Learn to Ride Smart: BC Motorcycle Licensing Guide

learn to ride smart your guide to riding safely What you’ll need when you visit the driver licensing office Whether you’re a new rider, a rider from another jurisdiction, or if you’re taking a re‑examination, you need to be prepared when you come to the driver licensing office. Always have your primary and secondary identification, and fees for the services or licences you are requesting. For the motorcycle knowledge test and vision screening you need: primary and secondary identification (see inside of back cover) a custodial parent or legal guardian if you are under 19 the fee for the knowledge test the fee for the Class 7L photo licence, if you don’t have one already your current driver’s licence, if you have one glasses or contact lenses if you need them to ride. For the motorcycle skills test (MST), you need: primary and secondary identification (see inside of back cover) your Class 8L or Class 6L licence your supervisor a safe, street-legal motorcycle with registration and insurance papers (make sure that the insurance coverage allows you to ride the motorcycle). Note: Limited speed motorcycles are not acceptable for taking the MST if you already have a driver’s licence. glasses or contact lenses if you need them to ride. For the Class 8 or Class 6 road test, you need: primary and secondary identification (see inside of back cover) your current driver’s licence a motorcycle that is safe and appropriate for the road test, with registration and insurance papers (make sure that the insurance coverage allows you to ride the motorcycle) the fees for the road test and photo licence glasses or contact lenses if you need them to ride. Notes: All road tests are by appointment only. You must book ahead. See chapter 12 for more information and telephone numbers for booking road tests. If you can’t keep your road test appointment, you need to notify ICBC. You will be charged a fee if you don’t show up for your scheduled road test and don’t provide either 48 hours notice or a valid reason for not attending. Knowledge and road test fees are different depending on which tests you will be taking. You can find a list of fees on icbc.com. To learn more about getting your licence, read chapter 11, your licence. learn to ride smart your guide to riding safely © 2021, Insurance Corporation of British Columbia All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopied or otherwise, without the prior written consent of the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Applications for ICBC’s written consent should be made to ICBC, 151 West Esplanade, North Vancouver, B.C., V7M 3H9. This publication was formerly titled RoadSense for Riders. Statement of Limitation ICBC has prepared this guide to assist individuals studying for a Class 6 or 8 British Columbia motorcycle licence. Learn to ride smart is not intended to take the place of professional training, and ICBC does not make any representation or warranty that any individual who studies Learn to ride smart will be successful in obtaining the desired licence. ICBC is not responsible for any consequences that may result from the use of Learn to ride smart. Throughout this guide, there are references to acts and regulations that govern riding in British Columbia. This guide reﬂects the law in British Columbia as set out in these acts and regulations as of January 1, 2014. These references are written in plain language to help you understand their impact on individual riders. In the event of a difference between the material included in Learn to ride smart and any of these acts or regulations, the acts and regulations shall apply. contents Using this guide................................................................................ 1 New riders......................................................................................... 1 Experienced riders........................................................................... 1 Getting the most from this guide................................................... 1 Organization................................................................................... 2 Chapters 1 to 6: developing your smart riding skills................ 2 Chapters 7 to 10: applying your smart riding skills.................. 3 Chapters 11 and 12: references and resources........................ 3 Design features............................................................................... 3 Main column.............................................................................. 4 Sidebar...................................................................................... 4 Developing your smart riding skills Chapter 1 You in the rider’s seat....................................................................... 5 The challenges.................................................................................. 5 Vulnerability to injury...................................................................... 5 Exposure......................................................................................... 5 Visibility........................................................................................... 6 Vulnerability to road conditions..................................................... 6 Balance and coordination.............................................................. 6 Personal factors.............................................................................. 6 The cost............................................................................................. 6 The solutions..................................................................................... 7 Be ﬁt to ride.................................................................................... 7 Alertness and concentration..................................................... 8 Physical condition..................................................................... 8 Make good decisions..................................................................... 8 Keep learning............................................................................ 9 Professional training................................................................ 10 Plan your riding....................................................................... 10 Predict the scene..................................................................... 11 Think for yourself..................................................................... 11 Take responsibility........................................................................ 12 You, the rider........................................................................... 12 Your passengers...................................................................... 13 Other road users..................................................................... 14 Preparing to ride............................................................................ 14 i Chapter 2 You and your motorcycle............................................................... 15 The motorcycle............................................................................... 15 Types of motorcycles.................................................................... 15 Cruiser..................................................................................... 16 Sport, Sport touring................................................................ 16 Touring.................................................................................... 16 Dual-purpose.......................................................................... 16 Standard.................................................................................. 16 Motor scooter.......................................................................... 16 Moped..................................................................................... 