Summer Motorcycle Tips

Summer is a great time for those who like the freedom of two wheels, feeling the wind as you ride through towns and countries, a freedom like no other, but we must also be aware that with the freedom of two wheels comes a great responsibility, as motorcycles are amongst some of the most vulnerable vehicles on the road, a situation often worsened by bad riding practice by the riders themselves.

According to the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) figures, whereas motorcycles account for just 3% of traffic, they account for 25% of fatalities.

Of course, if is not only the riders to blame. Other road users must also pay particular attention to others, including the most vulnerable, but the DGT are running a campaign throughout the summer to make those riders who do flout the rules, and risk their safety and that of others, by clamping down on unsafe practices.

Motorcycle riders are obliged to abide by all of the rules of the road in the sae way as other road users. Inappropriate speed, dangerous overtaking, weaving in and out of traffic, are just some of the practices frequently witnessed committed by motorcyclists, and some of the actions that the Guardia Civil are closely monitoring.

In fact, the Guardia Civil recently adopted a new approach to motorbike safety, by starting to use unmarked motorbikes themselves, allowing them to move unnoticed until they were needed to take action against a dangerous rider.

Some of the most common DO NOTs include don’t speed, don’t overtake inappropriately or illegally, crossing the solid white line for example, don’t ride on the hard shoulder, only mopeds should do that, don’t weave in and out of traffic.

DO act courteously and responsibly, keeping your distance, abiding by road signs, including the STOP sign, remembering that it is mandatory to put at least one foot down on the ground, do keep within the speed limits.

It is not only about the actions on the road, but also equally important to protect yourself.

Remember that wearing a helmet is mandatory. Riding a motorcycle is 17 times more likely to cause an incident than riding a car. And in 20% of motorcycle incidents, the helmet is thrown off due to the wrong size. Always wear one that is the right size and fastened properly.

Please, don’t be tempted to strip down to shorts and a t-shirt, the same applies to passengers, as skin does not fair well when scraped along tarmac. You should protect your body with appropriate clothing, preferably breathable technical clothing with adequate protection, which prevents heat from being stored in our body and thus reduces the chances of suffering heat stroke. Do not forget gloves and technical shoes or boots, appropriate to the type of motorcycle you ride. It is advisable to use vests or jackets with built-in airbags.

You should stay hydrated (water, juices, etc.) but not a drop of alcohol. Drink from time to time, otherwise your reflexes will slow down, and you will make more mistakes. Stop for a break and drink. In addition, stretch your legs. Riding for a long time in the same position is exhausting.