While riding the other day, I never noticed how many folks are oblivious to motorcycles and how many close calls I’ve seen in the past few weeks!  In one particular situation, a woman in her large black SUV, while talking on her cell phone, just swerved over to the left lane without signaling.  I watched from two spots back as the biker in the left lane had to swerve and get out of her way, otherwise he would have been sent to the divider wall or worse, to the ground.  I was watching the lady’s movements the entire time, and she didn’t even turn her head to check.  Furious at what I just witnessed, I eventually made me way up next to the rider and waved at him, then shook my head and pointed back at the car, acknowledging the fact that I witnessed what happened.  He gave me a thumbs up and we rode off.

This gave me some things to contemplate, seeing as I’m still relatively new to riding.  But not to defensive driving.  The number one rule for riding is to “assume that no one see’s you”.  That one rule makes perfect sense if you drive/ride defensively and always assume that even the most careful driver will not see you.  What this means as a rider is to avoid situations where you will get caught up in.  Always give yourself ample room to brake and swerve, if needed.  Riding next to a car is dangerous, because even if you can see the driver’s window, they might not be expecting you to be there if they’re only looking into their rearview mirror checking for a car.  Sportbikes are slender and smaller than your average car.

Making yourself be seen (or heard) has been a constant challenge by bikers all over the world.  Harley bikes are loud, but it also provides a function.  To be heard.  From the woman in the car next to them.  It serves a purpose, but for most people who don’t think like a biker, it’s just an annoyance.  I used to be in this group too, until I’ve witnessed these close calls in traffic.  Now I’m all for anything that will help a rider be seen and heard, and not just another statistic.

So riding season is in full effect, and that means more bikes on the roads.  That also means more accidents.  So if you see me riding in front, accelerating to get that spot ahead of you, it’s not because I’m trying to show off my bike or speed.  It’s because I’m trying to give myself some space from the rest of traffic.  Being complacent while riding will get you hurt, or worse, killed.  Always being aware of what’s around you, be it cars or trucks, or even obstructions in the road up ahead, will prevent road rash.  If I make a move on my bike in front of you, it’s not because I’m trying to cut you off, but it’s because I’m trying to avoid getting mixed in a group of cars.  It’s always the car that doesn’t see you that causes you the most trouble.  In a car, you have the advantage of steel and metal to protect you in case of an accident.  On a bike, not so much.  Just your gear and your wits.  I don’t know about you, but I’m not about to let you test my gear just because you were too lazy to turn around and check your blindspot.  And don’t try and chase a biker either if you think they’re riding wild like this guy. (fast forward to about 1:00 minute into the video)

I ride because I love the open road.  I also understand that it’s an assumed risk.  But personally, the rewards far outweigh the risks.  And if I can minimize those risks by riding defensively, then so be it. Keep it upright! -Hmooj