16 Off-road................................................................................... 16 The gear.......................................................................................... 17 Helmet.......................................................................................... 17 Checklist for buying a helmet................................................. 17 Protect your eyes and face...................................................... 18 Checklist for eye and face protection..................................... 18 Clothing........................................................................................ 19 Checklist for clothing.............................................................. 19 High visibility clothing............................................................. 20 Gloves........................................................................................... 21 Checklist for gloves................................................................. 21 Footwear....................................................................................... 21 Checklist for footwear............................................................. 21 Budgeting........................................................................................ 22 Budget checklist........................................................................... 22 Chapter 3 Knowing your motorcycle.............................................................. 23 Getting to know your motorcycle................................................. 23 Left handlebar controls................................................................ 24 Clutch lever............................................................................. 24 Turn signal switch.................................................................... 24 High/low beam switch............................................................ 24 Horn......................................................................................... 24 Choke or enrichener............................................................... 25 Right handlebar controls.............................................................. 25 Engine cut-off switch............................................................... 25 Electric starter.......................................................................... 25 Front brake lever..................................................................... 25 Throttle.................................................................................... 26 Instrument panel.......................................................................... 26 ii Mirrors........................................................................................... 27 Ignition switch............................................................................... 27 Fuel supply valve.......................................................................... 28 Foot controls................................................................................ 28 Rear brake pedal..................................................................... 29 Gearshift lever (if equipped)................................................... 29 Kick-starter (if equipped)......................................................... 29 Stand............................................................................................. 29 Riding posture................................................................................ 29 Motorcycle pre-trip check.............................................................. 30 Tires.............................................................................................. 31 Wheels.......................................................................................... 31 Drive system................................................................................. 31 Electrical....................................................................................... 31 Fluids............................................................................................ 31 Clutch and throttle....................................................................... 32 Mirrors........................................................................................... 32 Brakes........................................................................................... 32 Pre-trip planning check.................................................................. 32 Periodic inspection......................................................................... 32 Riding and the environment.......................................................... 33 Chapter 4 Signs, signals and road markings.................................................. 35 Signs................................................................................................ 35 Regulatory signs........................................................................... 36 School, playground and crosswalk signs...................................... 37 Lane use signs.............................................................................. 37 Turn control signs......................................................................... 38 Parking signs................................................................................. 38 Reserved lane signs...................................................................... 38 Warning signs............................................................................... 39 Object markers............................................................................. 40 Construction signs........................................................................ 41 Information and destination signs................................................ 41 Railway signs................................................................................. 42 Signals.............................................................................................. 42 Lane control signals...................................................................... 42 Traffic lights................................................................................... 43 Road markings................................................................................ 44 Yellow lines................................................................................... 44 iii White lines.................................................................................... 45 Reserved lane markings............................................................... 46 Other markings............................................................................. 46 Chapter 5 Rules of the road............................................................................ 47 Understanding intersections......................................................... 47 Signalling...................................................................................... 47 Types of intersections................................................................... 47 Controlled intersections.......................................................... 47 Uncontrolled intersections...................................................... 47 Stopping at intersections............................................................. 48 Right-of-way at intersections........................................................ 49 Intersections controlled by trafﬁc lights.................................. 49 Left turn signals....................................................................... 50 Intersections controlled by stop signs.................................... 51 Intersections controlled by yield signs.................................... 52 Traffic circles and roundabouts............................................... 52 Entering a roadway................................................................. 54 Using lanes correctly...................................................................... 54 Which lane should you use?......................................................... 55 Lane tracking and lane position................................................... 