May 21, 2013, Scotland – THE nationwide campaign seen offenders receiving a fine or having their vehicles seized.
Road safety
Motorcyclist speeding at 126mph and other offences were detected in a three-dayroad safety crackdown. Offenders received a fine or had their vehicle seized in the nationwide campaign held between 7am on Friday and 7am yesterday morning. Some drivers face court over offences.
Over the weekend, many road users were caught over speeding, some drives dangerously and carelessly while others are driving without insurance or valid motorcycle driver’s license. There are people also who were caught driving vehicles in need of repairs.
Police had a particular focus on motorbikes during the campaign and of those caught speeding 39 were bikers.
Inspector Ian Paul, head of the Motorcycle Trunk Road Patrol Group, said: “The weather was not great over the weekend, with most areas in Scotland seeing at least some rain, which kept some riders at home. However, despite the bad weather, there are motorcycle riders who didn’t take the heed of road safety and place themselves in danger by riding in the rain.
“Hopefully the weather will improve and Police Scotland will maintain high visibility patrols throughout Scotland to educate and where necessary enforce all aspects of road safety legislation relating to road safety,” Mr Paul added.
Their priority is working with the community to keep people safe. Road users especially motorcycle drivers are advised to take road safety seriously and to comply with road traffic legislation.
The origins of the very first motorized bicycle can be traced back to the second half of the 19th century. It was in 1867 when a Parisian Ernest Michaux, fitted a small steam powered engine to one of his fathers ‘velocipedes’, or ‘Michauline’. This has became the first model of bicycle with pedals at the time.
The Hildebrand & Wolfmüller became the very first motorcycle available for purchase by the general public in 1894. Only a few hundred examples of this motorcycle were ever built, however, as engines became more and more powerful and designs began to outgrow their humble bicycle origins.
Today, there are three major types of motorcycle and typically seen with many variants within each subcategory. Street legal motorcycles include cruisers, sportbikes, and scooters, while off-road bikes include many types designed for dirt-oriented racing classes such as motocross. Finally, there’s the dual-purpose motorcycle that consists of the dual-sport style, which are made for off-roading but also include features that make them street legal.
According to Steve Swindlehurst, the enthusiastically passionate motorcycle instructor with the Grande Prairie Regional College program Ready To Ride, the passion to ride a bike is a little crazy. Riding a motorcycle is a different way to take in the scenery; a different way to take in the world as you drive around you can actually smell the rain.
The Program..
Ready to Ride Motorcycle Program
For two years, Steve and his wife, Heather Swindlehurst, have been crisscrossing the Peace Country region together. Working in tandem, they teach novice motorcycle enthusiasts everything they need to know when riding a motorcycle, including how to mount a motorcycle.
They provide 4 hours of studying motorcycle defensive riding theory inside the safety of a classroom, and an additional 16 hours of on-bike training. This includes on-road and gravel riding, low speed exercises, and emergency and safety maneuvers.
Throughout these two-day, 20-hour course, riders will learn the latest in motorcycle defensive driving theory and riding skills, and will be prepared for acquiring their Class 6 Motorcycle Road Test.
Steve Swindlehurst agrees that motorcycling can be a dangerous activity, however you should learn how to drive defensively while being in tune with your surroundings, and most importantly, be highly aware of your comfort level and skill. Riders are encouraged to wear motorcycle helmet andriding pants and other safety gears for protection.
The GPRC Ready to Ride Motorcycle Safety Program runs an estimated 26 to 34 classes per year, with a 10 student per class maximum. All motorcycles are included in the cost of $550, but it is mandatory that all students bring with them their own safety equipment.
To inquire about classroom availability or to simply find out more information, you can do so by logging onto the GPRC website, and searching for the Motorcycle Safety Program.
May 4, 2013, Autoevolution posted tips and suggestions on how to beat the summer heat.
