MOTORCYCLE Operator Manual - Maryland.gov
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
MOTORCYCLE Operator Manual
MESSAGE FROM THE
MARYLAND MOTOR VEHICLE
ADMINISTRATION
Operating a motorcycle safely in traffic requires special skills and
knowledge. This handbook has been prepared by the MVA, with assis-
tance from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, to provide you with the
information needed to enable you to obtain a motorcycle license and to
help you learn those motorcycle operating skills and knowledge.
As you study this handbook, remember that your life, and the lives
of others, will depend on what you do while operating a motorcycle.
Riding a motorcycle can be safe and fun when you act as a responsible
rider. When you ride a motorcycle, you should wear proper protective
clothing and headgear, ride within your limits, obey the law and “share
the road” with other highway users.
Ride safely and enjoy our wonderful State of Maryland and remem-
ber, don’t drink and drive.
iAll motorcycle operator skills tests are by appointment
only. To schedule an appointment visit our website at
www.mva.maryland.gov.
For more information, please call:
410-768-7000 to speak with a customer
service representative.
TTY for the Hearing Impaired: 1-800-492-4575,
Or visit: www.MVA.Maryland.gov
iiLICENSING OF MARYLAND DRIVERS
Everydriverofamotorvehiclemusthaveavalidlicense. If you reside in
Maryland and desire to drive a motor vehicle, you are required to have a valid Maryland
driver’s license. If you already have a valid non-commercial driver’s license from
another jurisdiction, you must obtain a Maryland license within 60 days of becoming a
resident of this State. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder must transfer their
CDL within 30 days of moving to Maryland.
MOTORCYCLE LICENSING REQUIREMENT
Unlicensed or improperly licensed riders are over-represented in crash statis-
tics. Operating a motorcycle without a valid Class M license may result in a fine, a
suspension of your driver’s license or license privilege, as well as points being
added to your driving record and your motorcycle being towed away.
This manual provides the information needed to obtain a Class M motorcycle
license. It is suggested that an applicant obtain and review the Maryland Driver's
Manual, DL-002. If you have a valid Maryland license of another class; do not
have a Maryland license; or if your license has expired over one (1) year, you will
be required to pass a Class C Maryland knowledge test, in addition to the motorcy-
cle examinations, to obtain a motorcycle license. Please obtain and review the
Maryland Driver’s Manual.
REQUIREMENT FOR APPLICANT UNDER
18 YEARS OF AGE
DRIVER EDUCATION
All applicants under 18 years of age and all new drivers regardless of age, must
have satisfactorily completed an approved driver education course of not less than
30 hours classroom instruction and six (6) hours behind-the-wheel driver training if
the motorcycle license is an applicant's first license, then the applicant must com-
plete the provisions outlined under the Graduated Licensing System.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE
Applicants under 18 years of age must also successfully complete an approved
motorcycle safety course. These courses are provided at training centers operated
by the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program. The Motorcycle Safety Program’s
Basic Rider Course or Alternate Basic Rider Course are the approved courses for
applicants under 18 years of age. The courses include classroom and “on the
motorcycle” riding experience. Courses are conducted primarily between March
and November of each year. Training motorcycles and some safety equipment
are provided. Students who successfully complete an approved course receive a
Completion Certificate to obtain a Class M License. For more information, log
onto the Motorcycle Safety Program’s website at www.mva.maryland.gov/
MVA-Programs/moto/default.htm, or call the Program Office at 443-572-8236.
iiiLICENSED IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION
If you have in your possession a driver's license issued to you by another state,
or jurisdiction, you may exchange that license for a Maryland license. The license
cannot be suspended, cancelled, or revoked. If it has been expired for more than
one year you will have to retake all required tests. Military driving permits/licenses
are not transferrable and must be accompanied by a state side license.
You must present proof of age, identity, lawful status, verifiable social security
number or proof of ineligibility for a social security number, Maryland residence
and current license. You take all the required tests and finally, surrender all out-of-
state driver licenses before obtaining a Maryland Driver's License.
If you cannot present a previously issued license, you must do one of the fol-
lowing:
• Obtain and submit a certified driving record (less than 30 days old) from the
jurisdiction in which you are currently, or were previously licensed, indicating
your name, DOB, license number, license class or classes/endorsements, issue
and expiration dates of the license as well as your current status; or
• Apply for and obtain a Maryland Learner's Permit.
If you have a license issued by another country, please visit the MVA's website
for additional information.
If you are under 18 years of age, you are required to show a completion certifi-
cate from a motorcycle safety program course, even if you already have a valid
motorcycle license from another jurisdiction, before you can obtain a Maryland
motorcycle license.
LEARNER’S PERMIT
You may only drive those vehicles and combination of vehicles specified on
your Learner’s Permit and then only while you are accompanied by, and under the
immediate supervision of, a person who:
• Who is at least 21 years old and has had a motorcycle license for at least
three (3) years as stated above.
• Has been licensed for at least three (3) years, in this state or in another state, to
drive vehicles of the class then being driven by the holder of the Learner’s
Permit; and
• Is a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 21 years of age and has three
(3) years experience driving a motorcycle. Motorcycle learners shall carry, only
as a passenger, a licensed motorcycle driver who is at least 21 years old and
has had a motorcycle license for at least three (3) years.
Immediate supervision for a motorcycle instructional permit holder is defined
as being in the vicinity of the motorcycle being operated in a capacity to assist and
protect the learning driver. The supervising driver may be a passenger on the motor-
cycle, if properly licensed with a motorcycle license on another motorcycle, on
foot, or in another vehicle within safe traveling distance.
ivTHE LICENSING TEST
THE TESTS
The required examinations include a test of the applicant’s:
• Vision – A minimum visual acuity of 20/40 in each eye, a field of vision of at
least 140 degrees, and binocular vision is required for an unrestricted license. If
the applicant’s vision can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses to meet
these requirements, the Learner’s Permit or license issued will be restricted to
“corrective lenses” requiring the holder to wear glasses or contact lenses while
driving a motor vehicle;
• Ability to Read Road Signs – You must be able to read and explain all high-
way signs, in English, shown to you and observe all signs during the driving
test;
• Written Examination – This test is designed to check your knowledge of traffic
laws, rules of the road, motor vehicle law and safe driving practices. The
information you will be tested on is in this handbook. The questions are
multiple choice. Applicants who experience problems due to speech, hearing,
language, or reading difficulty, should contact the MVA’s Customer Service
Center at 410-768-7000 for assistance (1-800-492-4575 for TTY);
• Driving Test – An actual demonstration of skills needed to exercise ordinary
and reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle. A motorcycle used for
testing must be properly registered with license plate properly displayed.
