Join us in our National Safety Month efforts and 'Be Cycle-Logical!'

Join us in our National Safety Month efforts and ‘Be Cycle-Logical!’

It could affect your employees and their families! In Nebraska, over the past seven years,motorcycle registrations have increased by 53%. During the same time period, crashes increased 50% and the number of motorcyclists injured in acrash or collision has risen 54%.

Frequently motor vehicle drivers do not see motorcycles on the road and it is a common cause of crashes. ‘Be Cycle-Logical’ through television, billboards, gas pump toppers and workplace efforts will educate your employees to … “Always look twice for motorcycles.”

Help us educate your employees, their families and our community about motorcycle safety by joining in the ‘Be Cycle-Logical’ Campaign. Here’s what you can do for little or no cost!

Encourage your biker “employee families” to participate in the ‘Be Cycle-Logical’ Safety Ride on June 27! The 50-100 mile ride kicks-off at the Safety Council with a “SafeRider” Championship”, Civilians vs. Omaha Police Motorcycle Unit rider’s demonstration. We will have a soft start 12:00-1:30 p.m. Download the pdf of the poster and the brochure to distribute to your employees by going to Upcoming Events on our website and ‘Be Cycle-Logical’ Safety Ride.

Bikers will enjoy a glorious ride and 6 stops ending at Rosenblatt Stadium at 5 p.m. for a Show ‘n Shine contest, prizes and the 7 p.m. game between the Royals and Albuquerque. Reserved section game tickets and food coupons are included in the advance $15 (ride) or $20 (ride and Show ‘n Shine) fee and additional game tickets ($5 each) and food coupons ($5 each) can be purchased for family and friends.

A raffle winner will throw out the first pitch!

2. Hold a workplace campaign to educate your employees. Free materials include:

An announcement for your in-house newsletter. Click here to download a Be Cycle-Logical announcement for your employees.

Safety tips. Click here to download Motorcycle Safety Tips or Click here to download Auto Driver Tips

Table tents for your lunch room or break room promoting “Test Your Cycle- Logical IQ” and the opportunity to win $1,000.

‘Be Cycle-Logical’ reminder air fresheners for your company vehicles.

To order materials, download the order form , complete and fax to 402-896-6331.

3. Encourage your employees to “Test Your Cycle-Logical IQ.” This IQ test can be found online. All who answer the questions correctly go into a raffle for $1,000 drawing to be awarded July 30. This IQ test is promoted through the table tents and you can download an announcement for your distribution.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Did you know the true purpose of riding gear? Comfort, visibility and protection. Since riders are more vulnerable to injury than car drivers, gear is an important part of enjoying the ride. ‘Be Cycle-Logical’ and always wear your gear.
Motorcycle helmets have four primary components; an outer shell, an impact absorbing liner, comfort padding, and a retention system. These work together to protect your head and brain from injury. ‘Be Cycle-Logical’ and inspect your helmet before each ride.
Angry dogs are a fact of life for riders. To avoid a confrontation when a dog approaches you from the side, slow and downshift. As the dog approaches speed up to throw off the dog’s timing. ‘Be Cycle-Logical’ and prepare for encounters with pets and wildlife.
The greatest potential for conflict (accidents) is at intersections. Minimize the potential by checking behind you, for oncoming traffic, and looking left and right before you enter. ‘Be Cycle-Logical’ to avoid a major factor in motorcycle crashes: Intersections.
There are many ways to be more visible to others in traffic. Your choice of lane, where you position the bike within the lane, use of motorcycle lights and choice of clothing all affect rider visibility to other drivers. ‘Be Cycle-Logical’ and always choose the method that makes you the most visible.

Click here to download these tips

What All Drivers Should Know

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.
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.
Motorcyclists often adjust position within a lane to be seen more easily and to minimize the effects of wind, road debris, and passing vehicles. Understand that motorcyclists adjust lane position for a purpose, not to be reckless or show off.
Because of its small size a motorcycle seems to be moving faster than it really is. Don't think motorcyclists are speed demons.

Because of its small size, a motorcycle may look farther away than it is. When checking traffic to turn at an intersection, predict a motorcycle is closer than it looks.
Because of its small size, a motorcycle can be easily hidden by objects inside or outside a car (door posts, mirrors, passengers, bushes, fences, bridges, blind spots, etc). Take an extra moment to thoroughly check traffic, whether you're
changing lanes or turning at intersections.
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".
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.

Carrying a passenger complicates a motorcyclist's task. Balance is more difficult. Stopping distance is increased. Maneuverability is reduced. Predict more problems when you see two on a motorcycle, especially near intersections.

Mirrors are smaller on a motorcycle and usually convex. This gives the motorcyclist a smaller image of you and makes you appear farther back than you actually are. Keep at least a three or four second space cushion when following a motorcyclist.

There are a lot more cars and trucks than motorcycles on the road, and some drivers don't "recognize" a motorcycle and ignore it (usually unintentionally). Look for motorcycles, especially when checking traffic at an intersection.

At night, single headlights and taillights on motorcycles can blend into the lights of other traffic. Those "odd" lights could be a motorcycle.
When a motorcycle is in motion, don't think of it as motorcycle; think of it as a person.

Click here to download these tips

Reference: Ridercoach Guide Rev. 4/05 – Motorcycle Safety Foundation