ALT-6 Tips for Safe Motorcycling in the Rain
Rain brings a new dimension to the two biggest risks when riding a motorcycle. Visibility and control.
VisibilityMotorcycles, because of their relative size to other vehicles, are not as easily seen as other motorists. Rain reduces this visibility even further and also reduces the rider's own vision. To reduce the risk associated with poor visibility you can:
Dress to be seen by other motorists. Wear bright clothing and a reflective vest in order to contrast with your surroundings and be more visible to other motorists. Turn your headlight on so you can be seen from a greater distance.
Wearing a helmet with a face plate or good eye protection will allow you to keep your eyes wide open and avoid the reflexive squinting that occurs when rain is driving into your face.
Increase the space between you and other motorists to give you room to move if you need to.
ControlWet bitumen is slippery, particularly after it has just started to rain. All vehicles have less traction in the rain and require greater stopping distances. Motorcycles with their two wheels have even less traction than four wheeled vehicles.
When a motorcycle is upright and traveling in a straight line, the tires have the most surface area in contact with the road. Leaning into turns and curves reduces the surface area of that contact and reduces the traction which is the basis of a smooth, safe ride.
There are a number of things you can do to increase your traction in the rain.
Approach turns carefully and slow down so you require less angle to ride curves and turns. Increase your speed gradually coming out of the turn.
Avoid sudden moves or changes in speed and direction as this can cause skidding.
Turn, brake, accelerate and change gears as smoothly as possible. Slowing down will reduce your stopping distance.
Ride in the tire tracks of moving vehicles, these are drier and less slippery than the rest of the road surface.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to brake quickly, don't grab the brakes. Apply a small amount of pressure to both the front and back brakes simultaneously. This will allow the forks to depress and the front tire to flatten gaining more traction for slowing or stopping. Apply more pressure gradually until you have braked enough.
Suddenly applying the brakes at full pressure will lock the front wheel and cause a skid. If this does happen, immediately release the brake to unlock the wheel then reapply it gently. If the rear wheel skids, ease off the brakes gradually to allow the tires to gain traction slowly.
Understanding how to adjust your riding for the conditions and making yourself as visible to other motorists as possible will go a long way to making you safer when riding in the rain.