If you fail any portion of the test, you may retake a second test the next day if
an appointment is available. If you fail the second or subsequent test, you must wait
at least seven (7) calendar days before a new test can be taken. Testing is scheduled
by appointment only.
A driving test will not be conducted using a vehicle with defective equipment
or if the applicant is not wearing approved eye protection and helmet.
THE SKILL TEST
During this test, you will demonstrate the skills needed to safely operate a
motorcycle in traffic. There is a separate test for two and three-wheeled motorcy-
cles. The test includes:
For a two-wheeled motorcycle:
• Left “U” Turn;
• Sharp Right Turn From a Stop;
• Cone Weave;
• Normal Stop;
• Quick Stop;
• Obstacle Swerve; and
• Overall control of the motorcycle.
vFor a three-wheeled motorcycle:
• Sharp Left Turn;
• Normal Stop;
• Cone Weave;
• Sharp Right Turn From a Stop;
• Quick Stop;
• Obstacle Swerve; and
• Overall control of the motorcycle.
NOTE: An applicant who passes the test on a three-wheeled motorcycle will receive
a restricted license limiting them to the operation of the type of motorcycle used for
testing.
If you accumulate (11) eleven or more points, you have failed the test. The
Examiner is required to end the test when the applicant:
• Accumulates 11 or more points;
• Stalls the engine four times;
• Falls or drops the motorcycle (for 2-wheelers);
• Excessively tips or loses control (3-wheelers);
• Commits an unsafe act or disregards the instructions; and
• Violates a Traffic Regulation.
TRANSPORTING A MOTORCYCLE TO A TEST LOCATION
The holder of a motorcycle learner’s permit may transport a motorcycle to the
driving test location by truck or other vehicle unaccompanied by another individual
if the holder of the learner’s permit is licensed to drive the vehicle used to transport
the motorcycle. A motorcycle transported on another vehicle must remain on the
transporting vehicle until an examiner authorizes its removal.
An applicant driving the motorcycle to the driving test must be accompanied
by a person properly licensed to drive a motorcycle who is at least 21 years old
and has held a motorcycle license for three (3) years or more.
A younger or less experienced holder of a motorcycle license may drive the
motorcycle to the examination station and to the starting point where the examiner
begins the driving test.
MOTORCYCLE EQUIPMENT
Your motorcycle must be equipped with two (2) brakes, at least one (1) headlight,
one (1) rear red light, one (1) brake actuated red stop light, one (1) white rear light illu-
minating the license plate, a horn, two (2) mirrors, two (2) unaltered fenders, two (2)
foot rests for the operator and two (2) retractable foot rests for a passenger.
The mirrors shall be factory equipment or equivalent, and may not contain
sharp edges, projections or irregular indents capable of producing injury.
viRearview mirrors are one of the most important pieces of equipment on a motor-
cycle. The reflective surface of the mirror shall be of a size not less than seven (7)
square inches allowing you to see part of the lane behind you and part of the lane next
to you. Convex mirrors allow you to see the road in your immediate area in more
detail, but they make the vehicles behind you look farther away than they really are.
Mirrors
L & R Sides
Horn Headlight
Tail & Brakelights
Front
Fender
License Plate
Light Front Brake
Rear
Fender
Passenger Foot Rests Operator Foot Rests
L & R Sides L & R Sides
REQUIRED OPERATOR EQUIPMENT
No person shall operate or ride a motorcycle unless they are wearing protective
headgear which complies with the standards established by the Motor Vehicle
Administration. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), 218 Motor-
cycle Helmets, is adopted as the minimum standard for helmets required to be worn
by operators and passengers on motorcycles. The Administration shall accept all
helmets which comply with the requirements of FMVSS 218, motorcycle helmets,
49 CFR 571.281. Helmets bearing a factory applied (DOT) Department of Trans-
portation label and/or Snell Memorial Foundation meet those standards. If the DOT
label is missing, a compliant helmet will also have a label either sewn into the com-
fort line or affixed to the liner that indicates the month and year the helmet was
manufactured.
No person shall operate or ride a motorcycle unless they are wearing an eye
protection device approved by the Administration.
All face shields, goggles, prescription lenses and “over the counter” glasses
must comply with the Federal Food and Drug Administration regulations on impact
resistance.
If the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen, if must be securely fastened
to the motorcycle. If the operator is not wearing an approved eye protection device,
the windscreen must be mounted at a proper height to protect the operator’s face
and eyes when the operator is seated on the motorcycle in a normal riding position.
It is recommended that the operator wear an approved eye protection device even
though the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.
viiTHE MARYLAND MOTORCYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM
The purpose of the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Motorcycle Safety Program
is to improve the safety of motorcyclists through rider education and a public
awareness effort that benefits all highway users. The Program operates training cen-
ters throughout the state that conduct rider training courses for new and experienced
riders through which an individual can earn a Class M license.
The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is designed for the new rider. The course includes
seven (7) hours of classroom sessions and approximately ten (10) hours of “on motor-
cycle” practice. Participants learn the basic operating skills, street strategies and
accident avoidance skills. Training motorcycles are provided. The Alternate Basic
Rider Course (ABRC) is a seven-hour course for the individual who has experience
with operating a motorcycle and may have a learner’s permit. Training motorcycles are
provided but a participant can use their own motorcycle if transported to the training
center legally. Students who meet the knowledge and skill test licensing standards in
either BRC or ABRC may receive a licensing completion certificate and can take it to
any full service MVA office to obtain a motorcycle (Class M) license without addi-
tional skills testing.