They say a motorcyclist who rides much throughout the year is seldom dry, as he or she is either wet from riding in the rain or wet from sweating. Those who are familiar with long rides just know that the blessed state of “I’m 100% OK” is quite a rare thing.
Most of the riders will be aboard their bikes during the warm season between May and September. However, riding in the blistering sun, and not knowing how to defend yourself against the unforgiving heat can easily take away the joy of riding and can even lead to serious problems.
There are several issues to consider before a rider went out for a long ride. First, check the weather forecast. Second consider how long your journey will be or how long you will be riding into the day and lastly, check your riding gear and remember about your potential health issues. Doing all these will increase the chances of having a successful day of riding.
How to beat the heat when riding in a how weather?
1. Know your enemies
There are two archenemies when it comes to riding in very hot weather: dehydration is the biggest evil of all and then there’s the rest of physiological effects of sun/heat on the human body and mind. When exposed to excessive heat, the human body attempts to balance and counteract the overheating process by sweating. Evaporating water cools down the area and this is the way in which our bodies fight against excessive heat. When exposed to excessively high temperatures over an extended period, some individuals might experience nausea, nose bleeding, increased heart rate, sensory delusions and many other nasty effects that are not to be desired, especially when riding a motorcycle.
Knowing the way your body reacts to heat exposure is the key element for taking the best precautionary actions and counter-balance the negative effects.
2. Water and minerals are your best friends
When sweating, the human body eliminates a huge amount of essential minerals that are to be found in the bodily fluids. One of the main things when it comes to preventing the effects of dehydration is trying to re-establish the natural mineral balance in your body. Only water will not do, special beverages, such as Gatorade and the likes of that are more than soft drinks: they help bring back the normal level of minerals in the body.
Aside from these drinks, dioralytes or Oral Rehydration Salts are also good. Dioralyte solutions are pretty much the same thing but in a slightly different shape: they are powdered mineral compounds that can be dissolved in water, sometimes coming with certain fruit flavors.
When going for long rides, dioralyte bags are far more convenient as they take up a very small place in your luggage and can be mixed on the spot whenever needed. When riding in very hot weather, it’s crucial to remember to rehydrate periodically. Depending on how much every individual sweats, drinking a small amount of water periodically is a very good way to prevent dehydration.
3. Why avoid dehydration?
Many people believe that dehydration equals thirst and once you had some water, things are back to normal. Dehydration is in fact many times more dangerous than the mere sensation of being thirsty. Medical studies on the negative effects of dehydration states that people should try to avoid dehydration as much as possible, by drinking enough water, before the strong sensation of thirst is present.
Riders should know that feeling a bit thirsty is the initial alarm that the body needs more water in order to keep functioning well. There is a very thin line between “alright” and “very bad” unfortunately when it comes to dehydration. According to studies, a mere 2% drop in hydration levels is already causing short-term memory to become fuzzy, makes some basic math and mental associations seem like harder tasks and so on.
Mild to moderate levels of dehydration lead to fatigue, muscle weakness, decreased concentration, headaches, dizziness or lightheadedness and more. Even more, dehydration makes blood be thicker than the usual, and this will cause the heart to work harder in order to pump the low-pressure fluid into your veins, causing unnecessary stress and decreasing the levels of oxygen reaching the cells.
This will also lead to rapid breathing, as the human body will attempt to supplement the oxygen intake. In more advanced situations, drowsiness may also ensue, increasing the risks of making a severe error hundredfold. Finally, if dehydration occurs, the body will regulate the amount of sweat, thus trying to preserve the water resources: less sweating equals less cooling, and there we go, a very dangerous snowball effect that can turn out extremely nasty results.
It really makes no difference which way you replenish your water resources while on the road, as long as you do it. What you eat and drink just before starting off your journey on the road can prevent dehydration.
Remember that certain types of food and beverages will require bigger amounts of water to be processed by the human body and they might have a negative impact on the water levels. Drinks such as alcohol, coffee, black tea and similar beverages that contain caffeine will cause more frequent urination and need large amounts of water to be processed.
