Simple Cycle Safety Practices Keep You Alive

Easy bike safety Tips to Keep You on the Road and Out of the Emergency Room!

OhioCar-Insurance.com is dedicated to keeping riders safe during the busy spring and summer cycle season. With 27 years of riding experience, J.D. Preston, the chairman of OhioCar-Insurance.com sees the results of ignoring safety every day in his network of agencies operating in 14 states. In addition to educating drivers about motorcycle awareness and cycle insurance, we have teamed with 15 top cycle insurance carriers to remind motorcyclists about simple riding techniques that can give everyday riders an edge when it comes to safety.

As a rider with almost 30 years of experience, Preston knows first-hand which techniques can spell the difference between an enjoyable ride and a trip to the emergency department. “Safety is always first.”

Follow These Proven Tips for Staying Out of Harm’s Way:
Focus on braking. According to motorcycle manufacturers, up to 70 percent or more of your stopping power is located in the front of the cycle. Often times riders rely too much on only the front or rear brake: A practice that can result in loss of control or excessive stopping distances. Either of which can be a serious hazard in an emergency situation. Use a combination of front and rear brakes for maximum control and fast stops.

Avoid target fixation.
Focus ahead in your riding field. A rider who is turning must be planning his or her next move by mid-corner. Motorcyclists in traffic must always “think” ahead. Try to focus on where you want to go in addition to where you are. Be mindful of upcoming turns, pot holes, gravel, wet roads and other hazards that can affect your cycle differently than they might while driving a car.

Follow the Leader…But Don’t Mimic the Leader.
If you are riding with friends be careful not to mimic the moves of riders in front of you. Accidents often occur when the lead rider in a group makes a mistake and others “automatically” follow along.

Keep Your Interaction with the cycle Smooth.
In riding, the motorcyclist with the smoothest input (Steering, shifting, braking, turning and leaning with or against the bike etc.) will have the “smoothest” and safest experience.

Motorcycles tend to be very sensitive and/or responsive to subtle input to the controls. It doesn’t take a lot to cause your cycle to react.

Be Constantly Aware of Road Conditions.
Always consider road conditions. Suspension settings, rider balance and positioning along with tire pressure can all be influenced by changing road conditions. This is why bike set-up is a crucial component of a safe riding strategy. Before you and your cycle hit the road, take time to consider how to best prepare for current and anticipated conditions you may encounter.

Take Care When Packing/Loading Items on Your cycle or Into Saddle Bags
Remember to keep your weight low, balanced and evenly distributed. Don’t create an awkward cycle that becomes difficult to handle in certain situations.

Even the most cautious riders should make sure their cycle is covered in case of collision or other physical loss. OhioCar-Insurance.com has specific cycle insurance policies from 15 top carriers that can include collision, vandalism, theft, comprehensive losses and damage caused by uninsured or underinsured drivers or riders.