For more information log onto the Motorcycle Safety Program’s website at
www.mva.maryland.gov/MVA-Programs/moto/default.htm, or call the Program
Office at 443-572-8236. Individuals under 18 years of age are required to success-
fully complete a motorcycle safety course prior to obtaining a motorcycle license.
To take a course, you must be eligible to apply for a learner’s permit, however, the
permit is not required to enroll in the course.
DRIVER’S EDUCATION COURSE
Applicants who have never had a license in any state, must successfully
complete the Driver’s Education Course consisting of thirty (30) hours of classroom
and six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction.
ALCOHOL & DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM
Applicants who have an out-of-country license must also successfully complete
the 3-Hour Alcohol & Drug Education Program.
viiiCONTENTS
PREPARING Handling Dangerous Surfaces ..................25
TO RIDE Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ............25
Slippery Surfaces ..................................26
Wear The Right Gear ....................................2 Tracks and Pavement Seams..................27
Helmet Use ..............................................2 Grooves and Grating ..............................27
Helmet Selection ......................................2 Mechanical Problems..................................28
Eye and Face Protection ..........................3 Tire Failure ............................................28
Clothing....................................................4 Stuck Throttle ........................................28
Know Your Motorcycle..................................4 Wobble ..................................................28
The Right Motorcycle For You................4 Chain Problems ......................................29
Borrowing and Lending ..........................5 Engine Seizure ......................................29
Know Your Motorcycle Controls ............5 Animals ......................................................29
Check Your Motorcycle ..........................6
Flying Objects ..............................................30
Know Your Responsibilities ........................7
Getting Off The Road ................................30
RIDE WITHIN Carrying Passengers
YOUR ABILITIES and Cargo ......................................................30
Equipment ..............................................30
Basic Vehicle Control ....................................8 Instructing Passengers............................31
Body Position ..........................................8 Riding With Passengers ........................31
Shifting Gears ..........................................8 Carrying Loads ......................................31
Braking ....................................................9 Group Riding ................................................32
Turning ....................................................9 Keep the Group Small............................32
Keeping Your Distance ..............................10 Keep the Group Together ......................32
Lane Positions ........................................10 Keep Your Distance ..............................32
Following Another Vehicle ....................11
Being Followed ......................................12 BEING IN SHAPE
Passing and Being Passed ......................12 TO RIDE
Lane Sharing ..........................................14
Merging Cars..........................................14 Why Information is Important ..................34
Cars Alongside ......................................14 Alcohol and Other Drugs In
SEE ......................................................15 Motorcycle Operation ................................34
Intersections ................................................16 Alcohol in the Body ....................................35
Blind Intersections ................................17 Blood Alcohol Concentration ................35
Passing Parked Cars ..............................18 Alcohol and the Law ....................................36
Parking at the Roadside ........................18 Consequences of Conviction..................36
Increasing Conspicuity ..............................18 Minimize the Risks......................................37
Clothing..................................................19
Headlight ................................................19 Step In to Protect Friends ..........................37
Signals ....................................................19 Fatigue ......................................................37
Brake Light ............................................20
Using Your Mirrors ................................20 EARNING
Head Checks ..........................................21 YOUR LICENSE
Horn ......................................................21
Riding at Night ......................................22 Knowledge Test ..............................................39
2-Wheel Skill Test Diagram............................40
Crash Avoidance ..........................................22
3-Wheel Skill Test Diagram............................41
Quick Stops ............................................22
On-Cycle Skill Test ........................................42
Swerving or Turning Quickly ................23
Cornering................................................24
1PREPARING TO RIDE
What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determining
whether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off on any
trip, a safe rider makes a point to:
1. Weartherightgear.
2. Becomefamiliarwiththemotorcycle.
3. Checkthemotorcycleequipment.
4. Bearesponsiblerider.
WEAR THE • ADOTcertifiedhelmetlets you
Wear the Right Gear
RIGHT GEAR see as far to the sides as neces-
When you ride, your gear is sary. A study of more than 900
“right” if it protects you. In any crash, motorcycle crashes, where 40%
you have a far better chance of avoid- of the riders wore helmets, did
ing serious injury if you wear: not find even one case in which a
helmet kept a rider from spotting
• ADOTCertifiedhelmet. danger.
• Faceoreyeprotection. • Mostcrasheshappen on short
trips (less than five miles long),
• Protectiveclothing. just a few minutes after starting
out.
Helmet Use • Mostridersare riding slower
Crashes are not rare events — than 30 mph when a crash
particularly among beginning riders. occurs. At these speeds, helmets
Helment Use
One out of every five motorcycle can cut both the number and
crashes results in head or neck severity of head injuries by half.
injuries. Head injuries are just as
severe as neck injuries – and far more
No matter what the speed, hel-
common. Crash analyses show that
meted riders are three times more
head and neck injuries account for a
likely to survive head injuries than
majority of serious and fatal injuries
those not wearing helmets at the time
to motorcyclists. Research also shows
of the crash.
that, with few exceptions, head and
neck injuries are reduced by the
Helmet Selection
proper wearing of a DOT certified
helmet. There are two primary types of
helmets, providing two different
Some riders don’t wear helmets levels of coverage: full face and open
because they think helmets will limit face, also known as the three-quarter.
their view to the sides. Others wear
helmets only on long trips or when Whichever style you choose, you
riding at high speeds. Here are some can get the most protection by making
facts to consider: sure that the helmet:
2Eye & Face Protection
• IscertifiedtomeetU.S. Depart- Goggles protect your eyes,
ment of Transportation (DOT) though they won't protect the rest of
standards. (Helmets with a label your face like a faceshield does. A
from the Snell Memorial Founda- windshield is not a substitute for a
tion give you an added assurance faceshield or goggles. Most wind-
of quality.) shields will not protect your eyes
from the wind. Neither will eye-
• Fitssnugly, all the way around. glasses or sunglasses. Glasses won’t
• Hasnoobviousdefects such as keep you eyes from watering, and
cracks, loose padding or frayed they might blow off when you turn
straps. your head while riding.