On the other hand, dishes with high-protein content need water for breaking down the proteins, while a diet based on high-fiber content tends to eliminate water by associating it with fiber excretion. Remember that the biggest water consumption is caused by the simple sugars, as they need very much water in order to be metabolized. Candy bars and similar sweets are draining more water from your body than you could imagine.
A balanced meal before the trip will help you stay in better shape (water-wise) and is a key element for “beating the heating,” if a very subtle and often overlooked one. Ride safe and be cool, see you soon with another episode.
Wisconsin, May3, 2013– According to Cycle News, Road America announced that Yamaha has become the Official Motorcycle of Road America as part of a multi-year agreement. Additionally, Yamaha will also play an integral role at the track as part of Road America’s successful motorcycle school programs to educate two-wheel enthusiasts. Endorsed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), Road America’s Basic Rider Courses are taught by award-winning rider coaches who have completed extensive training through the MSF and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT). Successful completion of the school’s basic rider course enables participants to obtain a Class M endorsement on their driver’s license from the WisDOT.
“The Yamaha partnership is a deeply-integrated program that will bring many new benefits to Road America,” said George Bruggenthies, president and general manager of Road America. “We are looking forward to elevating our programs and offerings as we work alongside Yamaha to bring new experiences and opportunities to fans, motorcycling enthusiasts and the many Yamaha motorcycle dealers in the region.”
As part of being an official partner of Road America, Yamaha will have a presence through multiple areas of the venue and fans will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for the GEICO Motorcycle AMA ProRacing Subway SuperBike Doubleheader, May 31-June 2 at local dealerships. As part of the Road America Motorcycle Schools, Yamaha motorcycles will be used exclusively to train beginner and advanced students how to ride safe.
The Courses
For anyone interested in learning how to ride at Road America, the Basic Rider Course or (BRC) consists of 16 hours of combined classroom and practical riding instruction. Participants in this course learn basic riding techniques on motorcycles and scooters supplied by Yamaha, along with important safety skills to minimize the risks of motorcycling.
For the experienced enthusiast, Road America offers a Level 1 Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic, developed by world-renowned motorcycle journalist and race champion, Lee Parks. This one day clinic will make a specific, measurable improvement in an individual’s skills regarding throttle control, throttle/brake transitions, corner entry, line selection, body position and corner exit.
Road America also offers Supermoto (Demo & Basic). These courses are taught on Road America’s Blain’s Farm & Fleet Motorplex, a purpose-built 1-mile paved and dirt track with multiple configurations and elevation changes.
About Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., (YMUS), is a leader in the motorsports market. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include motorcycles, ATVs and Side-by-Side vehicle, outboard motors, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, boats, outdoor power equipment, accessories, apparel and much more.
About Road America
Established in 1955 as the first permanent road racing course in the United States, Road America is located midway between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The 640-acre, park-like grounds offer amazing viewing opportunities, fantastic concessions and high-speed excitement to hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. In addition to public race weekends, Road America offers a variety of group event programs, the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Motorplex for karting and supermoto, and the Road America Motorcycle and Advanced Driving Schools.
The month of May is the Motorcycle Awareness Month. The Department of Transportation is urging and reminding all motorists to observe road safety. It is always safe for the motorists to drive sober and trained. Department of Transportation reminds the motorists and motorcyclist to share the road and be aware of motorcycles. There is an increased in the number of motorcycles in the road during this month because of the warm weather. The motorcycle awareness program in every state is a reminder that motorists, truck drivers and car drivers should be extra careful in the road. They are encouraged to give several car lengths to avoid accidents.
This May’s campaign is a great way to increase the awareness of the motorcyclists. The riders should always wear protective gear and should stay visible at all times. They must wear appropriate gears such as helmets, jackets, pants, goggles, motorcycle rain suits and gloves. To stay visible, wear bright colour motorcycle gears. As Lubbert, the spokesperson of the Department of Transportation said, “It’s important to wear a helmet, but also full length pants, full armed jackets, gloves and boots, just to protect them in the event of a crash,” “And to make sure that people riding are fully trained”, he added.
