WHENEVER YOU ARE RIDING, FOLLOW THESE ROAD RULES

  • Always ride with your hands on the handlebars
  • STOP and check for traffic in both directions when leaving a driveway or turning
  • Obey traffic signals
  • Ride on the correct side of the street, so you travel in the same direction as cars do
  • Where any road is marked by lanes for movement of traffic, you must ride within the lane and change lane only after giving the proper signal
  • Use bike lanes or designated bike routes wherever indicated
  • Do not ride too close to parked cars. Doors can open suddenly. Always be aware of your surroundings and be considerate of others your share the road with

MAKING A ‘U’ TURN

  • Do not make a ‘U’ turn if this is prohibited or on a busy traffic road
  • If a ‘U’ turn is allowed, you must signal, look and turn when safe to do so
    SIGNALS TO BE GIVEN BY RIDERS
  • When about to slow down indicate by extending your right arm with the palm downward to alert drivers behind you that you are slowing down
  • When about to stop raise your right forearm vertically
  • When about to turn, use the turn signal and/or extend your arm. Turn signals are a must after sunset

DISTANCE FROM VEHICLES IN FRONT

  • When riding behind another vehicle keep a sufficient distance of 3 seconds to avoid collision if the vehicle in front suddenly slows down or stops
  • When waiting in a line of stopped vehicles keep enough distance from the vehicle in front so you can see their rear tyres on the road surface as you look over the handle bars of your bike. This will provide enough space to get around them if they stall or to prevent a roll back collision.

RIDING IN THE RAIN

  • Avoid riding in heavy rain, snow or sandstorms if possible
  • If you are riding during adverse weather conditions, increase your following distance to at least 6 seconds. In these circumstances it can take you twice as long to stop, spray from other vehicles in front of you will reduce your visibility and your tyres could lose grip causing your vehicle to hydroplane
  • Wear proper rain-gear. Bright coloured raincoats, waterproof gloves and boots are advisable for better grip on brake, clutch and gearshift lever
  • Protect your eyes. If rain blurs your vision slow down or stop till the rain stops

RIDING IN TRAFFIC

  • Try to stay out of other motorists’ blind spots. As a two wheeler rider assume you are invisible to everyone else
  • Resist weaving in and out of traffic. If you do this others cannot predict where you’re going to be next and might even get nervous and swerve into you. Stay in one position – in clear view of the road users near you – so that they can keep their distance and be aware of where you are at all times
  • Double-check the passing lane before you pass. Pass only in instances where it is legal and safe
  • Never follow too close behind large vehicles where you can’t see road hazards until it is too late. This will also protect you from road debris that can kick up from the tyres of the vehicle in front
  • Effective observation and scanning means continually asking yourself: ‘What can I see?’, ‘What can’t I see’, and ‘What might happen?’. You need to look at the far distance, the mid-distance and the foreground. You need to know what is happening to the side and to the rear. Skilled riders do this by using their eyes to scan the whole environment, looking at each area in turn so that their knowledge of what is going on is as up to date as possible

NIGHT RIDING

  • Avoid riding between midnight and 6am if possible
  • Ride slowly and avoid overtaking
  • Maintain adequate distance from other vehicles
  • While following a vehicle, use its tail lights and headlights to your advantage in judging the condition ahead. Do not go too close to the vehicle in front

DEFENSIVE RIDING

  • Defensive riding is a style of riding which can help you to avoid problems on the road. A defensive rider does not just concentrate on his or her own actions, but also concentrates on the actions of other road users
  • The main purpose of defensive riding is to reduce the chance of collisions or incidents, despite the actions of other road users, or the conditions in which you are riding
  • One of the main aspects of defensive riding is looking out for hazards. Anything that requires you to alter your speed or change the position of your vehicle on the road is considered a potential hazard
  • Pay particular attention at intersections where many collisions happen due to other road users ‘looking but not seeing’ and pulling out in the riders’ path

BE PREPARED

  • Ensure your travels are sensibly routed to prevent ‘wasted’ miles/kilometres and to utilise the safest roads – sealed or maintained roads, for example, rather than rural or country roads
  • Allow extra time in your journey for road work, congestion and adverse weather conditions, as well as breaks
  • While riding during the day, do everything you can to stay focused on your riding
  • If another road user does something stupid, for example cuts in front of you… let it go
  • Keep your family in mind – your goal is to return safely home each night

RIDING POSTURE

  • Back disorders are frequently caused by the cumulative effects of faulty body mechanics such as: excessive or repetitive twisting, bending, and reaching; carrying, moving, or lifting loads that are too heavy or too large, and awkward posture
  • Having the correct riding posture creates a more comfortable sitting position and provides good balance. Correct posture enables the rider to visually collect accurate information about the surroundings. A proper seating position can provide quick and easy access to controls

Rider guide: Two wheeler road safetyCORRECT RIDING POSTURE – TIPS TO REMEMBER

  • Keep your head up and point your chin in your direction of travel
  • Look straight ahead and regularly scan mirrors
  • Keep shoulders relaxed
  • Elbows should be slightly bent with arms relaxed
  • Hands need to firmly grip both handlebars
  • Sit close to the fuel tank. Sitting at too great a distance from the handlebars will impede quick reaction
  • Knees should lightly press against the fuel tank
  • Both feet should be pointing straight ahead and rest on the foot pegs
  • Maintain a firm footing on the foot pegs, while ensuring that balance is maintained

DRIVING PRECAUTIONS

  • Always wear a helmet, preferably of a bright colour. Ensure that the helmet strap is properly tightened
  • Do not use cell/mobile phones while riding
  • Never use a cell/mobile phone when refuelling your vehicle. Research has indicated a static discharge could set fuel vapours alight
  • Never wear headphones because the music can distract you from noises around you, such as a car behind blowing its horn
  • Never apply brakes abruptly. Apply both the brakes gradually at the same time
  • Apply front brake in a staged (progressive) manner to prevent skidding
  • Keep specified speed limits in mind while riding
  • Reduce speed at curves and turns
  • Use the horn sparingly, only when needed
  • If someone is catching up and wants to pass/overtake, allow them to do so

SAFE RIDING!