To be effective, eye or faceshield
Whatever helmet you decide on, protection must:
keep it securely fastened on your head
when you ride. Otherwise, if you are • Befree of scratches.
involved in a crash, it’s likely to fly
off your head before it gets a chance • Beresistant to penetration.
to protect you. • Giveaclearview to either side.
Eye and Face Protection • Fastensecurely, so it does not
blow off.
A plastic shatter-resistant
faceshield can help protect your • Permitairtopass through, to
whole face in a crash. It also protects reduce fogging.
you from wind, dust, dirt, rain,
insects, and pebbles thrown up from
• Permitenoughroom for eye-
glasses or sunglasses, if needed.
cars ahead. These problems are dis-
tracting and can be painful. If you
have to deal with them, you can’t Tinted eye protection should not
devote your full attention to the road. be worn at night or any other time
when little light is available.
3Personal Protective Equipment periods in cold weather can cause
(PPE) severe chill and fatigue. A winter
Street clothes may not be suitable jacket should resist wind and fit
snugly at the neck, wrists, and waist.
Clothing
for the riding environment. Select
PPE that is designed for motorcy- Good-quality rainsuits designed for
cling. Not only will it protect you in a motorcycle riding resist tearing apart
crash, it will also provide comfort and or ballooning up at high speeds.
protection from heat, cold, flying
debris and hot and moving parts of The Right Motorcycle
the motorcycle. for You
First, make sure your motorcycle
• Jacketandpants should cover “fits” you. When seated on the motor-
arms and legs completely. They cycle, your feet should reach and,
should fit snugly enough to keep preferably, be flat on the ground with
The Right Motorcycle
from flapping or ballooning in the your legs slightly bent at the knee. You
wind, yet loosely enough to allow should be able to reach the handlebars
freedom of movement. Leather and turn them lock-to-lock without
offers the most protection, but having to stretch forward or lock your
sturdy synthetic “textile” materi- arms.
als also offer excellent protection
with reduced weight. You should
wear a jacket even in warm
KNOW YOUR
weather to prevent dehydration.
MOTORCYCLE
Textile jackets are designed to There are plenty of things on the
protect without getting you over- highway that can cause you trouble.
heated even during the summer. Your motorcycle should not be one of
them. To make sure that your motor-
• Boots should be sturdy, extended cycle won’t let you down:
above your ankles and provide
support when you put your feet
down at a stop and when support-
• Read the owner’s manual first.
ing the motorcycle. They should • Befamiliar with the motorcycle
have low heels and soles made of controls.
a hard non-slip material. Be sure
to tuck laces in so they won’t
• Check the motorcycle before
every ride.
catch on your motorcycle.
• Gloves provide you a better grip • Keep it in safe riding condition
between rides.
on the handlebars and provide
some protection in a crash.
Gloves should be full-fingered Test Yourself
1
and made of leather, or similar
durable material. A plastic shatter-resistant face
shield:
In cold or wet weather, your PPE A. Is not necessary if you have a wind-
shield.
should keep you warm and dry, as
B. Only protects our eyes.
well as protect you from injury. You
C. Helps protect your whole face.
cannot control a motorcycle well
D. Does not protect your face as well
if you are numb. Riding for long as goggles.
Answer - page 38
4Know Your Motorcycle
• Avoid add-on’s and modifications adds to the problem. If you borrow a
that make your motorcycle harder motorcycle, get familiar with it in a
to handle. controlled area. And if you lend your
motorcycle to friends, make sure they
At minimum, your street-legal motor- are licensed and know how to ride
cycle should have: before allowing them out into traffic.
No matter how experienced you may
• Headlight,taillightandbrake- be, ride extra carefully on any motor-
light. cycle that’s new or unfamiliar to you.
• Frontandrearbrakes. More than half of all crashes occur on
motorcycles ridden by the operator
• Turnsignals. for less than six months.
• Horn.
Get Familiar with the
• Twomirrors. Motorcycle Controls
Make sure you are completely
Borrowing and Lending familiar with the motorcycle before
Borrowers and lenders of motor- you take it out on the street. Be sure to
cycles, beware. Crashes are fairly review the owner’s manual. This is
common among beginning riders – particularly important if you are riding
especially in the first months of rid- a borrowed motorcycle. If you are
ing. Riding an unfamiliar motorcycle going to use an unfamiliar motorcycle:
5Check Your Motorcycle
• Makeallthechecks you would • TurnSignals—Turn on both
on your own motorcycle. right and left turn signals. Make
sure all lights are working prop-
• Findoutwhereeverthingis, erly.
particularly the turn signals, horn,
headlight switch, fuel-control • BrakeLight—Try both brake
valve, and engine cut-off switch. controls, and make sure each one
Find and operate these items turns on the brake light.
without having to look for them.
• Knowthegearpattern. Work Once you have mounted the
the throttle, clutch, and brakes a motorcycle, complete the following
few times before you start rid- checks before starting out:
ing. All controls react a little dif-
ferently. • ClutchandThrottle—Make
sure they work smoothly. The
• Rideverycautiously and be throttle should snap back when
aware of surroundings. Accelerate
you let go. The clutch should feel
gently, take turns more slowly, and
tight and smooth.
leave extra room for stopping.
• Mirrors—Clean and adjust both
mirrors before starting. It’s diffi-
Check Your Motorcycle
cult to ride with one hand while
A motorcycle needs more fre- you try to adjust a mirror. Adjust
quent attention than a car. A minor each mirror so you can see the
technical failure in a car seldom leads lane behind and as much as pos-
to anything more than an inconven- sible of the lane next to you.
ience for the driver. When properly adjusted, a mirror
may show the edge of your arm
If something’s wrong with the or shoulder—but it’s the road
motorcycle, you’ll want to find out behind and to the side that’s most
about it before you get in traffic. important.