55 Right turns............................................................................... 55 Left turns................................................................................. 56 Turning lanes................................................................................ 57 Multiple turning lanes............................................................. 57 Two-way left turn lanes............................................................ 57 Turns in the middle of a block................................................. 58 U-turns.......................................................................................... 58 Reserved lanes.............................................................................. 58 High occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes...................................... 58 Bus lanes................................................................................. 59 Bicycle lanes............................................................................ 59 Pulling into a lane......................................................................... 60 Passing.......................................................................................... 60 Passing lanes........................................................................... 61 Merging........................................................................................ 61 Highway or freeway entrances and exits..................................... 62 Entrances................................................................................. 62 Exits......................................................................................... 63 Strategies: freeway courtesy................................................... 63 iv Cul-de-sacs................................................................................... 64 Turning around............................................................................. 64 Parking tips and rules..................................................................... 65 Chapter 6 See-think-do.................................................................................... 67 See................................................................................................... 67 Observation.................................................................................. 67 Hazard perception........................................................................ 71 Think................................................................................................ 73 Assess the risk............................................................................... 73 Choose a solution......................................................................... 74 Do.................................................................................................... 75 Speed control............................................................................... 76 Steering........................................................................................ 78 Space margins.............................................................................. 80 Communication............................................................................ 86 Using see-think-do.......................................................................... 88 Applying your smart riding skills Chapter 7 Sharing the road............................................................................. 89 Sharing the road safely.................................................................. 89 see................................................................................................ 90 think.............................................................................................. 90 do.................................................................................................. 90 How to share the road.................................................................. 90 Pedestrians...................................................................................... 91 Cyclists............................................................................................. 94 Large vehicles................................................................................. 96 School buses................................................................................... 99 Public transit buses...................................................................... 100 Emergency vehicles...................................................................... 101 Stopped vehicles with flashing lights......................................... 102 Construction zones....................................................................... 103 Other motorcycles........................................................................ 104 Trains.............................................................................................. 107 Horses............................................................................................ 109 Chapter 8 Personal strategies....................................................................... 111 Fitness to ride............................................................................... 111 Seeing and hearing.................................................................... 111 v Assessing your health................................................................. 112 Staying awake............................................................................. 112 Keeping focused........................................................................ 113 Cellphones and other devices..................................................... 114 Dangerous emotions.................................................................... 115 Impairment.................................................................................... 117 Facts about alcohol.................................................................... 117 Facts about drugs....................................................................... 118 Drugs and riding................................................................... 118 Medications........................................................................... 118 Protecting yourself from impairment.................................... 118 Illegal drugs........................................................................... 119 Drugs and alcohol................................................................. 119 Taking risks.................................................................................... 120 Peer pressure................................................................................ 121 Passengers.................................................................................... 122 Carrying passengers................................................................... 123 Taking responsibility for passengers.......................................... 123 Aggression on the road............................................................... 124 Preventing aggression................................................................ 125 Organ Donor Registry.................................................................. 127 How to register........................................................................... 127 Chapter 9 Challenging riding conditions..................................................... 129 Reduced vision and visibility....................................................... 129 Fog and rain............................................................................... 129 Glare and shadows..................................................................... 131 Night riding................................................................................ 131 Using your headlight............................................................. 132 Overriding the headlight...................................................... 