Having a valid motorcycle endorsement, quality training on motorcycle safety and wearing safety equipment are simple, yet very important things to keep the motorcyclist from any road accident. For the drivers to be fully aware of the motorcyclists, it is important for the other motorists to understand that a motorcycle has all the same privilege as any vehicle on the roadway. When on the road, look out for motorcyclists on the highway, intersections and be aware of them because riders usually change lanes at all times. Other tip: have plenty of space in front of the vehicle and do not trail the motorcycle closely.
It is important to remember that is not safe to drive while under the influence of alcohol. If you are under the influence of alcohol or any drugs, it can decrease your perception and awareness that can lead to accidents. Driving a vehicle requires total control and concentration whether it is a motorcycle or a car. Be aware that alcohol increases the risk of crashing by 40%. Awareness in motorcycle riding is life changing. Obey these rules to keep you safe from any form of accidents. It is a must not only to yourself, but to the other motorists as well.
Autoevolution reported last week that a truly controversial law was proposed by Nebraska state Senator Paul Schumacher. The law states that motorcycle ridersare to be allowed to run the red light after waiting two or more minutes and in case no other vehicle is around.
This law project claim that in the case of traffic light coordinated by sensors, most of the two-wheeled vehicles fail to trigger these sensors the way cars or trucks do. Riders are forced to wait 5 minutes or more for nothing. Motorcyclists sometimes have to wait in inclement weather (rain, cold, wind) and this bill would really help easing their riding.
Similar exceptional traffic regulations are to be encountered in Missouri, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Idaho, Arkansas, Tennessee and Minnesota, but the opinions are strong on both the supporters’ and the opponents’ sides.
In the December 2012 issue of “Motorcycle Cruiser” Magazine, Mark Zimmerman writes a great article with some solid tips for riding a motorcycle in the rain.
Mark’s take on riding in the rain is pretty fairly balanced, with a look back on youth and “invincibility” making riding in the rain less frightening and a look to today with more caution and care, but certainly no fear of riding in the rain.
Some of the funny comments from the article:
While I’d never suggest that riding in the rain is as pleasant as riding in the sunshine, I can tell you that it’s not particularly bad, at least not unless you’re riding through a real frog strangler, and under certain conditions, like when it’s 110 in the shade and you hit a cooling shower, it can be downright pleasant.
I’ve been caught in the rain on every motorcycle I’ve ever owned many more times than you can count, and I’ve yet to see one melt, or even suffer irreparable damage.
But he’s also got his good advice hidden in a few “tricks”:
Most importantly you need good rain gear. Riding in the rain takes some concentration, and that’s tough to come by when you’re wet and cold.
[Good rain gear . . .] provides an acceptable level of protection against road rash should the unfortunate occur, which is something that can’t be said for you average plastic rain suit.
During the first few minutes of rain, all the debris and gunk floats to the surface, making the pavement as slippery as a greased hog, so you have to tone it down some in the beginning, and be particularly cautious about riding in the middle of the lane, where all those leaky cars and trucks have been depositing their oil. It’ll take at least a half an hour of steady rain to wash it away, so treat the throttle with caution, especially if the roads have been dry for a while.
. . . adding a few extra pounds of air to the tire will help prevent aquaplaning, which occurs when the tire rides on top of the water, rather than push it aside. Increasing the tire pressure by 3-5 pounds narrows the tire’s foot print, and helps the tire’s rain sipes squeegee the water out from under the contact patch, enhancing traction.
This article is a great little read about riding in the rain.
How to Prepare your Bike for Winter Season? Here are 7 “Must Do’s”
motorcycle for winter riding
Winter is unquestionably here! This is often one of the toughest times of the year to be out riding on your bike. However, for a seasoned bike rider, riding throughout the winter season is nothing new. Though it may be uncomfortable riding in the snow and tougher to fight the cold, with the right skills and gear you can survive the ride.