Make a complete check of your
motorcycle before every ride. • Brakes—Try the front and rear
brake levers one at a time. Make
Before mounting the motorcycle make sure each one feels firm and
the following checks: holds the motorcycle when the
brake is fully applied.
• Tires—Check the air pressure,
general wear and tread.
• Fluids—Oil and fluid levels. At a 2 Test Yourself
minimum, check hydraulic fluids More than half of all crashes:
and coolants weekly. Look under A. Occur at speeds greater than 35
the motorcycle for signs of an oil mph.
or gas leak. B. Happen at night.
• HeadlightsandTaillight— C. Are caused by worn tires.
Check them both. Test your D. Involve riders who have ridden their
switch to make sure both high motorcycles less than six months.
and low beams are working. Answer - page 38
6Know Your Responsibilities
• Horn—Try the horn. Make sure As a rider you can’t be sure that
it works. other operators will see you or yield
the right of way. To lessen your
In addition to the checks you chances of a crash occurring:
should make before every trip, check
the following items at least once a • Bevisible—wear proper cloth-
week: Wheels, cables, fasteners, and ing, use your headlight, ride in
fluid checks. Follow your owner’s the best lane position to see and
manual to get recommendations. be seen.
KNOW YOUR • Communicateyourinten-
RESPONSIBILITIES tions—use the proper signals,
brake light, and lane position.
“Accident” implies an unforeseen
event that occurs without anyone’s • Maintainanadequatespace
fault or negligence. Most often in cushion—following, being fol-
traffic, that is not the case. In fact, lowed, passing and being passed.
most people involved in a crash can • Scanyourpath of travel 12 sec-
usually claim some responsibility for onds ahead.
what takes place.
• Identifyandseparate multiple
Consider a situation where some- hazards.
one decides to try to squeeze through • Bepreparedtoact—remain
an intersection on a yellow light turn- alert and know how to carry out
ing red. Your light turns green. You proper crash-avoidance skills.
pull into the intersection without
checking for possible latecomers.
That is all it takes for the two of you Blame doesn’t matter when
to tangle. It was the driver’s responsi- someone is injured in a crash. There
bility to stop. And it was your respon- is rarely a single cause of any crash.
sibility to look before pulling out. The ability to ride aware, make criti-
Neither of you held up your end of cal decisions, and carry them out sep-
the deal. Just because someone else is arates responsible riders from all the
the first to start the chain of events rest. Remember, it is up to you to
leading to a crash, doesn’t leave any keep from being the cause of, or an
of us free of responsibility. unprepared participant in, any crash.
7RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES
This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed, or
balance. That’s something you can learn only through practice. But
control begins with knowing your abilities and riding within them, along
with knowing and obeying the rules of the road.
BASIC VEHICLE proper muscles for precision
CONTROL steering.
Body Position • Knees—Keep your knees against
the gas tank to help you keep
To control a motorcycle well: your balance as the motorcycle
turns.
• Posture—Sit so you can use your
Body Position
arms to steer the motorcycle • Feet—Keep your feet firmly on
rather than to hold yourself up. the footpegs to maintain balance.
Don’t drag your feet. If your foot
• Seat—Sit far enough forward so catches on something, you can be
that arms are slightly bent when injured and it could affect your
you hold the handlegrips. Bend- control of the motorcycle. Keep
ing your arms permits you to your feet near the controls so you
press on the handlebars without can get to them fast if needed.
having to stretch. Also, don’t let your toes point
• Hands—Hold the handle grips downward—they may get caught
firmly to keep your grip over between the road and the foot pegs.
rough surfaces. Start with your
wrist down and knuckles up on Shifting Gears
Shifting Gears
the throttle. This will help you
There is more to shifting gears
keep from accidentally using too
than simply getting the motorcycle to
much throttle. Also, adjust the
pick up speed smoothly. Learning to
handlebars so your hands are
use the gears when downshifting,
even with or below your elbows.
turning, or starting on hills is impor-
This permits you to use the
tant for safe motorcycle operation.
Shift down through the gears
with the clutch as you slow or stop.
Remain in first gear while you are
stopped so that you can move out
quickly if you need to.
Make certain you are riding
slowly enough when you shift into a
lower gear. If not, the motorcycle will
lurch, and the rear wheel may skid.
When riding downhill or shifting into
first gear you may need to use the
brakes to slow enough before down-
shifting safely. Work towards a
8smooth, even clutch release, espe- • Somemotorcycles may have
cially when downshifting. integrated, ABS or linked braking
system. Consult your owner’s
It is best to change gears manual to see if your motorcycle
Braking
before entering a turn. However, has one of these systems and for
sometimes shifting while in the turn is a detailed explanation on its
necessary. If so, remember to do so operation and effective use.
smoothly. A sudden change in power
to the rear wheel can cause a skid.
Turning
Braking Most single-vehicle motorcycle
On most motorcycles, the brakes crashes happen in turns and too much
on the front and rear wheels are con- speed is usually the cause. A rider
trolled independently. You should will either cross into another lane of
always use both brakes when stopping. traffic, or run off the road. Too often,
The front brake is more powerful and a rider will over-react and brake too
provides up to three-quarters of your hard, causing a skid, loss of control
Turning
total stopping power. The front brake is and a low side fall. Approach turns
safe to use if used properly. and curves with caution.