132 Reduced traction.......................................................................... 133 Unpaved road surfaces............................................................... 133 Irregular road surfaces................................................................ 134 Railway tracks............................................................................. 135 Slippery surfaces......................................................................... 136 Snow and ice......................................................................... 137 Hydroplaning......................................................................... 137 Road design................................................................................ 138 Crowns................................................................................... 138 Banks..................................................................................... 139 vi Hills........................................................................................ 139 Curves................................................................................... 139 Turbulence and crosswinds.......................................................... 140 Carrying cargo.............................................................................. 141 Chapter 10 Emergency strategies.................................................................. 143 Preparing for emergencies.......................................................... 143 Collision avoidance....................................................................... 143 Braking........................................................................................ 144 Anti-lock braking systems (ABS)............................................ 144 Steering...................................................................................... 145 Accelerating................................................................................ 146 Combining avoidance manoeuvres........................................... 148 Mechanical problems................................................................... 148 Flat tires...................................................................................... 148 Engine problems........................................................................ 149 Headlight failure......................................................................... 150 Wobbles..................................................................................... 150 Obstacles....................................................................................... 151 Animals....................................................................................... 152 Stationary obstacles................................................................... 153 At the scene of a crash................................................................ 154 You arrive at the scene of a crash............................................... 154 You are involved in a crash......................................................... 155 Legal responsibilities............................................................. 155 Suggestions........................................................................... 155 References and resources Chapter 11 Your licence................................................................................... 157 Learning to ride............................................................................ 157 Choosing your supervisor........................................................... 157 Professional training................................................................... 157 Working toward your Class 6 licence......................................... 158 If you’re a new driver................................................................... 158 Learner stage (Class 8L).............................................................. 158 Class 8L riding restrictions.................................................... 159 Novice stage (Class 8N)............................................................. 160 Class 8N riding restrictions................................................... 160 Graduated Licensing Program (GLP) penalties..................... 160 Graduating to a Class 6 licence................................................. 161 vii If you already have a driver’s licence.......................................... 162 Learner stage (Class 6L).............................................................. 162 Class 6L riding restrictions.................................................... 163 Getting your Class 6 licence....................................................... 163 Tests............................................................................................... 163 Motorcycle knowledge test........................................................ 163 Vision and medical screening..................................................... 163 Motorcycle skills test (MST)........................................................ 164 Class 8 road test......................................................................... 165 Class 6 road test......................................................................... 166 Taking a test.................................................................................. 167 Booking a test............................................................................. 167 What to take to the tests............................................................ 168 Knowledge test..................................................................... 168 Motorcycle skills test............................................................. 168 Class 8 or Class 6 road test................................................... 168 Choosing a motorcycle rider training school............................. 170 ICBC-approved GLP driver education courses.......................... 171 Motorcycle skills course.............................................................. 171 New B.C. residents....................................................................... 171 Re-examinations........................................................................... 172 Keeping your licence up-to-date................................................ 173 Summary of licence classes.......................................................... 174 Air brakes.............................................................................. 175 Restrictions, conditions and endorsements.......................... 175 Recreational trailers............................................................... 175 Responsibilities and penalties..................................................... 175 Driver’s licence............................................................................ 175 Identity theft and driver licence fraud........................................ 176 Protecting you from fraud.......................................................... 176 Insuring your motorcycle............................................................ 177 Outstanding fines and debts...................................................... 177 Penalties for unsafe riding.......................................................... 178 Driver Improvement Program.................................................... 179 Penalties for impaired riding...................................................... 179 Criminal Code penalties............................................................. 180 Graduated Licensing Program.............................................. 180 Other costs of impaired riding.............................................. 180 Vehicle impoundment................................................................ 181 viii Riding in other locations.............................................................. 181 Being a life-long learner.............................................................. 