Speed Control 45-50-55 25-30-35

It is impossible to ride at the exact speed limit. During  general riding  ride slightly above the speed limit. In a marked school zone or playground zone ride slightly below speed limit. If your not sure the speed is 50 or 60 split the difference, ride at 55Kph. In a residential area it's all right to reduce your speed to adjust to a conflict, but once you have passed the conflict increase your speed.

Cancel signal as soon as you come out of turn. Look 12-15 seconds ahead and move your eyes constantly to reduce the possibility of accidentally signaling through a intersection or side road in which you did not intend to turn. Remember most motorcycles do not have self-canceling signals.

All legal speeds are black on white. If the school sign or playground sign doesn't have a speed sign affixed to it, it means it is only a warning. Note: Unmarked school zones and playground zones are often located close in proximity of the marked zone in which they warn of. Other clues that you may be nearing a marked zone; you see a School/Park zebra crosswalk, a crosswalk sign that indicates a school or pedestrian crossing.

Looking 12-15 sec ahead allows you the ability to gradually reduce speed so when you reach the marked zone your at 30km or slightly less.

• Remember some zones can stretch the distance of several blocks, make sure you pass the back of the sign before picking up your speed.

• Remember all warning signs are diamonds if you’re not sure that you passed the back of a playground sign, shoulder check to read the sign before picking up speed.

Only reduce speed if you identify a child on the highway. If there are no children present ignore it. If you do identify a child on the highway slow to 50, once you have passed the child the threat is gone increase your speed to highway speed limit.

Look a min. of 12-15 seconds 1.5 - 2 blocks. The average motor vehicle operator only looks 5 seconds ahead. Experts call this the immediate area. The reason for this is because a person develops a pedestrian sight line and seldom practices extending their sight line once they become motor vehicle operator. The problem with this is obvious, when you factor the time it takes you perceive and react to danger you diminish your ability to anticipate. Move eyes every 2 seconds. When a rider fixates on a object for more than 2 seconds, they lose peripheral vision. When a person is nervous target fixation is more common. Keep eyes moving (Talk to yourself) Running commentary. The 2 benefits of this is helps to formulate visional habits and forces you to keep your eyes moving which allows you full range of vision.

Scan all intersections/side roads and railway crossings Left, Centre, Right on the approach and starting up. Scan at a point where if you identify danger you can react to it. Remember most intersection accidents occur within 1.5 sec of light turning green. The law states that you must stop for a yellow light unless the stop can't be done safely. There is point in which stopping for a yellow light is dangerous. This point is determined by three factors.

A) Speed your traveling B) Condition of the road C) Following distance of the vehicle behind. Once you have reached your point of no return maintain speed, but do not speed up. Flash your high beams, honk your horn - be seen

As you approach the street you wish to turn at (A). Check mirror makes sure vehicles are aware of your intentions as you slow down (B) Signal in the direction you wish to turn (C) Look over your shoulder in the direction you intend to turn (D) Scan intersection for conflicts L.C.R. (E) Identify your new path of travel before turning (F) Cancel signal.

Riders who cut corners or make wide turns usually identify their new path while they begin the process of turning. It is important to identify your new path of travel before turning.

The purpose of the U-turn is to determine a rider’s communication and observation ability in making U-turns. Check mirror, signal, shoulder check and pick a good location not near any drive ways or parked vehicles (don't rush it) look 360 degrees around the motorcycle Signal left and shoulder check left (remember counterbalance skill) look to where it is you want to go not at the edge of the road. Violation occurs when the rider touches a curb or leaves a roadway, not by putting your foot down. If you make a mistake stop while your still on the street and re-group and repeat U-turn maneuver.

The law states that a motor vehicle user must come to a complete stop first on red light and yield to cross traffic. However once you have stopped you are not legally obligated to try to turn right on red. If your not sure you can complete this movement in one continuous action, wait till the light turns green.

