National Safety Council

Motorcycle Safety Campaign

 ‘Be Cycle-Logical!’

 

 

You'll Find Info, Tips & A Cool Poster!

Why ARE we doing this?

Summer is a time of increased travel on the nation’s roads.  In Nebraska, over the last decade, motorcycle registration numbers have more than doubled and are continuing to rise steadily.  Recent data shows 45% of motorcycle/scooter crashes involved collisions with other vehicles.  

We're not just riding in the summer anymore though ... we're riding year round!

 

Frequently motor vehicle drivers do not see motorcycles on the road and it is a common cause of crashes.  The ‘Be Cycle-Logical’ campaign is designed to educate motor vehicle drivers to be aware of motorcycles on the road and educate motorcycle drivers about how to drive safely, wear proper gear and be aware of motor vehicles.  Remember - “Always look twice for motorcycles.”

 

You can learn more about motorcycle safety by reviewing the safety tips below..

 

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!

 

  1. Hold a workplace campaign to educate your employees.  Free materials include:
  1. Encourage your employees to “Test Your Cycle-Logical IQ.”   This IQ test can be found online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F6CV58Z.  All who answer the questions correctly go into a raffle for $250 drawing to be awarded July 9th.   This IQ test is promoted through the table tents and you can download an announcement for your distribution.
  1. To order materials, download the order form (click here), complete and fax to 402-896-6331.

                  

 

We hope you will join us in this campaign.

     

Motorcycle Safety Tips

  1. 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.        
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. Be conspicuous to help draw attention - Wear brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet. Red, yellow, orange and white are highly visible and help a rider stand out. Strategically use your lane position to see and be seen. Use reflective tape and stickers to made you more visible to other motorist. Use turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if you think no one will see them. Combine hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to yourself.

Click here to download these tips

What All Drivers Should Know

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Because of its small size a motorcycle seems to be moving faster than it really is. Don't think motorcyclists are speed demons.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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".
  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. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. At night, single headlights and taillights on motorcycles can blend into the lights of other traffic. Those "odd" lights could be a motorcycle.
  13. 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