182 Chapter 12 Need to know more?................................................................... 183 Licensing information................................................................... 183 Booking road tests....................................................................... 183 Other helpful phone numbers..................................................... 183 Website addresses....................................................................... 184 Internet.......................................................................................... 184 Index.............................................................................................. 185 About your motorcycle skills test and road test....................... 195 Examiners’ tips — motorcycle skills test and Class 6 and 8 road test......................................................... 196 Identification (ID)....................................................inside back cover ix using this guide Learn to ride smart is designed for: new riders who want to get a motorcycle rider’s licence experienced riders who are: –– new to British Columbia –– taking a re-examination –– reviewing their riding skills. It contains the basic information you need to know to help you learn to ride safely. It will also help you prepare for the motorcycle knowledge test and the Class 8 and Class 6 road tests. New riders tuning up for riders a workbook for learning to ride As a new rider, you are part of a high-risk group. This guide provides riding strategies to help keep you safe. When you get a Class 6L or 8L licence, you’ll receive a copy of Tuning up for riders. It is a step-by-step guide that helps you learn and practise your riding skills. Use Learn to ride smart together with Tuning up for riders to become a safe motorcyclist. Experienced riders Use this guide to review B.C.’s riding rules and regulations if you’re licensed to ride in another jurisdiction, are taking a re-examination or want to review your skills. Use it along with Tuning up for riders to help you prepare for your road tests. Getting the most from this guide Learn to ride smart is divided into 12 chapters. Depending on what you need to know, and whether you’re a new or an experienced rider, you may decide to read and study all of it, or just parts of it. 1 Organization Learn to ride smart is designed to help you quickly ﬁnd the information you need. The 12 chapters are organized into three sections: developing your smart riding skills has the basic riding information you need to learn. applying your smart riding skills applies the basic information to speciﬁc riding situations. references and resources refers you to useful information. Check the table of contents and index for a complete list of topics. What do the words in this guide mean? Rider — refers to someone who operates a motorcycle. Bike — means motorcycle. In this guide it never means bicycle. Cyclist — refers to anyone riding a bicycle. Chapters 1 to 6: developing your smart riding skills The ﬁrst six chapters of this guide cover the basics of riding and are designed to help you develop your smart riding skills. They provide important information for riding that will help keep you and others safe on the road. Chapter 1, you in the rider’s seat, presents some of the common choices that every rider makes. Chapter 2, you and your motorcycle, outlines the essential gear you’ll need for safe motorcycling and describes the different types of motorcycles available. Chapter 3, knowing your motorcycle, gives an overview of how your motorcycle works and the basics of maintenance. Chapter 4, signs, signals and road markings, provides information about signs, signals and road markings that you’ll see while riding. Chapter 5, rules of the road, talks about the rules you must know to ride safely. Chapter 6, see-think-do, teaches you a riding strategy that will help you become competent and avoid problems on the road. 2 Chapters 7 to 10: applying your smart riding skills Chapters 7 through 10 will help you apply the basic information from the ﬁrst six chapters. Chapter 7, sharing the road, shows you how to safely share the road with all other road users. Chapter 8, personal strategies, gives you pointers on how to overcome negative inﬂuences that may affect your riding. Chapter 9, challenging riding conditions, describes some riding conditions that may be challenging and gives strategies on how to deal with them. Chapter 10, emergency strategies, outlines ways to deal with emergencies. Chapters 11 and 12: references and resources The ﬁnal two chapters tell you how to get and keep your motorcycle driver’s licence and where you can ﬁnd more information. These chapters are for reference only. You won’t be tested on this material. Chapter 11, your licence, outlines the steps you need to take to get your licence. Chapter 12, need to know more?, lists places to go for more information. Design features This guide is designed to be easy to use. Different kinds of information appear in different locations on the page. Understanding the type of information you will ﬁnd in each location will help you use this guide effectively. Here are two sample pages from the guide. Some of the items you’ll ﬁnd displayed in the sidebar are on the left side of the page. developing your smart riding skills Strategies: the observation cycle Always keep your eyes moving while you are riding: chapter 6 — see-think-do look at least 12 seconds ahead scan from one side of the road to the other, checking for Stopping and starting up again — as you slow down to stop, potential hazards check your mirrors for trafﬁc behind you. Then make sure you glance in your mirrors to keep track of what is happening have a clear view of the intersection. If your view is blocked behind you. after you have stopped, you may need to edge forward into the intersection to see clearly before you ride through. Then start all over again. You should complete the whole cycle every five to eight seconds. Turning — shoulder check to make sure a cyclist or other road user hasn’t come up beside you. Then scan the intersection just as you begin to move forward. Make sure that your eyes are looking in the direction you want to go once you begin your turn. Observing ahead Make sure you know what’s coming up on the road by scanning Hazard perception crash fact at least 12 seconds ahead. This means looking one to two blocks ahead in city riding and half a kilometre ahead on the 65 per cent of crashes highway. This will give you time to prepare for a potential Thinking like a rider involving motorcycles hazard instead of being taken by surprise. are multi-vehicle. You’re riding along a residential road. The driver of the car In 80 per cent of those As you look ahead, scan to the left and right to see what is in front of you seems uncertain of where he wants to go. crashes, the other driver happening along the sides of the road. If you see parked cars, He is slowing down and then speeding up. You decide to is at fault. be careful. A child may walk out from between them, or a door keep your distance. You glance in your left mirror, and see In the other 35 per cent could swing open in front of you. that the car behind you is getting a bit too close. While of motorcycle crashes, no other vehicles are you are deciding what to do, you ride past a parked van involved. that was blocking part of your vision, and you see a large patch of black oil on the roadway ahead … (ICBC — 2009–13) Riding safely means looking out for hazards. A hazard is anything in the riding environment that could harm you or other road users. Hazard perception is the skill of identifying these hazards. To share the road safely, train yourself to look for other road users, objects and road surfaces that might cause problems. As you ride, your eyes should be moving, and you should be thinking ahead about where hazards could occur. It is easiest to see things that are in your central vision (directly in front of you). But it is important to pay attention to things outside your central vision. The riding