Here are some safe riding tips that can help you be in control of your own safety.
Scanning
Scanning is constantly moving your eyes to collect as much information as possible about your riding environment.
Setting up
Setting up means applying your brakes lightly as you approach potential hazards. This can greatly reduce your response time and therefore your stopping distance.
Setting up has 3 key benefits:
- It prepares the rider – you have recognised the hazard and decided on a course of action. If needed, you will be able to respond quickly and with more control.
- It prepares the motorcycle – free play in the brakes is taken up, the suspension is compressed, the contact patch of the tyres is flattening, the motorcycle is ready for hard braking if needed.
- It prepares the vehicle behind – you set up and your brake light comes on, you alerted the driver behind that you may be about to brake hard.
If a problem arises you'll need at least 3 seconds to react and brake. So set up for any situation where there is potential for something to enter the space 3 seconds in front of your motorcycle.
Buffering
Buffering is simply positioning your bike to create maximum space around you, away from hazards. Moving away from danger may also increase the likelihood that you’ll be seen.
Scan for hazards.
Slow down.
Move away from hazards.