• Usebothbrakes every time you Use the following four steps to safely
slow or stop. Using both brakes execute turns:
for even “normal” stops will per-
mit you to develop the habit or • SLOW
skill of using both brakes in an • LOOK
emergency. Apply the front brake
using a firm progressive squeeze • PRESS
with all four fingers on the lever • ROLL
and press down on the rear brake
pedal. The more you squeeze on SLOW—Reduce speed by closing the
the front brake lever, the less throttle and/or using the brakes. All
pressure is applied to the rear braking should be done before leaning
brake pedal. Grabbing the front the motorcycle.
brake, or stomping on the rear
brake can cause the brakes to LOOK—Look through the turn to
lock, resulting in a loss of control. where you want to go. Turn just your
• Ifyouknowthetechnique, head, not your shoulders, and keep
using both brakes in a turn is pos- your eyes level with the horizon.
sible, although, it should be done
very carefully. When a motorcy- PRESS—To turn, the motorcycle
cle leans, some of the traction is must lean. To lean the motorcycle,
used for turning and less traction press on the handgrip in the direction
is available for braking. A skid of the turn. Press the left—lean left—
could occur if you apply too go left. Press right—lean right—go
much brake. Also, using the right (counter steering). Higher
brakes on a slippery surface can speeds and/or tighter turns require the
be hazardous. Use caution and motorcycle to lean more.
apply the brakes gently where
traction is reduced.
9ROLL—Roll on the throttle through 3 Test Yourself
the turn to stabilize suspension. Main-
When riding, you should:
tain steady speed or accelerate gradu-
ally through the turn. This will help A. Turn your head and shoulders to
look through turns.
keep the motorcycle stable.
B. Keep your arms straight.
In normal turns, the rider and the C. Keep your knees away from the gas
tank.
motorcycle should lean together at the
same angle. D. Turn just your head and eyes to look
where you are going.
Answer - page 38
KEEPING YOUR
DISTANCE
The best protection you can have
is distance—a “cushion of space”—
all around your motorcycle. If some-
one else makes a mistake, distance
permits you:
• Timetoreact.
• Spacetomaneuver.
Lane Positions
In some ways the size of the
In slow turns, counterbalance by motorcycle can work to your
leaning the motorcycle only and kep- advantage. Each traffic lane gives a
ping your body straight. Shift your motorcycle three paths of travel, as
weight to the outside peg. indicated in the illustration.
Your lane position should:
• Increase your ability to see and
be seen.
• Avoid others’ blind spots.
• Avoid surface hazards.
• Protect your lane from other
drivers.
• Communicate your intentions.
• Avoid wind blast from other
vehicles.
• Provide an alternate path of
travel.
10Select the appropriate path to Following Another Vehicle
maximize your space cushion and “Following too closely” is a
make yourself more easily seen by major factor in crashes involving
others on the road. motorcyclists. In traffic, motorcycles
Following
need as much distance to stop as cars.
In general, there is no single best Normally, a minimum of two-seconds
position for riders to be seen and to distance should be maintained behind
maintain a space cushion around the the vehicle ahead.
motorcycle. No portion of the lane
need be avoided—including the center. To gauge your following distance:
Position yourself in the portion of • Pickoutamarker, such as a
the lane where you are most likely to pavement marking or lamppost,
be seen and you can maintain a space on or near the road ahead.
cushion around you. Change position
as traffic situations change. Ride in • Whentherearbumperof the
path 2 or 3 if vehicles and other vehicle ahead passes the marker,
potential problems are on your left count off the seconds: “one-thou-
only. Remain in path 1 or 2 if hazards sand-one, one-thousand-two.”
are on your right only. If vehicles are • Ifyoureachthemarker before
being operated on both sides of you, you reach “two,” you are follow-
the center of the lane, path 2, is usu- ing too closely.
ally your best option.
The oily strip in the center por- The two-second following dis-
tion that collects drippings from cars tance allows for reaction time. Allow
is usually no more than two feet wide. four or more seconds to stop or
Unless the road is wet, the average swerve if the driver ahead should stop
center strip permits adequate traction suddenly.
to ride on safely. You can operate to
the left or right of the grease strip and A larger cushion of space is
still be within the center portion of needed if your motorcycle will take
the traffic lane. Avoid riding on big longer than normal to stop. If the
buildups of oil and grease usually pavement is slippery, if you cannot
found at busy intersection or toll- see through the vehicle ahead, or if
booths. traffic is heavy and someone may
11squeeze in front of you, open up a Being Followed
three second or more following Speeding up to lose someone
distance. following too closely only ends up
Being Followed
with someone tailgating you at a
Keep well behind the vehicle higher speed.
ahead even when you are stopped.
This will make it easier to get out of A better way to handle tailgaters
the way if someone bears down on you is to get them in front of you. When
from behind. It will also give you a someone is following too closely,
cushion of space if the vehicle ahead change lanes and let them pass. If
starts to back up for some reason. you can’t do this, slow down and
open up extra space ahead of you to
When behind a car, ride where the allow room for both you and the tail-
driver can see you in the rearview mir- gater to stop. This will also encour-
ror. Riding in the center portion of the age them to pass. If they don’t pass,
lane should put your image in the mid- you will have given yourself and the
dle of the rearview mirror—where a tailgater more time and space to
driver is most likely to see you. react in case an emergency does
develop ahead.
Riding at the far side of a lane
may permit a driver to see you in a Passing and Being Passed
sideview mirror. But remember that
Passing and being passed by
most drivers don’t look at their side-
another vehicle is not much different
view mirrors nearly as often as they
than with a car. However, visibility is
check the rearview mirror. If the traf-
more critical. Be sure other drivers
fic situation allows, the center portion
see you, and that you see potential
of the lane is usually the best place
hazards.
for you to be seen by the drivers
ahead and to prevent lane sharing by
the others.
12Passing Riding any closer to them could put
1. Rideintheleft portion of the you in a hazardous situation.
lane at a safe following distance
to increase your line of sight and Avoid being hit by:
Passing
make you more visible. Signal
and check for oncoming traffic.
• Theothervehicle—A slight mis-
take by you or the passing driver
Use your mirrors and turn your
could cause a sideswipe.
head to look for traffic behind.
2. Whensafe, move into the left
• Extendedmirrors—Some driv-
ers forget that their mirrors hang
lane and accelerate. Select a
out farther than their fenders.
lane position that doesn’t crowd
the car you are passing and pro- • Objectsthrownfromwin-
vides space to avoid hazards in dows—Even if the driver knows
your lane. you’re there, a passenger may not
see you and might toss something
Being Passed
3. Ridethroughtheblindspot as
on you or the road ahead of you.
quickly as possible.