environment Peripheral vision allows includes everything you to see more than what around you, including is directly in front of you. other road users, road conditions, weather conditions and the activities going on at the side of the road that 68 might affect you. 71 Sidebar Main column 3 Main column Most of the information for each chapter is located in the main column on the right side of each page. This main column also includes: pictures to help illustrate certain points or ideas scenarios, called thinking like a rider, which help you to think about what you would do if you were faced with a particular riding situation strategies to help you handle everyday and emergency riding situations. Sidebar in this chapter You’ll ﬁnd the following information along the left side of the page: crash fact in this chapter — a list at the beginning of each chapter that lets you know what’s included in the chapter smart riding tip crash fact — facts and statistics about crashes smart riding tip — practical hints that help you keep safe on the road warning! warning — important safety information think about — questions that invite you to think about your think about riding choices fast fact — important facts on related topics. fast fact 4 1 you in the rider’s seat Being on the road can be challenging for riders and drivers. in this chapter But riders sometimes face extra challenges, like poor road conditions. This chapter introduces you to motorcycling and The challenges provides three solutions to these challenges — keeping focused The cost on the task of riding, making good decisions and looking out for the safety of others. You can use these solutions when The solutions making choices about how you as a rider can keep yourself and –– be fit to ride others safe. –– make good decisions –– take responsibility The challenges Preparing to ride Riding a motorcycle is fun and exciting, but it can also be challenging. You can reduce the risk of a crash by becoming a competent rider and making good choices. Vulnerability to injury More than half of all motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. Unlike in a car, on a motorcycle you’re not surrounded by steel and you don’t have bumpers to protect you. You also don’t have seatbelts or other car safety features to help prevent injury in a crash — you have to depend on good riding skills and good judgment to keep you safe. Exposure Being a rider means being outdoors. This may be your main reason for riding, but it can also be uncomfortable. Riding in rain, wind and extreme temperatures can reduce your alertness and reaction time. Chapter 2, you and your motorcycle, suggests ways you can protect yourself from the elements when you ride. 5 developing your smart riding skills Visibility The compact size and shape of motorcycles can make them invisible to other road users. Even a small car can hide a motorcycle from view. Road glare can make a bike seem to disappear. Rain, mist and fog make motorcycles hard to see. Dusk and nighttime are especially dangerous for riders because visibility is already limited. Throughout this guide you’ll learn many techniques for making you and your bike more visible. Vulnerability to road conditions crash fact Some road surfaces, like gravel, sand and mud, can make a In May and June, there motorcycle lose traction. Unexpected ruts and grooves can also are approximately four be hazards. Rain and cold temperatures make road surfaces riders who are injured in slippery. Crossing railway tracks requires a special technique. B.C. every day. In July and August, that number goes Read chapter 9, challenging riding conditions, to learn up to six riders injured techniques for handling poor road conditions. every day. On average, 35 Balance and coordination motorcyclists are killed each year on B.C. roads. A motorcycle rider has to balance the bike while operating a set of controls, watching for hazards and dealing with trafﬁc. As if (ICBC — 2009–13) this isn’t enough, the rider also has to cope with many different road conditions. Chapter 6, see-think-do, talks about a riding strategy that will help you handle all these factors. Personal factors Riding safely takes self-conﬁdence. Conﬁdence comes from having excellent skills that you can depend on. Safe riding also depends on being alert and focused on the task of riding. It means never being impaired while riding. Read chapter 8, personal strategies, for ways to handle personal pressures. think about The cost Riders are more at risk of being injured in a crash than drivers Think about what a crash of passenger vehicles. According to the U.S. Department of could mean to you. How much would it cost to fix Transportation, motorcycle riders are 16 times more likely than your bike? What if you motorists are to die in trafﬁc crashes. were injured? How would that affect your family? Your job? What if your passenger was injured or even killed? What about the other people involved in the crash? 6 chapter 1 — you in the rider’s seat The solutions Riding a motorcycle is not for everyone, and staying safe on your bike depends on the choices you make. Will you choose the thrill of speed even when it’s dangerous? Will you always choose to ride with a proper helmet and riding gear? Will you choose a motorcycle that’s suitable for you? Will you ever put your passengers at risk? A thinking rider always puts safety ﬁrst. Smart riding skills are about making choices that help keep you and others safe. The choices you make determine the kind of rider you’ll be. A smart rider chooses to: be ﬁt to ride make good decisions take responsibility. Be ﬁt to ride Thinking like a rider – part 1 You’ve got a busy morning, beginning with a 9 a.m. dental appointment, then coffee with a friend. Just as you are heading out to your motorcycle, your roommate starts an argument. According to him, you’re not doing your share of the chores. While riding to your appointment, you think of all the things you should have said to your roommate. You’re having trouble paying attention to the road. What choice would you make? Focus on your riding? or Focus on the argument? 7 developing your smart riding skills Alertness and concentration crash fact When you’re riding, you need to be alert and give your full Top contributing factors concentration to the task. Fatigue or illness can make you less in for at-fault vehicles in alert. Being cold and wet can be distracting. Drugs, alcohol and motorcycle crashes: even prescription and some over-the-counter medications can For drivers: affect your focus and balance. Strong emotions like anger or Distracted driving, speed distress can make you lose concentration. All it takes to cause and failing to yield the a crash is a few seconds when you’re not paying attention. right-of-way. Chapter 8, personal strategies, outlines ways you can stay For riders: alert. Distraction, speed and impaired driving. Physical condition (TAS 2009–13) Riding is physically demanding. Here are some things to consider before you learn to ride: Coordination — you’ll need good coordination to keep a bike upright and balanced while operating several controls at the same time. This is easier for some people than for others. How’s your coordination? Strength and endurance — riding a motorcycle is demanding. It takes strength to push a bike. You need endurance to take the strain that riding puts on the arms and upper body. You may ride in difficult weather conditions. Are you ready to learn the techniques that will help you meet the physical demands of riding? Eyesight — your eyes will take in about 80 per cent of the information in the riding scene. You need to have sharp eyesight and good peripheral vision. Should you have your vision checked by a specialist to see if you need to wear glasses or contact lenses? Health — some health problems, such as a back injury or heart condition, may prevent you from riding or make riding dangerous for you. Seasonal allergies may also affect your ability to ride safely. Are you healthy enough to ride? Should you check with your doctor? Make good decisions You’ll need to make quick and accurate decisions when you ride. Will you be tempted to run a yellow light because you are in a hurry? Will you take a chance and ride after you’ve been drinking? Being a safe rider requires learning, planning, predicting and thinking for yourself. 