34. First time on road

RIDING ON YOUR OWN CAN BE DAUNTING

With your CBT complete, riding on your own for the first-time can seem a little daunting. You should plan short, local journeys to start with to build up confidence.  If you are a nervous rider, choose a local route and ride that a few times before you venture any further. Always carry out safety checks on your bike before your ride and always wear the correct protective clothing. From this very first journey, you should take responsibility by assuming you are invisible, always anticipate the actions of other road users and ride defensively. Opt for motorcycle clothing that enhances your visibility with the priority of being seen rather than looking good. Always ride with your headlights on to aid your visibility. Think before every manoeuvre and develop good riding habits with good vision and lifesavers. You should take care at all road junctions, especially during rush hour and school times.

RIDER FATIGUE ZAPS CONCENTRATION

You should always consider the weather conditions and ensure that you have sufficient layers and waterproofs to deal with the cold and wet. If you are travelling on a long journey, you should also plan regular stops, be mindful of how rider fatigue and dehydration will impact on your concentration. It takes time to get comfortable wearing a new helmet, gloves, jacket and boots for the first time. You should be patient and break your clothing in slowly, wear your motorcycle jacket when you aren’t riding to get comfortable. Have a short walk in your boots to break them in and make them supple. Uncomfortable clothing can be a huge distraction. Also take time to become confident on your motorcycle. You must be comfortable with the acceleration and brakes, along with position of controls and even tank range, to avoid running out of fuel.  

TAKE YOUR TIME

• There is no rush
• Don’t treat your motorcycle like a new toy
• Take your time and reduce risk
• Chose short journeys to start with
• Never ride out of your comfort zone
• Don’t succumb to peer pressure
• Always ride at a speed you are comfortable with
• Wear protective clothing on every journey
• Invest in a high visibility jacket