Dear Rider -

The Alamo Chapter H.O.G. puts a major emphasis on rider safety. Our Road Captains undergo a rigorous qualification process before they are awarded their Road Captain status. They continuously hone their skills with periodic completion of the Skilled Rider Course.

Rider safety is emphasized before and during every club ride. The Lead Road Captain conducts a thorough safety briefing prior to each ride to familiarize the riders with the day’s route, as well as any anticipated hazards. While the Lead and Sweep Road Captains do all they can to ensure a safe group ride, each rider is ultimately responsible for his/her own safety.

Safety is reviewed as part of the New Member Orientation. A safety presentation is also conducted at the monthly chapter meetings. You should be familiar with the hand signals listed below before participating in a ride.

Summer riding season is in full swing!
If the first part of June tells us anything, it’s going to be a hot one. However, if we are going to base the whole summer on what May and June (so far) is forecasting for temperatures, then I think we have something far more serious to worry about. I am alarmed at the number of motorcycle fatalities that I have read about or seen reported on T.V. news in this early part of 2010.

The year 2009 reported the first decrease in motorcycle fatalities in 11 years. Experts credit the decline to the weak economy. They feel there was a decrease in leisure riders who had very limited disposable income to be spent on gas, maintenance, and general riding costs. Also attributed to the decrease was the baby boomer motorcycle surge created by inexperienced riders has finally subsided. Of course, the increase in safety education and advertising by local and state agencies has had a positive effect on safer riding overall.

So what’s going on in the first part of 2010? Although current statistics are not readily available, all I did was search the internet for motorcycle accidents in 2010 which gave me hit after hit. In San Antonio alone through 16 May, there were 13 fatalities which is nearly DOUBLE the eight tallied for all of last year I see where various cities and states are so concerned by the number of accidents in the early part of this year that they are getting out early to bang the safety drum. Causes for the apparently large number of accidents in 2010 could be blamed on many reasons: more inexperienced riders on the road, the latest release of new drivers getting their license, the obvious abuse of cell phones and “texters” while driving, and of course the fact that we as bikers are just not respected on the roadways.

Whatever the cause of the vast increase in motorcycle accidents this summer may be, I will again reiterate some basic motorcycle safety tips that I have learned over the years and have read in many safety articles:

(1) Do not ride your motorcycle until you take a certified Motorcycle Rider Safety Course.

(2) If you are an experienced rider, or you have purchased a new motorcycle, take an advanced Motorcycle Rider Safety Course. Remember you do not really know your motorcycle until you have ridden it at least 1000 miles.

(3) No matter how experienced you think you may be on your motorcycle, practice makes perfect. You must careful all of the time.

(4) Assume that all vehicles do not see you!

(5) Always wear a helmet, leathers, gloves, boots, and proper riding attire, even if it is hot. You may not look as cool, but if the meat hits the pavement, the pavement wins. It is always better to go home to ride another day.

(6) Do not tailgate cars.

(7) Keep your motorcycle in gear when stopped, and always monitor your rear view mirrors for someone who looks like they are going to rear end you. Always plan an escape route at stop lights. When stopped, it is so vital to spend time reviewing what's behind you and what is coming at your "6". I've seen so many riders drop their bikes into neutral and they simply don't have a chance of escape should they need to.

I would like to add that it is vital to keep at least two vehicle lengths in front of you at stop. This provides two very important safety points for the rider. One it can provide an escape route, and two, just as important, it provides on-coming traffic a better view. In other words, it is OUR responsibility to be as visible as we can be, and if we are tucked behind the vehicle in front of us, we are compromising traffic's observation of our presence.

Additionally, lane position is important as well. It is best to stop the bike to the left of the middle of the lane you're in. This positioning aids motorists better observation of our presence, and, since we are putting our left foot down, it keeps the anchoring foot out of the grease and oil slicks. Another advantage of this lane positioning is that if we are turning left, it gives on-coming vehicles better visibility of our blinking turn signal(s).

(8) Always be cautious when going through intersections. Assume that someone will turn left in front of you or blow through a red light.

(9) Always keep an emergency card with you while riding. The emergency card should contain emergency contact names and numbers, relevant medical information such as blood type, medications, health problems, etc.

(10) NEVER DRINK ALCOHOL OR USE DRUGS WHEN RIDING YOUR MOTORCYCLE, PERIOD!

(11) Always inspect your motorcycle and tires before riding. Look for loose screws, bolts, nuts and tighten them. Check your tires for pressure, and wear.

This is a lot of information to remember but it can always be reinforced by taking a Motorcycle Safety Course from a certified instructor. If you haven’t taken the Experienced Rider Course, consider taking one now! You may also be eligible for reimbursement from Harley Davidson. Consider the Experience Rider Course at San Antonio Fun Machines with Steve Neal (210.843.3455 or safmclass@yahoo.com).

Riding your motorcycle can and should be one of the most pleasurable things in your life. Take it easy out there. Remember it is not the destination that matters; it is the ride that counts!

If you have any questions, concerns or ideas, please don't hesitate to email me. I'm always open to new ideas that might further enhance the safety of our members.

H.O.G. members are eligible for tuition reimbursement in the form of a coupon for up to $50 for the successful completion of an accredited Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) rider training course, including Riders Edge courses.

Official Safe Rider Skills program guidelines are available in your H.O.G. Membership Manual or at the H.O.G. Members web site.

To get your coupon, patch and pin, your paperwork must be submitted to H.O.G. within three (3) months of the course completion and include a completed Safe Rider Skills form (available at Cowboy's Alamo H-D or the H.O.G. Members web site), a copy of your receipt for the course and a copy of MSF certificate indicating successful completion of the course.

Make sure to include our Chapter Name (Alamo Chapter) and Number (2502). If 12 or more chapter members take the class during a year, the chapter will receive a recognition plaque and mention in H.O.G. Tales.

Texas Helmet Law Exemption

Motorcycle Safety Foundation Link