4. Signalagain, and complete mir-
• Blastsofwindfromlarger
vehicles—They can affect your
ror and head checks before
control. You have more room for
returning to your original lane
error if you are in the middle por-
and then cancel signal.
tion when you are hit by this
blast than if you are on either
Remember,passesmustbecom-
side of the lane.
pletedwithinpostedspeedlimits,
andonlywherepermitted.Know
Donot move into the portion of
yoursignsandroadmarkings!
the lane farthest from the passing
vehicle. It might invite the other
Being Passed
driver to cut back into your lane too
When you are being passed from early.
behind or by an oncoming vehicle,
stay in the center portion of your lane.
13Lane Sharing them plenty of room. Change to
Cars and motorcycles need a full another lane if one is open. If there is
lane to operate safely. Lane sharing is no room for a lane change, adjust
Lane Sharing
prohibited in Maryland. speed to open up space for the merg-
ing driver.
Riding between rows of stopped
or moving cars in the same lane can Cars Alongside
leave you vulnerable to the unex- Do not ride next to cars or trucks
pected. A hand could come out of the in other lanes if you do not have to.
window; a door could open; a car You might be in the blind spot of a
could turn suddenly. Discourage lane car in the next lane, which could
sharing by others by protecting your switch into your lane without warn-
lane. Keep a center-portion position ing. Cars in the next lane also block
whenever drivers might be tempted to your escape if you come upon danger
squeeze by you. Drivers are most in your own lane. Speed up or drop
tempted to do this: back to find a place clear of traffic on
both sides.
• Inheavy, bumper-to-bumper
traffic.
• Whenthey want to pass you.
• Whenyou are preparing to turn
at an intersection.
• Whenyou are getting in an exit
lane or leaving a highway.
Merging Cars
Drivers on an entrance ramp may
not see you on the highway. Give
4 Test Yourself
Usually, a good way to handle a
tailgater is to:
A. Change lanes and let them pass.
B. Use your horn and make obscene
gestures.
C. Speed up to put distance between
you and the tailgater.
D. Ignore them.
Answer - page 38
14SEE Locate hazards and potential con-
Good experienced riders remain flicts.
aware of what is going on around
them. They improve their riding strat- • Vehiclesandothermotor-
cycles—may move into your path
SEE
egy by using SEE, a 3-step process
used to make appropriate judgments, and increase the likelihood of a
and apply them correctly in different crash.
traffic situations: • Pedestriansandanimals—are
unpredictable, and make short,
• Search quick moves.
• Evaluate • Stationaryobjects—potholes,
• Execute guard rails, bridges, roadway
signs, hedges or trees won’t
move into your path but may
Let’s examine each of these steps. influence your riding strategy.
Search
Evaluate
Scan aggressively ahead, to the
sides and behind you to avoid poten- Consider speed, distance, and
tial hazards even before they arise. direction of hazards to anticipate
How assertively you search, and how how they may affect you. Cars mov-
much time and space you have, can ing into your path are more critical
eliminate or reduce harm. Focus even than those moving away or remain-
more on finding potential escape ing stationary.
routes in or around intersections,
shopping areas, schools and construc- Predict where a collision may
tion zones. occur. Completing this “what if…?”
phrase to estimate results of contact-
Search for: ing or attempting to avoid a hazard
depends on your knowledge and
• Oncomingtraffic that may turn experience.
left in front of you.
Determine what you need to do
• Traffic coming from the left and based on your prediction.
right.
• Traffic approaching from behind. The mental process of determin-
ing your course of action depends on
• Hazardous road conditions. how aggressively you searched. The
result is your action and knowing
Be especially alert in areas with which strategy is best for the situa-
limited visibility. Visually “busy” sur- tion. You want to eliminate or reduce
roundings could hide you and your the potential hazard. You must decide
motorcycle from others. when, where and how to take action.
Your constant decision making tasks
must stay sharp to cope with con-
stantly changing traffic situations.
15The decisions you make can be INTERSECTIONS
grouped by the types of hazards you
encounter. The greatest potential for conflict
Intersections
between you and other traffic is at
• Singlehazard intersections. An intersection can be
in the middle of an urban area or at a
• Twohazards driveway on a residential street—any-
• Multiplehazards where traffic may cross your path of
travel. Over one-half of motor-
cycle/car crashes are caused by driv-
Execute ers entering a rider’s right-of-way.
Carry out your decision. Cars that turn left in front of you,
including cars turning left from the
To create more space and minimize lane to your right, and cars on side
harm from any hazard: streets that pull into your lane, are the
biggest dangers. Your use of SEE
• Adjustyourspeed by accelerat- (p. 15) at intersections is critical.
ing, stopping, or slowing.
There are no guarantees that oth-
• Adjustyourposition and/or ers see you. Never count on “eye con-
direction.
tact” as a sign that a driver will yield.
• Communicate your presence Too often , a driver looks right at a
with lights and/or horn. motorcyclist and still fails to “see”
him. The only eyes that you can count
Apply the old adage “one step at on are your own. If a car can enter
a time” to handle two or more haz- your path, assume that it will. Good
ards. Adjust speed to permit two haz- riders are always “looking for trou-
ards to separate. Then deal with them ble”—not to get into it, but to stay out
one at a time as single hazards. Deci- of it.
sion making becomes more complex
with three or more hazards. Weigh Increase your chances of being
consequences of each and give equal seen at intersections. Ride with your
distance to the hazards. headlight on in a lane position that
provides the best view of oncoming
In potential high risk areas, such traffic. Provide a space cushion
as intersections, shopping areas, around the motorcycle that permits
school and construction zones, cover you to take evasive action.
the clutch and both brakes to reduce
the time you need to react.
5 Test Yourself
To reduce your reaction time, you
should:
A. Ride slower than the speed limit.
B. Cover the clutch and the brakes.
C. Shift into neutral when slowing.
D. Pull in the clutch when turning.
Answer - page 38
16As you approach the intersection,
select a lane position to increase your
visibility to the driver. Cover the
clutch and both brakes to reduce reac-
tion time.
