Introduction
When people decide to ride a motorcycle, they select a unique and challenging form of
transportation. However, riding is not for everyone, and a motorcycle will not always be
your best choice of transportation.![Image of a person on a motorcycle.](/peth04/20041031171023im_/https://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/ashore/images/decisiontoride.jpg)
For many, motorcycling is more than a means of transportation -- it is an enthusiast's
sport. The attraction of motorcycling often comes from the unique mental and physical
skills necessary to operate the machine. There are many varieties of motorcycles and
motorcyclists. But all motorcyclists share something in common -- an increased element of
physical risk.
The first step in making a responsible decision to ride is understanding the high level
of risk in motorcycling. We can lower the risk through our attitudes, with the protective
gear we wear, and developing mental and physical strategies through training. But even so,
the motorcyclist is physically vulnerable in a mishap. You are 20 times more likely to be
injured on a motorcycle than in a car.
People who ride motorcycles: the motorcycles they ride
Many different types of people ride motorcycles, and for many reasons -- recreation,
commuting, touring, image, sport riding, and competition.
There are also a wide variety of motorcycles - cruisers, touring, sport bikes, dual
purpose, and standard. Since it is not feasible for one type of motorcycle to meet all a
rider's needs, each of these represents a compromise between, performance, rider comfort,
and other capabilities within intended use.
Often there is a connection between the rider, riding style and type of motorcycle. The
young service member may be attracted to a motorcycle's price vs. the high level of
performance. Others may be attracted to the cruiser with its black-leather-jacket
mystique, as a break from life's routine. Motorcycle touring, either solo or with a group,
may be both a recreational and social activity.
Car vs. motorcycle: advantages and disadvantages
Exposing the myths
- Size - Motorcycles are smaller than cars. They are easier to park. But...
they are harder to see (especially when you wear dark, non-reflective clothing); have
limited loads; and can carry only one passenger.
- Maneuverability - Motorcycles can be quite maneuverable (with a trained rider)
at lower speeds. But... maneuverability decreases as you ride faster.
- Performance - Motorcycles provide a high level of performance per purchasing
dollar. But... require a higher level of physical skill to operate. The rider can get in
trouble very fast.
- Cost - Motorcycles may have a lower purchase cost. But... use may be limited by
season extremes (hot and cold); passenger and load limits. Also, cost and frequency of
routine maintenance (especially tires on high performance machines) may be much higher
than a car.
- Protection - When you ride, you become one with the environment and have the
wind in your face. But... the motorcycle rider is more physically vulnerable; is more
likely to be injured in an accident (must dress for the fall); and when not dressed
properly, can be mentally distracted from the riding task.
Safety and risk
You ride home on that new bike. Your family, friends, and even neighbors offer their
opinion, "Motorcycles. Seem like fun... ..but they're so dangerous!" And
you know they are right.
Can you ride a motorcycle with no risk and free from danger, damage or injury? The
obvious answer is no! There are many things we do that have risk. We fly planes. We scuba
dive. We ride bicycles. We jog. We drive cars. Some activities have more risk than others.
The element of risk and our perception of it is constantly changing. We can't eliminate
risk, but we can lower it. We should first understand the risk inherent to motorcycling.
Next, we should be mentally and physically willing and capable to take the steps necessary
to reduce the risk. Training and experience are the most effective ways of completing
these two steps.
However, when we ride, we must accept the possible consequences of the risk. Even when
we have reduced the risk to the lowest possible level, we are still 20 times more likely
to be injured in a crash than the operator of a car.
Managing risk: mental preparation
It has been said that motorcycling is perhaps 90 percent mental. Mental preparation for
the ride is critical for the motorcyclist. This begins with being alert and free from
stress and other emotional distractions.
Equally important is the rider's attention. Lack of attention to the riding task is a
predominate cause of many vehicle crashes. The physical vulnerability of motorcycling adds
unique challenges to our attention - motorcycles offer little protection against the
environment. It's hard to concentrate when we are freezing cold or hot or with rain
pelting against unprotected hands or face.
Protective gear helps. Dressing for the ride can minimize physical distractions of
riding so the motorcyclist can pay attention to the riding task.
There are also times when the motorcyclist might decide NOT to ride. The most obvious
would include times of fatigue, stress or any type of mental or physical impairment.
Perhaps less obvious, yet equally important, would be any time the rider is not
comfortable with a given situation - like inclement weather or heavy traffic. The
motorcyclist should always have the option to decide that the risk, real or perceived, is
too high. It may be best to use an alternate means of transportation.
Managing risk: physical preparation
In the days where a car-driver's comfort in even a modest car is controlled by a
computer chip, the motorcyclist must rely on protective gear. Given the rider
vulnerability and the ever- changing environment, selecting, purchasing, and wearing
appropriate protective gear is critical. It is may also be a time-consuming and
potentially expensive task.
The section on mental preparation talked about dressing for the ride so we can enjoy
the ride and better pay attention to the riding task. Research says that protective gear
can sometimes reduce injury in the event of an accident. Thus, motorcyclists must also
prepare by dressing for the fall.
Protective gear warrants a separate discussion. However, the minimum-protective gear
includes a helmet, eye protection, gloves, over-the-ankle boots, long-sleeve upper garment
and long pants constructed of a material that protects from the environment and the
potential fall.
Detection of the motorcyclist in traffic is another major cause of accidents, so in
addition to dressing for the ride as well as the fall, we need to dress to be seen. Bright
colors and retro-reflective materials on the helmet, upper garments and vest should be
mandatory components of our protective gear.