8 chapter 1 — you in the rider’s seat Keep learning Thinking like a rider – part 2 As you ride along, you spot a playground sign. You know you have to slow down, but during what hours? The sign doesn’t say. Quickly, you try to remember when the playground speed limits are in effect. Do you have to slow down at 8:45 a.m. or not? You can’t remember… What choice should you have made? Playground zones: 30 km/h limit is in effect every day from dawn to dusk. Take the time to learn or Not worry about it? the rules of the road? The ﬁrst step in making good riding decisions is to devote time to learning as much as you can about riding. You can do this by having a learning plan: 1. Study this guide. The guide will introduce you to the basic smart riding tip information you need to know to become a safe rider. You’ll be tested on this information when you take a motorcycle You must be accompanied knowledge test. by a qualified supervisor before you pass the 2. Get a learner’s licence. After you pass the motorcycle motorcycle skills test. See knowledge test you’ll be given your learner’s licence. chapter 11, your licence, for more information on (See chapter 11, your licence, for details.) supervisors. 3. Get help from experts. Once you have a learner’s licence, learn the basic riding skills. A good way to do this is to take a professional training course and work with a coach. Use Tuning up for riders to guide you and your coach in your practising. Until you’re conﬁdent in your basic riding skills, such as braking, turning and changing gears, stay in an off-street practice site. 9 developing your smart riding skills 4. Keep studying and practising. Once you’ve passed the motorcycle skills test, practise riding on quiet streets. Be conﬁdent in low-trafﬁc areas before moving into busy urban trafﬁc or high-speed highways. 5. Get licensed. Pass the road test(s) to earn a Class 6 licence. (See chapter 11, your licence, for more details.) 6. Assess yourself. Keep checking your skills and keep learning. How can you keep your riding skills sharp? Ask an experienced rider to watch you ride and suggest how you can improve your techniques. Take a refresher course. Professional training Seriously consider taking a professional motorcycle training course. These are available for both beginning and experienced riders. Chapter 11, your licence, includes more information on choosing a motorcycle rider training course. Plan your riding Thinking like a rider – part 3 You’re deﬁnitely going to be late for your dental appointment now. Maybe if you go just a little over the speed limit you’ll be able to make that next light. What choice would you make? Take a chance and or Keep to the speed limit speed? and plan your time smart riding tip better in the future? Smart planning means doing a thorough pre-trip check before you start Smart riding means planning ahead. Have you allowed enough to ride. See chapter 3, time to get to your destination? Have you planned the shortest knowing your motorcycle, and safest route? What’s the weather going to be like — do you for more information on have the right gear? What other riding plans might you need the pre-trip check. to make? 10 chapter 1 — you in the rider’s seat Predict the scene Thinking like a rider – part 4 You’re going too fast and forget to watch the traffic lights at the next intersection. Suddenly, you’re almost at the intersection and the light has turned yellow. What choice would you make next time? Predict the scene well or Respond in a hurry? ahead? Being able to predict the riding environment will help you make think about the right decisions. You need to be aware of all the clues in the riding environment (in this case, the stale green traffic light Can you predict how sharp and the car on the right). Riding at an appropriate speed and a curve is? Can you tell if a green light is about to scanning the road ahead allows you to predict the scene. change? How can you tell if a driver is thinking of Think for yourself changing lanes? Thinking like a rider – part 5 There’s one more intersection before the dentist’s ofﬁce. You have to turn left and there isn’t a turning lane to help you. You become frustrated as you wait for your turn. Cars are lined up and the driver immediately behind you honks. You see a turning space but hesitate…is that gap wide enough for you to turn safely? What choice would you make? Wait until you feel or Turn to satisfy the there’s a safe gap? driver behind you? 11 developing your smart riding skills Another part of making good choices is to know yourself and understand the things that can inﬂuence your riding: Pressure from other road users — at times you will feel pressure from drivers or other riders, and you’ll have to decide what to do. How will you react to someone who is tailgating or honking at you? Inﬂuences from peers — other people can inﬂuence your riding. Your friends may pressure you to ride beyond your abilities. You may think that fast starts will impress them. Making tough decisions can sometimes lead to uncomfortable situations. How can you deal with this? Inﬂuences from the media — riding has a special mystique in our culture. Think about the bike ads and movies you’ve seen. How are riders portrayed? What type of riding do these images encourage? Will you base your riding decisions on safety, or will you let other inﬂuences pressure you? Read chapter 8, personal strategies, for ways to handle difﬁcult situations. Take responsibility Becoming licensed to ride means that you’re taking on new responsibilities for yourself, your passengers and other road users. You, the rider Thinking like a rider – part 6 You ﬁnally got through the dental appointment. Now you’re worried about being late for your friend. Just as you round a curve, you see a big semi-trailer. It’s going pretty slowly. You’re nervous about passing — you haven’t been riding for long. But if you don’t pass you’re going to be late. What choice would you make? Push your limits and or Accept your limits and pass? stay behind? You need to know and accept the limits of your riding skills. You also need to accept the limits of your motorcycle and the road conditions. Will you take responsibility for developing your riding skills so that you can ensure your own safety? 12 chapter 1 — you in the rider’s seat Your passengers Thinking like a rider – part 7 You meet your friend at a café and have a great time together. Just when it’s time to leave, she says, “Can you give me a ride home? I’m dying to ride on your bike.” She doesn’t have a helmet, but it’s only a couple of blocks to her apartment. What choice would you make? Risk annoying your Take your friend and friend by not giving or risk her life? her a ride? Since you’re responsible for the safety of your passengers, make sure: your motorcycle is equipped to carry passengers they wear an approved helmet and protective gear they’re properly seated behind you with their feet on the footpegs or floorboards they know how to be a safe passenger, and your motorcycle licence permits you to carry passengers. Carrying a passenger changes the way your bike handles, so you need to be an experienced rider before accepting passengers. For more information on carrying passengers, see chapter 8, personal strategies. 