing that is colorful or at least has reflective piping. We have grown up in the world of black leather which has been the motorcyclist "uniform". However with the introduction of textile type material, the colors are more visible than the traditional black. I know there are many people that prefer the safety of leather and fortunately, leather also has bright colors as well. Helmet, pants and gloves can also be another form of increased visibility with the correct reflective materials. To glow is the only way to go.

Motorcycle

Goldwing riders have been know to festoon their motorcycles with many lights, some more for decoration for light shows than safety. One should remember that being visible both day and night are critical to safe riding. With the introduction of DRL or Daytime Running Lights in all cars, the motorcyclist is not as visible as they were in the past. One option is a modulating headlight that will cyclically flash about 240 times per minute. You WILL be seen, and they are legal in all 50 states per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Another option is to add lighting to the sides and the rear of your motorcycle. Be bright and use lights.

Rider Placement

Always ride so cars and see you and you can see them in their mirrors. If you can see them, then they can see you. Of course this does not guarantee they will actually see you as they often are engrossed in their metal capsule talking on the phone sipping their double cappuccino latté. Be aware of their priorities. Their priorities may not include your well being, but spilling their cappuccino latté may be.

Escape Route

You should constantly scan your environment. Some use a "figure 8" technique to make sure they are looking in all directions to be fully engaged with their surroundings. While doing this, put yourself in a mindset of visualizing an escape route within your riding environment. Always keep in your mind, "If something happened, where could I go." Use the vehicles windshield in front of you to look thru to see what is going on in front of them. This is one way to see what is going on ahead of you. Think of this as a glass act.

Seeing and being seen is an important aspect of staying safe while riding your motorcycle. Think of your self as being invisible to drivers and do whatever it takes to be seen. Loud clothing saves lives, not loud pipes.

Practice Safe Riding,

Gary Mandak

Chapter "W" Educator