36. Take responsibility

RIDERS MUST TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

As a new rider you must take responsibility for your own actions and not put your faith in other road users to look after you. You must adopt the correct attitude towards riding on the rod and take it seriously. The new motorcycle is not a toy you use to go out and play on. Riding a motorcycle can be seen by many people as being a social activity. You must be responsible for yourself at all times and refrain from trying to keep up with more experienced riders. This is known as playing catch up and can lead to accidents if you are not careful. As a new rider your safety is in your own hands, do not put the onus or the blame on other road users for your actions. Everyone makes mistakes and as a new rider you are not exempt, other people make mistakes too but you have to learn to plan for other peoples errors to keep yourself safe. Taking responsibility for what you do is part of riding a motorcycle. If you want to arrive home safely after a ride, you can increase your chances by riding defensively and within your own capabilities.

PERCEIVED ABILITY VS ACTUAL ABILITY

Don’t fall into the trap of peer pressure, or even think that you're a brilliant rider. As a new and novice rider, there is always something to learn. The Module One and Module Two motorcycle tests are a great start to learning solid foundations but they don’t prepare you for the real riding ahead. Riders often have a perceived ability that is far greater than their actual ability. In many cases they ride out of their comfort zone and run out of ability in difficult situations. Understand where your maximum ability lies and always ride within 80% of that. This will always mean you have some spare ability in reserve for the odd occasion when you might need it.

MAKE A COMMITMENT TO ONGOING TRAINING

Motorcycle training schools will provide you with further motorcycle training to pass your motorcycle tests. They are well versed in teaching new riders like yourself how to pass both the Module 1 and Module 2 motorcycle tests. Being a new rider with very few skills and limited ability, you are probably at your most vulnerable right now. Take responsibility for your own riding and take further education now before you learn the hard way. Also after you have passed the two part motorcycle test, remember it is only the first part in becoming a motorcycle rider. If you are using your motorcycle for pleasure or commuting in busy or heavy traffic, you have not been thoroughly prepared for the riding you are going to be doing. Take responsibility and seek further guidance, this will ensure you are prepared for your journey ahead.  

THE ROAD TO SUCCESS

• Take responsibility for your own actions
• Take responsibility for your motorcycle
• Take responsibility for your attitude
• Take responsibility for the way you ride
• Take responsibility with the clothing you wear
• Take responsibility for your reactions to other road users
• Take responsibility for how you ride
• Take responsibility and make sure you arrive home safely every day