When I ride the scooter my jeans pull on my knees and restrict my mobility and that makes it very uncomfortable and draws my attention away from what I should be focusing on. So the other day I had to go searching for special jeans just for riding my scooter. It took me forever to find the right ones and I hate to shop and apparently so does Bill unless we’re at a swap meet.

Since riding on the regular streets with automobiles and trucks all around I need all my concentration focused on traffic since I’m still a novice. I visited the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and was reading their tips for all car and truck drivers and things they need to know which I am going to list below because it’s important.

I realize that more than ever since a truck pulling into the fairgrounds didn’t even stop and almost caused me to crash into him. People that are use to riding bikes and scooters are always more alert when driving a car or truck because they know how inconsiderate drivers are toward bikers and that they just don’t think especially the ones on their cell phones.

I think you’re going to find a lot more people turning to bikes and scooters for transportation because of the soaring fuel prices. I know the dealer we bought my scooter from said his sales were way up. I am seriously thinking about selling mine and getting a 150 cc because I think I will be safer with a bigger tire and more power when I pull out.

These are very good tips and should be read by everyone just so you will be more aware. Please take a moment to read, you could save a life and it might even be yours.

QUICK TIPS:
Ten Things All Car & Truck Drivers Should Know About Motorcycles
1. There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don’t “recognize” a motorcycle; they ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.

2. Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. It may also be difficult to judge a motorcycle’s speed. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection or into (or out of) a driveway, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.

3. Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden in a car’s blind spots (door/roof pillars) or masked by objects or backgrounds outside a car (bushes, fences, bridges, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you’re changing lanes or turning at intersections.

4. Because of its small size a motorcycle may seem to be moving faster than it really is. Don’t assume all motorcyclists are speed demons.

5. Motorcyclists often slow by downshifting or merely rolling off the throttle, thus not activating the brake light. Allow more following distance, say 3 or 4 seconds. At intersections, predict a motorcyclist may slow down without visual warning.

(That’s why we bought the backoff light module, if you just touch the brake it will flash 3 times stay on then start flashing all over again and believe me that will get your attention)

6. Turn signals on a motorcycle usually are not self-canceling, thus some riders, (especially beginners) sometimes forget to turn them off after a turn or lane change. Make sure a motorcycle’s signal is for real.

(That would be me, because I do forget sometimes, but I do my best to remember)

7. Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of road debris, passing vehicles, and wind. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off or to allow you to share the lane with them.

8. Maneuverability is one of a motorcycle’s better characteristics, especially at slower speeds and with good road conditions, but don’t expect a motorcyclist to always be able to dodge out of the way.

9. Stopping distance for motorcycles is nearly the same as for cars, but slippery pavement makes stopping quickly difficult. Allow more following distance behind a motorcycle because it can’t always stop “on a dime.”

(Please don’t stick your bumper up my rearend ,that happens quite often.

10. When a motorcycle is in motion, don’t think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.
www.msf-usa.org 4/05

Now see that didn’t take long to read and I’m sure you already knew most of this because it’s basic common sense, but I realize not everyone uses common sense especially with all the distractions out there and that also applies to some bikers.