Understanding and mitigating the risks of motorcycle riding

By Eddie POKU

Growing up, any time I talk of getting a motorcycle, my lovely mum will quib “I will kill and bury you myself first” or blurt out “let me go buy your coffin first”. Sharing this with my biker friends started a conversation where everyone shared similar experience. Why is this so and how do we make motorcycling experiences safer?

Motorcycles, with their sleek designs and promise of freedom on the open road, captivate the imagination of many. As a mode of transport, they empower many who cannot afford cars. They are faster in tightly built-up areas which helps a country’s businesses. However, these two-wheeled vehicles also present unique safety challenges. I will hazard and say they are inherently less safe. How does one reduce these liabilities whilst harnessing its many benefits among others?

A motorcycle is a motor-powered vehicle with two wheels, typically equipped with a seat for the rider (and sometimes a passenger – Pillion). Motorcycles vary in design and purpose, ranging from cruising and touring to racing and off-roading. Despite their differences, all motorcycles share a common trait: they offer a more exposed riding experience compared to automobiles.

Motorcycles are smaller and less visible to other drivers, especially in blind spots or at night. This reduced visibility increases the risk of accidents. Science has proven that because of their relatively smaller profile on the road it is difficult to judge the speed of motorcycles.

The two-wheel design provides less stability than four-wheeled vehicles, particularly on slippery or uneven surfaces.

Unlike cars, motorcycles lack a surrounding protective frame. This exposure means that in the event of a crash, riders are more likely to be thrown off and injured or pay with their body.

Motorcyclists are more affected by road hazards like potholes, oil slicks, and wet pavement, which can easily lead to loss of control.

Reasons to Ride Slower and with Caution

1. Increased Reaction Time: Slower speeds give riders more time to react to unforeseen circumstances, such as sudden traffic changes or road obstacles.
2. Enhanced Control: Riding at a moderate pace allows for better control over the motorcycle, essential for manoeuvring and avoiding hazards. When in motion the wheels of a motorcycle behave like a gyroscope and tend to want to control the movement and relative positioning of the motorcycle. The faster you go, the more difficult it is to counter the motion of the motorcycle and getting it to go where you want.
3. Reduced Impact Severity: In the unfortunate event of a crash, lower speeds generally result in less severe injuries.
4. Improved Decision Making: Riding cautiously helps in making more deliberate and safer decisions, such as when to overtake and when to yield.
5. Enhanced Enjoyment: Ironically, slowing down can enhance the riding experience, allowing riders to enjoy their surroundings and the nuances of the ride more fully.

Motorcycle riding, while exhilarating, carries inherent risks. By understanding these risks and adopting a more cautious riding style, motorcyclists can significantly improve their safety. Slowing down and riding with heightened awareness doesn’t just protect the rider; it contributes to safer roads for everyone.

Dressing for the ride

Another very important safety ingredient in motorcycling is safety gear. In Ghana it’s quite common to see motorcyclists without any form of safety gear. Pockets of activity are being organised to encourage the use of safety gear. I will take advantage of your attention to list and explain the importance of some motorcycle gear;

 

Remember, the joy of motorcycling isn’t just in the speed; it’s in the journey and the freedom it brings, savoured best when ridden with care and respect for the road.

Happy Motoring…

Edward Boateng Opoku, known as Eddie Poku, is an automotive enthusiast and the creative force behind Ryde Channel on YouTube. His channel features in-depth car and motorcycle reviews, profiles of auto enthusiasts, and coverage of automotive events. Engaged in the automotive industry, Eddie actively participates in discussions about cars and motorcycles. Connect with him on YouTube at Ryde Channel, LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/edwardopoku2018, and visit www.rydechannel.com for more.

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