Showing posts with label motorcycle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motorcycle. Show all posts

Popular culture generally paints an unfavorable portrait of bikers and motorcycle riding in general. Even as mainstream culture becomes more accepting of motorcycling as a primary means of travel, many people still dismiss bikers as rough hooligans who are looking for trouble or have just gotten out of jail. However, motorcycle riding can be anything but troublesome if you approach it with the right amount of respect and anticipation. In fact, motorcycle riding can be quite beneficial to your health in several important ways.


 


Motorcycle Riding Provides Mental Stimulation

Riding a motorcycle is quite different than driving a car. When you drive a car, you generally do not have to exert too much thought about your actions unless you are in heavy traffic or traveling around curved roads. You may be like many people and simply use the cruise control while you are driving. However, riding a motorcycle requires mental effort to control your ride. You must be ready to weave in and out of traffic as needed and always think ahead to make sure you control your cycle safely.


 


Motorcycle Riding Provides Exercise Benefits

As one Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer states, “motorcycles are both fun and practical, and many people enjoy using motorbikes for commuting or simply for the pleasure of the ride.” Along with being stimulated mentally, you also can be challenged physically when you ride your cycle. Motorcycles are quite heavy, even though they look small and compact. As you control the handlebars, shift the gears, and manipulate other components of the bike, you may find that your arms, legs, and torso are worked out quite extensively.


 


Motorcycle Riding Provides Social Interactions

Bikers everywhere form a unique brotherhood that welcomes fellow riders often without question or hesitation. Even if a person starts out riding alone, he or she may easily find new friends as that person starts attending cycle shows or meets other bikers out on the road. Bikers typically form fast friendships that last a lifetime and are more supportive than mainstream friendships formed at school or work.


 


Motorcycle Riding Relieves Stress and Depression

Many cyclists report being in vastly better moods once they climb on their cycles and take to the road. When bikers head out on the open road, they are capable of finding relief from their everyday worries and stresses and even experience relief from depression and fatigue. Their moods are elevated because they feel free and at ease on the open road.


 


Motorcycle Riding Requires that You Take Care of Your Safety

If you have always been someone who neglected your personal safety, cycling can help you become more concerned with your physical wellness. When you are out on your bike, you must pay attention to avoid crashes and becoming injured. As you learn to take care of yourself, you can learn to appreciate your own wellness and the need for you to remain safe at all times. Many cyclists experience a boost in confidence and self-awareness after they take up motorcycle riding.


 


Motorcycling is anything but the deviant hobby that the public may readily dismiss it as. You can improve your mental and physical health in several important ways when you take up riding a motorcycle.


 


Writer Melanie Fleury loves a ride on a motorcycle on occasion. This does not mean that she is oblivious to the possible dangers. However, as Steinger, Iscoe & Greene, an Orlando motorcycle accident lawyer, state on their website, ”the dangers are more due to careless or dangerous drivers that are near the motorcyclists.” She makes sure that she keeps a distance between herself and those that can be a potential risk to her.


 


Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/4983322551/

For motorcycle enthusiasts, getting their first cycle is an exciting time. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents have been on the rise over the past decade due to a number of reasons. According to one Charlotte motorcycle crash attorney, just in North Carolina there are over 3,000 motorcyclists injured each year. The best way to prevent many accidents is to take some time to prepare. Below are some safety tips to consider before heading out on your first Easy Rider or Wild One adventure.


Preparation


 


1. Read the manual - While it isn’t the most interesting read, go over the owner’s manual. It provides many little known tips about riding a motorcycle as well as specifics about the type of bike you will ride. Pay particular attention to maintenance dates and put them on your calendar so that they are not overlooked.


2. Stay Insured- Ensure that you have proper motorcycle insurance. In addition to required liability coverage it is a good idea to consider comprehensive and collision for accidents and minor dents and dings. Also, emergency roadside assistance is another option to get through insurance or AAA. Having the right type of insurance lets new motorcyclists have a bit more peace of mind.


3. Inspect Your Cycle-



a) Try the brakes as you slowly take off

b) Oil, fuel and coolant levels should be adequate

c) Side-stand and center-stand should fold and stay up

d) See that controls like cables have no stiffness or kinks

e) Ensure that lights, horns, mirrors and turn signals work

f)  Wear bright colors, helmets and protective jackets and gloves

g) Chain driven rear wheels must be in good shape and properly tensioned

h) Check tires. They should have adequate pressure and be free of cuts, debris and other foreign objects. Use the best gauge possible rather than relying upon gas stations


Road SafetyWhile on the road, heed these safety tips.

1. Driving




a)  Always use signals

b) Ensure that other drivers see you

c) Always check blind spots before turning

d) Always use headlamps, even during the day

e) Make sure you see others and they can see you

f) Ensure road conditions and weather is safe for traveling

g) Do not try to overtake other vehicles when corners are near

h) Keep eyes moving. Never focus more than two seconds on one object

i) Notice and evaluate potential hazards like railroad tracks and turning cars

j)  Use the horn to make people aware of your presence or if they are dozing, tailgating or engaged in some other dangerous activity


2. Positioning

a) Always position the bike where it can be seen

b) Check at intersections for side and behind traffic

c) Do not ride behind large trucks or in vehicle blind spots

d) At speeds under 40 mph, keep two second gaps between the vehicle ahead

e) The motorcycle should be two or more seconds behind vehicles before passing

f)  Higher speeds on open roads should have three to four second or more gaps, depending upon speed 

The reality of road hazards will not change and motorcycle accidents can and will continue to happen. However, following the above tips can make it less probable that an accident will be caused by driver negligence, mishaps on slick roads or operator errors.




Melanie Fleury has enjoyed riding on motorcycles in the past and encourages bike safety. Auger & Auger Attorneys at Law, a Charlotte motorcycle crash attorney, understands that each year over 100 motorcyclists lose their lives in an accident just in North Carolina alone. Following safety rules can save your life and spare your family from the devastation such an accident can cause.