Rider training

Rider training has made an enormous difference to the level of skill in the NSW motorcycle community. New riders are better and far safer than they would have been in the past.

Motorcycling is not a static skill so further training is a good idea too. Whether you are one of those new riders or an experienced motorcyclist, think about doing a roadcraft course to update your practical knowledge and skills.

Explore the types of on-road courses that are on offer, and go have some fun while you learn even more about your favourite pastime. Learning to ride never ends, further training is a good idea.

Educating drivers

As riders we tend to look out for motorcycles. However not everybody rides, and not everyone has the same interest in motorcycles as we do. Often drivers don't see us simply because they are not looking for motorcycles. In addition, motorcycles are harder to see than other vehicles. Motorcycles are small, they easily blend into the background, can accelerate faster than other vehicles and it’s hard to judge their approaching speed.

It is easy to understand why some drivers seem to pull straight out without looking. If you follow some of the tips in this book about scanning, buffering and setting up, you will be able to look after yourself most of the time.

However, if motorcycle riders educated drivers in some basic observation techniques a lot of these situations might near eventuate. Listed below are some tips you can share with your friends who drive. You might find they come in handy for you too.

• Remember to scan the road environment, and keep a special eye out for motorcycles.
• Cars have blinds spots which can be large enough for motorcycles to disappear in. Look over your shoulder before you make a move of any kind.
• Check your mirrors and blind spots often, and give motorcycles room in traffic.
• When you’re getting out of a parked car, check for motorcycles before you open the door.
• When you’re pulling out from the kerb, look especially for motorcycles. They have a narrower profile than cars, and they can come up very quickly.
• Do the same during any manoeuvre. Motorcycles can turn up in the most unexpected places.
• Give motorcycles space. They may have to avoid an obstacle that wouldn’t matter to you, but that could be a serious problem for them.

Check blind spots.
Look out for motorcyclists.
Give motorcyclists space.

Useful contacts

Police and other emergency services: 000.
Reporting road surface damage: 131 700.
RTA customer service: 13 22 13
(8.30am - 5pm Mon-Fri and 8.30am - 2pm Sat)
Rider training bookings: 13 22 13.
NSW St John Ambulance: 1300 360 455