Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/567026
If possible, always be sure to stop and assess large patches of sand and rocks in the road, like this one. 3. Debris, Gravel, Oil, and Sand Need I say more? Riding on two wheels is all about stability, and it doesn't take much to lose that precious stability when riding on sand, gravel, oil, and other debris. If you're not careful when riding through these materials, you can easily lose traction, causing the bike to slide. Whenever possible, stop and evaluate the surface. If it looks unsafe, find another way around. If you must ride through the hazard, do so carefully and at a slow, safe speed. Most importantly, never use only the front brake. Have you ever seen a bicyclist hit the front brake and go sailing over the handlebars? Same concept. I use mainly the rear brake when I ride through hazards like these, and I'm careful to brake slowly and smoothly. 4. Side Roads Why side roads? Because they're everywhere, and vehicles are turning out from them and in front of us constantly. Always look ahead to side roads, where you may see a vehicle waiting to enter the road in front of you. Expect that vehicles will not always see you, and plan your reaction. For example, you might think, "If that car pulls out, can I move to the left lane? Should I slow down in case they do?" Swerving is sometimes unavoidable but can be a hazard if not done correctly. Don't overreact, but be ready to react! 5. Intersections Intersections are arguably the most dangerous hazard for motorcyclists. After all, intersections can involve all four hazards listed above. In an intersection, you need to be on the lookout for vehicles changing lanes around you (even though they're not supposed to), while also watching for debris, gravel, and oil in the roadway. You should be conscious of uneven surfaces, but you also need to watch for vehicles turning left in front of you and turning right into your path of travel. Traffic-light changes also necessitate that you be aware of vehicles stopping quickly or not stopping soon enough. Are you feeling overwhelmed yet? Don't. Just take a deep breath. It's really not that bad! The best thing to do in intersections—and every time you saddle up and ride—is to play the "What if?" game in your mind. Think, "If a car pulls out in front of me, what will I do? How will I react?" The main thing is to be prepared but to avoid overreacting. I have seen many crashes where a motorcyclist assumed a vehicle was not going to stop and their quick overreaction was to hit the front brake. Wrong move! (Just think of that bicyclist going over the handlebars.) Instead of panicking, always be sure to look ahead, assume vehicles don't see you, and have your plan of action ready. If you see a vehicle approaching the intersection (or stop sign, yield sign, etc.), slow down and move to the opposite side of your lane. For example, if a vehicle is approaching from a side road on your right, move to the left side of your lane. This allows you more room to react and move if you need to. Soon enough, it will become second nature. Vehicles pulling out unexpectedly from side roads can present a real danger to motorcyclists, so always look ahead and be prepared. Intersections can combine many hazards into one, but having a plan of action and keeping a clear head will help you navigate through any hairy situations you may encounter. By Tina Leman http://www.womenridersnow.com GraceRiderMag.com September/October 2015 37