If you are a motorcyclist, you probably have a debate with yourself every winter over whether or not to ride your bike during the colder months. Understandably, many motorcyclists come to the conclusion that there is absolutely no way in the world that their motorcycle will be taken out of storage during the colder months of the year. The tarpaulin will remain fastened over it, and the jacket and boots will remain safely stowed away in the wardrobe until the sun emerges and the temperature begins to climb.
Other bikers do not have an option but to ride throughout the entire year. It’s possible that it’s the only mode of transportation they have access to, or maybe they just have a lot more faith in their ability to ride well despite the challenging conditions. If you are one of these riders who rides in all kinds of weather and all through the year, you need to give some thought to modifying your riding style in order to keep yourself and the other people who use the road safe. In this piece, we will provide you with a few helpful hints that will keep you on your bike and on the road.
1) Ensure that you are in possession of high-quality protective apparel and equipment.
This is vital at any time of the year, but particularly so during the colder months of the year. You should have, at the very least, a helmet of high quality and one that fits you well, a jacket and pants that have protective armour on them, gloves, and solid boots. Be sure that they all have a good fit; it will be of little use if any of them fall off in the event that you have an accident. It is recommended that you wear a high visibility jacket or vest so that you are more visible to drivers and pedestrians on the road. You might want to think about wearing thermals, balaclavas, and neck warmers for your own comfort.
2) Make sure that your stopping distance is increased.
When the weather is very extreme during the winter, the typical stopping distance can increase by as much as ten times. Naturally, if you aren’t careful, this increases the possibility of having an accident. But if you are diligent, the risk is reduced. It is imperative that you allow extra space between your car and the one in front of you and reduce your speed appropriately if this becomes required. If someone is following too closely behind you in a vehicle, you should pull over to a safe location and let them go on with their journey. If you are involved in an accident, this is the sort of thing that is taken into account by police, insurers and your motorcycle accident lawyer.
3) Use your common sense
Even if riding a motorcycle is your only mode of transportation or if you have complete faith in your abilities, you still need to practise common sense. If it is snowing heavily or there is a chance that it will snow heavily, you should probably think twice about riding your bike and give some thought to taking public transportation instead. It is essential to maintain vigilance in order to avoid falling on hidden areas of black ice, which you might not see until it is too late.
4) Don’t rush anything and focus your attention.
When you’re wet, cold, and exhausted, it’s easy to feel tempted to step on the gas and make a break for it in an effort to get home as soon as possible. When it comes to your own well-being, this is not the time of year to be in a hurry or to take any shortcuts. Reduce your speed, always maintain vigilance, and watch out for other drivers who might not be paying attention.
