3 steps to safe motorcycle riding

For the record, I love to ride motorcycles. There is something awesome about it. I feel much more in touch with the environment around me. I didn’t get my first motorcycle until I was in my early 20s because my parents believed motorcycles were just too dangerous.

In some ways, my parents were correct. A motorcycle rider must ride defensively because they do not have the same protections associated with a car or truck.

Good riding weather is here and I thought this might be a great time to address motorcycle safety. Let’s start with what a motorcyclist can do to minimize risk. Step one is wear the proper safety equipment. The law requires a motorcycle rider to wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation. I understand many riders are freedom-loving, independent people. However, I am equally sure there is someone who loves them, hoping they ride home safely. Wear your DOT-approved helmet.

Other safety equipment is not required, but is advisable. I always wear a good pair of leather gloves with “slide studs” on the palm. Body armor is also a good idea but can get pretty hot here in the Valley. I wear an armor-mesh jacket with a removable liner. In addition, long pants and boots covering the ankle help prevent minor scrapes if a rider has to lay the bike down.

Step two, know your limits. It’s easy for a newer rider to get in over his or her head, especially when riding with friends or a group. If you plan on going for a group ride and you are an inexperienced rider, position yourself toward the rear of the pack so you can ride at a level you feel comfortable. While working in the Hollister area, a popular place for motorcycling, I responded to many motorcycle collisions partly caused by the rider being inexperienced — riders pushing the speed limits on unknown roads, showing off for friends, and taking passengers who have never ridden on a motorcycle before. If you are an experienced rider, be a good example for newer riders. Be encouraging and patient.

Step three — ride defensively. What does that mean? Assume people in cars don’t see you. Every intersection should be approached with caution. It’s easy for a small motorcycle to be in a vehicle’s blind spot, so I always like to make eye contact with cross traffic when possible. In addition, a rider should avoid blind spots, especially around large trucks and buses. If you’re riding and realize you’re in a blind spot, immediately either slow down or accelerate to become more visible. All it takes is a quick lane change by a car, and a rider could be in serious trouble.

A word about lane splitting. Officially, lane splitting is legal when done in a safe and prudent manner. If you decide to practice this form of riding, please be extra cautious.

The California Highway Patrol strongly encourages all riders to sign up for the California Motorcyclist Safety Program before beginning to ride. CMSP is California’s official motorcycle safety and training program administered by the CHP, offering courses for both the new and returning rider.

CMSP trains approximately 65,000 motorcyclists per year and with over 120 training sites, there truly is one near you. Many experienced riders are hesitant to sign up for these courses but CMSP offers classes for riders of varying skill levels. Even longtime riders are usually surprised at how much information they gain attending one of these classes.

The initial Motorcyclist Training Course (MTC) is a 15-hour course, which includes five hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of actual riding. The MTC is mandatory to get a driver’s license for a motorcycle if you are under 21.

To enroll in a CMSP course, call (877) RIDE-411 or visit www.californiamotorcyclist.com.

This story was originally published May 30, 2015 at 6:00 AM with the headline "3 steps to safe motorcycle riding."