MSF Highlights the Top Five Rules Riders Should Remember for Motorcycle
Awareness Month
IRVINE, Calif., April. 30, 2010 - May is the month of motorcycles and
motorcyclists. The sun shines, the birds sing and riders across the country
swing their leg across their two-wheeled steeds to hit the open road. This
month, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation would like to remind all riders of a few
basic rules to follow to ensure that everyone, riders and non-riders alike, can
enjoy a beautiful and safe spring season.
1. Get properly trained and licensed - The best first ride is an MSF RiderCourseSM.
Riding is serious fun and proper training is crucial. However, half of all
riders today have never taken a proper safety class. To help motorcyclists earn
an endorsement or license, MSF offers progressive instruction to motorcyclists
of all skill levels, starting with the Basic RiderCourse for beginning
riders that includes five hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of riding
exercises in a controlled environment. Riders who already have basic skills and
a license can hone their techniques in one of MSF's advanced RiderCourses
or MSF's new Street RiderCourse, part of the new CORE Curricula being
announced in 2010, which takes riders beyond the traditional controlled learning
environment and into real-world traffic. MSF recommends every new rider enroll
in the Basic RiderCourse and encourages riders to get as much training as
possible, no matter how skilled they may be. Even the pros practice the basics
to keep their skills sharp.
2. Wear all protective gear, all the time - T-shirts and shorts are good
for the beach, but not for riding a motorcycle. Riders should gear up properly
before every ride, even if just riding down the street on an errand. Wearing a
DOT-compliant helmet and eye protection is the law in many states, and is
strongly recommended everywhere else. Wearing boots that cover over the ankle,
long pants, and a riding jacket is also advisable. Built-in body armor is a
smart addition, and can look pretty cool too.
3. Ride unimpaired by alcohol or other drugs - Bikes and booze don't mix.
Government studies show that 46% of riders killed in motorcycle crashes had been
drinking. While under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, a motorcyclist's
necessary skills, including agility, perception and awareness, are decreased
dramatically. In fact, having a blood-alcohol content greater than 0.05%
increases the risk of crashing by about 40-times. So while it is bad enough to
try to get behind the wheel of a car while buzzed or drunk, hopping on a machine
that requires maximum control and concentration is simply stupid.
4. Ride within your own skill limits and obey traffic laws - Every rider
should know the limits of their ability, and not attempt to exceed them. Humans
weren't designed to fly, and unless you're a trained professional on a closed
course, stunting, high speed or tricks can only cause you trouble. Follow all
traffic laws and be conscious of how road conditions may affect your riding. MSF
now offers an online Rider Perception Challenge to help riders gauge and
improve their visual awareness of road signs and common collision traps, which
can be taken free at www.msf-usa.org/riderperception.
Using sharp skills and common sense will keep you alive; trying to be Superman
will not.
5. Be a lifelong learner by taking refresher RiderCourses -
Motorcyclists should keep in mind that no matter how often or how long they've
been riding, there is always room to learn something new. Taking an advanced
course to brush up on the basics and work on perfecting current skills is a
smart move for any rider. MSF's CORE Curricula programs include two new Street RiderCourses
for training in traffic and the Advanced RiderCourse - SportBike
Techniques course for intensive maneuvering drills, among other classes to keep
expanding motorcyclists' learning experiences.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation hopes riders will follow these rules and
suggestions for everyone's benefit, and to ensure a safe Motorcycle Awareness
Month for 2010.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and
education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF
works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to
offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe,
responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF have been recognized
worldwide since 1973.
The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati,
Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and
Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest
you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800)
446-9227.