Though as important as preparing ourselves, it is also very important to prepare our bikes for the winter season.
Learning ways to keep your bike in prime condition throughout the winter season can be a challenge. To help you out, here’s a list of things you can do in order to prepare your bike.
1. Check or replace your tires. Riding throughout the winter season means potentially riding in the snow. During the winter season the road is slippery. Check your tires in case they need replacement due to low tread and/or to change out for better winter tires altogether. New tires will give you maximum amount traction and you can’t go wrong with tires that are specifically made for the winter season.
2. Check your lights. This is maybe a “no brainer” but one of the most important pieces of winter riding gear when you’ll be riding more in the dark and visibility is a problem.
3. Use coolant. You need to use or fill the system with anti-freeze to shield your bike from deep freeze damage.
4. Use Mudguard. This can facilitate managing the quantity of dirt, mud and spray that may stick or accumulate on your bike. This will keep away the dirt that may affect the engine of the bike. Mudguard can also scale back corrosion and the probability of water getting in the electrical system.
5. Install a windshield. Throughout the winter season, a bike with raised and adjustable-bubble screen is ideal. It will help shield your eyes and body from the cold air.
6. Check your chain (if you have one). Except for tires, chain maintenance is incredibly important. Continually check the chain of your bike to keep corrosion at bay. Always give lubrication to increase chain and sprocket life.
7. Use reflectors. Along with ensuring your lights are working, reflectors also help us to be visible to every driver in the road. You can add reflective stickers on different areas of your bike particularly those parts that don’t seem to be very visible in the dark.
These are the things you need to do in order to prepare your motorcycle for winter riding.
Many riders don’t want to go riding during rainy seasons or just fear riding in the rain in general. Being wet is not the best idea for some riders. But what if you just have places you want to go?
Some of us consider getting wet a fun and exciting experience.
For some, it seems like no amount of rain can stop them. Rain is not a barrier for them to go out. Do you want to be just like them?
What should you consider when planning to ride a motorcycle in the rain. First, since the roads are wet, it can be more dangerous or more tricky to ride. It’s hard to control your bike on a slippery and wet road. Second, there is a threat to your health. How much rain and cold can you take before you totally get sick? If you don’t have a healthy and fit body, being exposed to the elements might turn out bad for you.
So what can you do if you want to be an active (or at least unafraid) motorcyclist in the rain?
Listed below are some tips that can help you ride safely in the rain.
Tips that will help you became more prepared in riding your bike on the rain:
Dress Properly. During a rainy day, wear a waterproof suit. Amotorcycle rain suit can keep you dry, warm and comfortable all the time. A waterproof rain suit is one of the most important pieces of gear and you shouldn’t take if for granted. If possible, do not leave the house without bringing your motorcycle rain suit. Remember that you will never know when and where you will get caught by the rain.
Wear glasses or goggles. It will be hard to see clearly during a rainy day therefore choose an eye wear that will protect your eyes against the wind, rain and insects but at the same time will help you see the road clearly.
Check your motorcycle. Do not leave the house without inspecting your bike. Check of the brakes are functioning well, check your head and tail lights, your tires and see if all controls are functioning.
Always make yourself more visible to others. As rain pour down the road became dark as the fog comes out. It is important that you have warning lights and brighter suits order to become visible to every driver on the road.
Watch your speed and your distance. Ride slowly. You need to control your speed during a rainy day because the road is slippery and your tires have less traction on the surface of the road.
Watch all the corners. If you plan to turn in the corner stay alert. In this you can see if there is another vehicle crossing and you don’t want to crash on them.
Always remember that rainy season is one of the dangerous seasons to ride a motorcycle. But it is not a barrier for you to enjoy a good ride. Just be prepared always and keep yourself protected.
Autoevolution reported last week that a truly controversial law was proposed by Nebraska state Senator Paul Schumacher. The law states that 