A min. of 2 seconds is required when following a vehicle in city traffic (Ideal Conditions) On a Freeway because you are covering more ground 3-4 secs is required

Stop a min.1 motorcycle length behind the vehicle in front. Always leave yourself an "out"

The law states that a motor vehicle user must stop before leaving all public accessible driveways

The law states that a motor vehicle user must yield to pedestrians standing at a street corner if the pedestrian is on your half of the road or dangerously close to your half road and the traffic control device permits pedestrian movement

Yield means not to affect. When approaching a yield sign observe mirror, signal, shoulder check, scan intersection if your not going to affect the speed of vehicles you are turning in front of, continue and complete turn. If in doubt stop and yield but do not stop on the crosswalk a pedestrian may want to use it while you are waiting.

The law states that motor vehicle users shall not cross a solid white line unless you are stopping/parking or re-entering the roadway from a stopped position

It is a violation not to yield to an approaching emergency vehicle. Pull to right side of road. If your in a intersection, clear the intersection first, then pull to the right side of the road

When turning left it's a violation to turn left from a lane designated to go straight. You must move in the space between the two solid yellow lines this allows you room to wait if need be, also reducing the risk of being hit from behind. Two way left turn should only be used when you are parallel to the lane. Not from a side road position

Waiting position when first in line waiting to turn left at green light The proper waiting position is motorcycle just over the crosswalk. Not before crosswalk or in the crosswalk and not in the middle of intersection. If you wait before the crosswalk or in the crosswalk and light turns yellow you cannot legally enter the intersection. If you wait in the middle of the intersection you are sitting duck for any vehicle that runs a red light.

The rider's dominant lane is to the left side of grease strip

Uncontrolled intersection is a intersection that has no form of traffic control device. The law states first one to arrive shall have right of way, if it is a tie; the vehicle on the right shall be given right of way. If you are in doubt who will arrive first, stop and give up the right of way.

Practice Defensive Riding and stay Alive

1. Maintain a target time. 12 – 15 sec in city traffic, 20 – 30 sec on highway.

2. Keep a safe following distance of 2 sec in city traffic, 3 – 4 sec on highway.

3. Lead with your eyes, your eyes guide you, “Where you look is where you go”.

4. Identify your path of travel when approaching corners. Scan the road surface before you turn to avoid traction problems

5. Use “reference points” on frequently traveled routes to avoid hazard areas.

6. Spot potential hazards and respond; Adjust speed, path of travel or honk to get attention.

7. Plan your route to make correct lane choices and/or a safer / easier route in advance.

8. Move your eyes every 2 sec. See what is happening and deal with it accordingly.

9.  Scan beyond the road. Look through parked cars, sidewalk to sidewalk. Spot activity / movement that might affect You

10. Gather information in advance; use your mirrors every 5 – 8 sec and before you enter intersections.

11. Give yourself room, a space cushion. Don’t let yourself get boxed in without an “out”.

12. Scan 3600 in all 6 directions (front, back, left, right, up, down). Problems can come from anywhere.

13. Use the lane of least risk. Ask yourself: Can I see them? Can they see me? If the answer is no, change lane position or lanes

14. Avoid other driver’s blind spots. If you can’t see them in their mirror, chances are they can’t see you.

15. Get attention when needed by using your horn.

16. Cover your clutch, brake and horn in doubtful situations.

17. Scan left, center, right at intersections and before taking off from a stop.

18. Establish a “point of no return” when approaching a stale green light. Gather information beforehand (mirrors –what is behind you).

19. Never enter an area without room to exit. Intersection, driveway, etc.

20. Give yourself room. At least one motorcycle length behind stopped vehicles. Check you mirrors to see if the driver approaching from behind has noticed you or given you space.

21. Communicate effectively with other road users. (electric signals, hand signals or lane position).

22. Ensure momentary valid eye contact with other potential problems (drivers, pedestrians). Do not look too long, keep your eyes moving.

23. Ride in the daytime with your headlight on high beam. Have consideration for your fellow drivers though (tunnels, low light situations, sunrise, sunset).

24. At night use your lights to get attention. At a stop you can tap your brake a few times (to activate brake light) when drivers are approaching from behind.

25. Be assertive not aggressive, take your position on the road. Don’t give others opportunities that might place you in danger.

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SAFETY FIRST