Reduce your speed as you
approach an intersection. After enter-
ing the intersection, move away from
vehicles preparing to turn. Do not
change speed or position radically.
The driver might think that you are
preparing to turn.
Blind Intersections
If you approach a blind
intersection, move to the portion of
the lane that will bring you into
another driver’s field of vision at the
earliest possible moment. In this pic-
ture, the rider has moved to the left Remember, the key is to see as
portion of the lane—away from the much as possible and remain visible
parked car—so the driver on the cross to others while protecting your space.
street can see him as soon as possible.
17If you have a stop sign or stop
line, stop there first. Then edge for-
ward and stop again, just short of
where the cross-traffic lane meets your
lane. From that position, lean your Even if he does look, he may fail to
body forward and look around build- see you.
ings, parked cars, or bushes to see if
anything is coming. Just make sure In either event, the driver might cut
your front wheel stays out of the cross into your path. Slow down or change
lane of travel while you’re looking. lanes to make room for someone
cutting in.
Passing Parked Cars
When passing parked cars, stay Cars making a sudden U-turn are
toward the left of your lane. You can the most dangerous. They may cut
Parked Cars
avoid problems caused by doors you off entirely, blocking the whole
opening, drivers getting out of cars, roadway and leaving you with no
or people stepping from between place to go. Since you can’t tell what
cars. If oncoming traffic is present, it a driver will do, slow down and get
is usually best to remain in the cen- the driver’s attention. Sound your
ter-lane position to maximize your horn and continue with caution.
space cushion.
Parking at the Roadside
A bigger problem can occur if Park at about a 45° angle
the driver pulls away from the curb with your rear wheel touching the
without checking for traffic behind. curb.
6 Test Yourself INCREASING
Making eye contact with other drivers: CONSPICUITY
A. Is a good sign they see you. In crashes with motorcyclists,
B. Is not worth the effort it takes. drivers often say that they never saw
C. Doesn’t mean that the driver will the motorcycle. From ahead or
yield. behind, a motorcycle’s outline is
D. Guarantees that the other driver yield much smaller than a car’s. Also, it’s
to you. hard to see something you are not
Answer - page 38
18Any bright color is better than
drab or dark colors. Reflective, bright
colored clothing (helmet and jacket or
vest) is best.
Clothing
Reflective material on a vest and
on the sides of the helmet will help
drivers coming from the side to spot
you. Reflective material can also be a
big help for drivers coming toward
you or from behind.
Headlight
The best way to help others see
looking for, and most drivers are not your motorcycle is to keep the head-
looking for motorcycles. More light on—at all times (although
likely, they are looking through the motorcycles sold in the U.S. since
skinny, two-wheeled silhouette in
Lights
1978 automatically have the head-
search of cars that may pose a lights on when running). Studies
problem to them. show that, during the day, a motorcy-
cle with its light on is twice as likely
Even if a driver does see you to be noticed. Use low beam at night
coming, you aren’t necessarily safe. and in cloudy weather. Do not use the
Smaller vehicles appear farther away, high beam during the day. Instead,
and seem to be traveling slower than consider the use of a headlight modu-
they actually are. It is common for lator, which automatically varies the
drivers to pull out in front of motor- intensity of the low or high beam.
cyclists, thinking they have plenty of
time. Too often, they are wrong. Signals
The signals on a motorcycle are
Signals
However, you can do many
things to make it easier for others to similar to those on a car. They tell
recognize you and your cycle. others what you plan to do.
Clothing However, due to a rider’s added
vulnerability, signals are even more
Most crashes occur in broad important. Use them anytime you
daylight. Wear bright colored clothing plan to change lanes or turn. Use
to increase your chances of being them even when you think no one
seen. Remember, your body is half of else is around. It’s the car you don’t
the visible surface area of the see that’s going to give you the most
rider/motorcycle unit. trouble. Your signal lights also make
you easier to spot. That’s why it’s a
Bright orange, red, yellow or good idea to use your turn signals
green jackets or vests are your best even when what you plan to do is
bets for being seen. Your helmet can obvious.
do more than protect you in a crash.
Brightly colored helmets can also When you enter onto a freeway,
help others see you. drivers approaching from behind are
19• Youslowwhere others may not
expect it (in the middle of a block
or at an alley).
If you are being followed closely,
it’s a good idea to flash your brake
light before you slow. The tailgater
may be watching you and not see
something ahead that will make you
slow down. This will hopefully dis-
courage them from tailgating and
warn them of hazards ahead they may
not see.
Using Your Mirrors
While it’s most important to keep
track of what’s happening ahead, you
can’t afford to ignore situations
more likely to see your signal blink- behind. Traffic conditions change
ing and make room for you. quickly. Knowing what’s going on
Using Your Mirrors
behind you is essential for you to
Turning your signal light on make a safe decision about how to
before each turn reduces confusion handle trouble ahead.
and frustration for the traffic around
you. Once you turn, make sure your Frequent mirror checks should be
signal is off or a driver may pull part of your normal scanning routine.
directly into your path, thinking you Make a special point of using your
plan to turn again. Use your signals at mirrors:
every turn so drivers can react accord-
ingly. Don’t make them guess what • Whenyouarestopped at an
you intend to do. intersection. Watch cars coming
up from behind. If the driver isn’t
Brake Light paying attention, he could be on
top of you before he sees you.
Your motorcycle’s brake light is
usually not as noticeable as the brake • Beforeyouchangelanes. Make
lights on a car—particularly when sure no one is about to pass you.
your taillight is on (it goes on with • Beforeyouslowdown. The
the headlight). If the situation will driver behind may not expect you
permit, help others notice you by to slow, or may be unsure about
flashing your brake light before you where you will slow. For exam-
slow down. It is especially important ple, you signal a turn and the
to flash your brake light before: driver thinks you plan to turn at a
distant intersection, rather than at
• Youslowmorequickly than oth- a nearer driveway.
ers might expect (turning off a
high-speed highway).
20You can also read