By deciding not to wear any one part of protective gear, vulnerability and risk
increase. Are we willing to accept this increased level of risk? Bottom line: if you feel
that you have to compromise your safety for comfort, leave the motorcycle at home and
select another means of transportation. Do you have that option?
Managing risk: motorcycle preparation
A lost part of the romantic motorcycle lore of yesteryear was the rider's need to be a
mechanic. Modern motorcycles are reliable and high-tech machines. In fact, many
manufacturers recommend that certain maintenance procedures be performed only by certified
mechanics. Manufacturers also recommend using only recognized accessories for a given
model.
However, studies show that lack of maintenance can lead to mechanical failure, which
can contribute to an accident. The motorcycle operator is responsible for pre-ride
inspections. The most important items are lights (for visibility), suspension and tires.
Motorcycles have a limited carrying capacity. Underinflation is the most common cause of
tire failure.
Managing risk: knowing the limits of the rider
Motorcycle trainers often comment that questioning a motorcycle rider's skill is
embarrassingly confrontational. Yet one of the most important parts of understanding risk
management is knowing the limits of the rider.
Though some natural coordination is required, most of a rider's skill comes through
knowledge and experience. Knowledge can be gained through formal training -- learning
riding risks in the classroom and physical skills in guided on-cycle practice supervised
by a professional instructor. Knowledge through training can make the experience we gain
through riding less painful and expensive.
But even the most experienced rider's skill level varies. There are the physical
limitations of age, sight, hearing, and coordination. There also can be physical
impairments due to alcohol and other drugs.
Limits vary. Limits are not the same at the end of a long day or at the start of a new
riding season. Limits can vary with a new or unfamiliar motorcycle.
Managing risk: knowing the law and limits of the environment
The environment provides limits. Things like weather, temperature and light can affect
the level of risk. Riders are also responsible for knowing specific licensing, vehicle
equipment, and military requirements.
Managing risk: knowing the limits of the motorcycle
Riders on new or unfamiliar motorcycles are over-represented in accidents. Through
design and purpose, motorcycles have different handling characteristics, size, and control
operation. Cornering clearance is not the same -- a sport bike has different handling
characteristics than a cruiser. Because of limited engine displacement, some motorcycles
may not be legal on interstates or freeways.
In addition to being careful when riding a new or unfamiliar motorcycle, it is probably
best not to loan your motorcycle to a friend. Because of the frequency and severity of
accidents, some military installations specifically prohibit anyone, other than the
registered owner, from operating a motorcycle.
Managing risk: riding strategies
Riding a motorcycle is mostly mental. Strategies define the way our minds deal with the
hazards in the riding environment. One of the most important strategies is to see and be
seen.
Equally important is the ability to react to what we see. Strategies can help you
anticipate and avoid problems before they occur. Riding strategies are the most effective
way of recognizing and lowering risk.
Managing risk: in summary
Motorcycling is an activity with a high level of risk. Once recognized, the first step
in lowering risk is to prepare our minds, our body, and our motorcycle.
The second step in risk management is knowing limits of the rider, motorcycle,
environment, and law. We come to understand the changing nature of these limits, and their
impact on the risk we accept.
Finally, our attitude provides the basis for using this knowledge effectively. We
understand the risk, know the limits, and ride within these limits, using our mental
strategies. Sometimes this means deciding not to ride.
Rider responsibility: who is responsible?
A typical traffic scenario: A rider is on a two-lane roadway. A car turns left in front
of the rider. The rider overbrakes on the rear brake, uses no front brake, and collides
with the car. Who is responsible?
Regardless of who was responsible, who had the most to lose?
Making the decision: Evaluate yourself based on how you would answer each of these
questions.
- Riding a motorcycle requires a higher level of acquired physical and mental skills.
Research tells us, "more than half of all motorcycle accidents involve riders with
less than five months experience. More than 90% of the riders involved in accidents are
self-taught." Am I willing to accept the responsibility to develop the skills?
- "Studies indicate that in crashes, motorcycle riders and passengers are more likely
to be seriously injured or killed than automobile operators or passengers. Injury can
often be avoided by wearing protective gear." What are the consequences in increased
vulnerability to my work, family, others?
- "Many motorcycle crashes are single-vehicle accidents. Crashes with other vehicles
also occur because either or both drivers make errors in judgment. Injury can often be
avoided by knowing when and how to swerve and brake." Why is a motorcyclist's
judgment potentially more critical than a car driver's?
- What are the "perfect" times to ride?
- When might motorcycling not be my best choice of transportation (especially if there is
not an alternate mode of transportation)?
Summary
There are many reasons for wanting to ride a motorcycle - and there are motorcycles and
riding styles for almost everyone. But the prime consideration in deciding to ride is a
decision to accept the risk inherent to motorcycling. This risk can be lowered. But
motorcycling is still a high-risk activity. In an accident, we have a high chance of
personal injury.
We can also apply the basic principles of risk management to other high risk
activities. By definition, high risk activities represent increased chance of personal
injury or property loss. We can sometimes lower the risk to acceptable levels, and
participate in the activity.
However, there are activities, or even times within activities, where the risk is
simply too high -- you can't afford the loss. Then, the best decision is not to
participate. It's a personal decision. But the better you understand the risk and how it
can be lowered, the better chance of making a responsible decision. |