Here at Carole Nash, we like to believe that all our customers ride safely when they’re out on the road. However,if you think you know a rider that’s guilty of some the faux pas listed below, point them towards our blog and help them to learn the basics of ‘how not to ride a bike’.
Get geared
While wearing a t-shirt and hopping on your bike without a helmet might look pretty damn cool, your body will not thank you were to have a fall. Remember, there’s no airbags or safety glass installed in a bike to protect you in a worst case scenario, so you need to pile on the protective gear if you want to come out unscathed.
Revving
Sometimes you just can’t resist revving your engine but if you have to do it at least avoid build up areas or revving at night. Nobody likes a noisy neighbour.
Keep it cautious
Keeping your eyes on the road and driving safely sometimes isn’t enough to ensure your safety on a bike. Sadly, many car drivers often forget to look out for bikes on the road which makes you extremely vulnerable. You really need to act as though you have two sets of eyes and watch out for the car driver as well as keeping your eyes on the road!
Burning out
Cut back on the burn outs. Not only do they wreak havoc on your tyres, the rather stinky cloud they emit tends to irritate pedestrians too.
Weaving
According to our customer panel, the worst thing that you can do is give other bikers a bad name by acting stupid by blasting up the inside of traffic.’
Bikers are constantly given a bad name on the road and weaving madly in and out of traffic is probably one of the main reasons why. Overtake safely and sensibly and you might notice you receive fewer angry looks from car drivers.
Wheelies
The only thing worse than a rider who weaves is a rider who wheelies through a built-up area. If you’re not a stunt driver, don’t act like one.
Also, don’t do one on the motorway. You’ll scare the living daylights out of others whilst putting yourself in serious danger.
Arrogance costs lives
Don’t overestimate the importance of proper training. Even if you’re qualified in the basics and you’ve learnt an extra thing or two from your mate around the corner, investing in advanced training will always have a positive impact on your driving. Acknowledge weaknesses in your skills and practice, practice, practice!
And remember, manners cost nothing
Road rage, especially between motorcyclists and car drivers, is a fairly common thing. You share the road with so many drivers and showing respect and gratitude is a small gesture that can mean a great deal. You never know, the occasional thank you might just save your life and hopefully you’ll get one in return.
