Ride rules to live by

[slabghost]

When riding alone or two up on any bike or motorcycle. You are pretty much invisible to all traffic. Let's face it cagers are unable to notice an 18 wheeler lit up like a christmas tree!
Personally I do acknowledge the actual traffic laws but they really don't apply a lot to bikers. Legally you may have "right of way" but exercise that right with great care. You have no bumpers or cross beams to protect you. The safest gear in the world will not help much if hit by the smallest car or truck. In light of these facts as I see them. I use these rules on my rides.

#1 Everyone else has "right of way" or "Don't tempt squishmobiles".
#2 Ride like you are invisible because to most you are.
#3 Think of the dumbest thing the other guy can possibly do and plan for it. More often than not you will need that plan.
#4 Always have an escape route plan.
#5 Pay no attention to obstacles. Watch the clear path you want.
#6 Always remain courteous in traffic. Do your cussing at home.
#7 Ride like they are out to kill you. Most probably aren't but the goal is to live to enjoy the ride.
#8 Accept responsibility for all you do and the situation you are in.

These rules are what I use and not a complete list. Feel free to adopt or adapt any to your style of riding. Any other safety tips are welcome to be posted here. You will notice that adding lights or sound is not on the list. The reason is they contribute very little to safety and sometimes irritate other drivers. The very best safety device you have is right there atop your shoulders.

 

[dan filipi]

I disagree with not adding lights.
I've asked a few anti-biker's including my mother in law who agree when asked if the lights make a bike more visible and they say yes, they're hard enough to see already.
I even asked people in such a way not to lead them on that I ride, same answer.
I agree loud pipes don't help, that they actually distract a cager.

 

[slabghost]

I disagree with not adding lights.
I've asked a few anti-biker's including my mother in law who agree when asked if the lights make a bike more visible and they say yes, they're hard enough to see already.
I even asked people in such a way not to lead them on that I ride, same answer.
I agree loud pipes don't help, that they actually distract a cager.

I agree dan and as for this
that adding lights or sound is not on the list. The reason is they contribute very little to safety and sometimes irritate other drivers. GOOD if it does then they have to have seen you.

Ever hear of a thing called road rage? :headscratch:

 

[dan filipi]

Yeah, I've gotten pretty pissed at bikers myself.
Mostly the rocket riders and the Harley dudes that insist on right of way like they own that "lane" between the cars.

 

[slabghost]

Which is why I noted "don't tempt the squishmobiles in rule #1
To each his own. Ride as you will I posted the rules I use here as they have kept me out of harms way many years.

 

[joedrum]

thes are perfect rules to me ...if ones want extra stator killing lights and loud mufflers added ...so be be it ...but the theam here is to watch out for everything and use your head to stay out of trouble .... :thanks: :mrgreen:

 

[dan filipi]

Mostly I ride with the flow of traffic and try to avoid being along side a car or truck.
Being left turned in front of me is my greatest fear since that put me in the hospital for 2 days in a coma when I was 16.
I always try to make eye contact.

 

[slabghost]

Mostly I ride with the flow of traffic and try to avoid being along side a car or truck.
Being left turned in front of me is my greatest fear since that put me in the hospital for 2 days in a coma when I was 16.
I always try to make eye contact.

That would be another good rule.
When you pass do so quickly with caution.. :thanks:

 

[backlander]

Always drive defensively, never assume anything, always expect the unexpected to happen and anticipate your escape route.

 

[dan filipi]

I shouldn't say never because here in L.A its often hard not to but try to avoid passing on the right.

 

[Tory]

I understand ROAD RAGE fear,and obnoxious pipes and riding that angers others,But I fail to see why additional lights would irretate others.
If seeing me bothers someone,well I am sorry for that.But I would rather be an alive enemy that a dead friend.There are storys everyday about drivers rear-ending bikes or pulling out in front of them claiming they never saw them.If bright and/or flickery lights caused people to want to hurt me then a fire fighters biggest risk is not the fire.

 

[slabghost]

It's not so much that I disagree with added lighting as it is in "feeling safe" because of the lights. Even strobe lights will not make you safe. They may grant you existence to some but many seem oblivious to their surroundings on the roadways. Added lighting is cool and I personally like different lighting arrangements. I just don't believe it gives me any real added safety.

 

[MrB]

If I recall correctly, Ohio isn't a helmet-required state. Any thoughts on the benefits of protecting the old noggin?

 

[dan filipi]

If I recall correctly, Ohio isn't a helmet-required state. Any thoughts on the benefits of protecting the old noggin?

Yes, wear a helmet even though its not a law.

 

[AApple]

#6 Always remain courteous in traffic. Do your cussing at home.

Mama disagrees wid dis un.... :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy:

I try to watch for every possible scenario, and plan my avoidance accordingly, but sometimes.....ya just can't imagine of some of the crap that some of these morons will do. :rant:

 

[slabghost]

As for the helmet. Yes I do wear one always. I doubt shock adjusting my thinkbox will improve anything. Some may disagree there though.
As for the advice to do your cussing at home. I wasn't suggesting to do it in Momma's presence or the kids. True enough it is hard at times to think of the stupidest moves others can make but in time the process improves.

 

[toytender01]

Yep I agree wid host of use guys on dat....I would also ware a jock strap if I thought it would help
:smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :smilie_happy: :whistling: :ahem:

 

[riff raff]

Dan; I've lost count of how many people I've made or at least thought I've made eye contact with only to have them take the dreaded left turn directly in front of me cutting me off, then looking shocked when I lay on the horn and stop just short of their door! I ride as though I'm totaly invisible. :Egyptian:

 

[mcgovern61]

Dan; I've lost count of how many people I've made or at least thought I've made eye contact with only to have them take the dreaded left turn directly in front of me cutting me off, then looking shocked when I lay on the horn and stop just short of their door! I ride as though I'm totaly invisible. :Egyptian:

I don't wait....if there is any movement of their front wheels towards me I hit the horn right away, even if they are looking! Around here, it is survival of the fittest no matter the vehicle. I installed Stabil Nautilus horns and at nearly 160 decibels it gets their attention instantly!

The cool thing about riding an old black '82 Wing with the Vetter fairing, it looks like the bikes some of the Highway Cops used way back in the day! Dark riding glasses with a 3/4 helmet and they often think it is a Cop when I blow my horn and point at them! :smilie_happy: In slower traffic jams (which is normal traffic around here) if I find someone texting while driving next to me...they get the horn AND a stern warning!

The name Philadelphia means "City of Brotherly Love", but around here it is better known as , "The City of Brotherly SHOVE"!