13 developing your smart riding skills Other road users Thinking like a rider – part 8 You’re almost back home. About half a block from the next intersection, you notice a woman standing at the crosswalk, but she’s looking the other way and doesn’t appear ready to cross. You could slow down and prepare to brake for her, but if you just speed up a little bit you could make it through the intersection ﬁrst. What choice would you make? Be cautious and slow or Get through the down? intersection ﬁrst? You share the road with cars, trucks, trains, other motorcyclists and bicyclists. Pedestrians and people who use wheelchairs may need to cross your path. You may need to move to the side of the road so that an emergency vehicle can pass. You never know when an animal may dart across your path. You can’t always take action that will protect you, your passengers and other road users. But by making responsible choices, you can help prevent many dangerous situations. Preparing to ride Riding a motorcycle is complex and you’ll always have to make choices. Some of these choices may be tough. You can prepare yourself by studying this guide and Tuning up for riders, by practising with a qualified supervisor and by taking professional training. 14 2 you and your motorcycle In chapter 1, you in the rider’s seat, you learned the in this chapter importance of making good riding choices. But before you start riding, you need to learn how good gear and a suitable The motorcycle motorcycle can add to your safety. –– types of motorcycles The gear The motorcycle –– helmet –– clothing –– gloves A rider goes shopping –– footwear For a long time, you’ve been promising yourself that Budgeting you’d learn to ride a motorcycle when you got your ﬁrst good job. Well, that day is here. You’re ready to shop for a motorcycle. The only trouble is, you’re not really sure what kind of motorcycle to buy. And you’re beginning to realize that you might not have enough money to buy the fancy gear you’ve just been looking at. What should you do? Choose a motorcycle that suits your needs. You will have to consider several things when making your choice: Your size and strength — choose a motorcycle you can control. Your feet should be able to reach the ground when you straddle the bike. You should also be able to handle the weight of the motorcycle. Can you push it back and forth and keep it balanced? Your skill level — choose a motorcycle that ﬁts your level of handling skill. If you’re a learner, you might decide to buy a small motorcycle and trade it in later for a more powerful model. Your riding goals — think about why you want a motorcycle. If you are interested in commuting to work, you will probably choose a different type of bike than if you are planning to use it for long trips. Once you’ve decided what you need, take time to inform yourself. Search out as much information about models as you can, and weigh the pros and cons of each. Ask friends for their opinion. Go to motorcycle dealers, read about different motorcycles and talk to experienced riders. Types of motorcycles There are several types of motorcycles available. All of them come with a variety of engine sizes and other options. 15 developing your smart riding skills Cruiser These have custom styling details such as pulled-back handlebars and a stepped seat for a passenger. Riders sit in either an upright or a more laid-back position. Sport, Sport touring Sport models are street-legal versions of racing models. They are designed to be quick, fast and very maneuverable. Sport touring motorcycles combine features of sport and touring motorcycles and are often more comfortable for long-distance touring or for carrying passengers. Touring These heavy motorcycles are designed for long-distance travel because they are comfortable and have a large cargo capacity. They usually have extra bodywork, or fairings, and a windshield. Both are designed to protect the rider and passenger from wind, weather, dust, insects and other debris. The rider and passenger sit in an upright posture. Dual-purpose These combine some features of off-road motorcycles with the features of street-legal motorcycles. They are more rugged than street motorcycles and have higher ground clearance. Standard These are general-purpose motorcycles that are good for learners. The rider usually sits in an upright posture, and the bike provides seating for a passenger. Motor scooter Motor scooters have the engine mounted below the rider, usually under an enclosure, and they usually have an automatic transmission. Most have a platform for the rider’s feet, which also provides some weather protection. Most motor scooters are 50 cc, but some are much larger and more powerful. Moped Mopeds are 50cc or smaller and have pedals for assisting the engine on hills. (If a motor scooter or moped meets the limited- speed motorcycle deﬁnition on p. 175, it may be operated with any class of driver’s licence.) Off-road These are not legal for street riding because they are built for off-road settings. They do not have extensive electrical systems, such as lights or horns, and have no emission controls. Most 16 jurisdictions restrict where these motorcycles can be used. The rider sits in an upright posture. chapter 2 — you and your motorcycle The gear Riding gear is more than a fashion statement — it’s designed to: protect you from the weather help protect you from injury make you visible enhance your comfort. crash fact Helmets can prevent fatal Helmet injuries 29 per cent of the time. They are effective in According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, one in every preventing head injuries ﬁve motorcycle crashes results in head or neck injuries for the in 67 per cent of crashes. rider. Wearing a helmet is the single most important factor in Wear your helmet every preventing or reducing these injuries. In British Columbia, all time you get on your riders and their passengers are required to wear approved motorcycle. motorcycle safety helmets. An exception to this requirement National Highway Traffic is made for people of the Sikh religion with unshorn hair who Safety Administration wear full turbans. Checklist for buying a helmet smart riding tip ❏❏ Choose a helmet that meets B.C.’s laws by looking for one Be cautious about using with a label that shows it meets DOT, Snell M2005 or Snell a damaged helmet. M2010, or ECE standards. Check the manufacturer’s information for ❏❏ A full-face helmet provides the best protection in a collision guidelines and replace as well as protection from wind, dust, rain, insects and one that has been in debris. It is the only type that protects the face. a crash. You should replace ❏❏ Be seen. Choose a bright colour. White makes you visible. your helmet every few Add some reﬂective tape to the sides and back for even years because of natural more visibility. deterioration. ❏❏ Go for ﬁt. It should feel snug around the entire head and be tight enough to stop it from moving. But make sure it is not This is a full-face helmet. too tight. Also, be aware that the padding may compress Will it restrict your hearing? over time, and the ﬁt may become looser. Numerous studies have shown it will not. A helmet ❏❏ Avoid buying a used helmet. It may have been in a crash, may actually improve your and the damage may not be obvious. hearing by screening wind and engine noise. A helmet will not make you less alert. A full-face helmet provides the best protection in a collision as well as protection from wind, dust, rain, insects and debris. It is the only type that protects the face. Look for a helmet with a label showing that it meets DOT, Snell M2005 or Snell M2010, or ECE standards. 17 developing your smart riding skills Protect your eyes and face You need to protect your eyes and face while riding. Constant wind can make your eyes water, which can prevent you from being able to see hazards. Flying insects, dust and debris can hurt your eyes and face. Eyeglasses or sunglasses do not provide adequate protection for your eyes because they can ﬂy off, move or shatter. Most motorcycle windshields do not give adequate protection for your eyes or face. The best protection is a full-face helmet with a built-in face shield because it protects your eyes and your face. If you choose a helmet that doesn’t have full-face protection, you’ll need goggles to protect your eyes. Remember though, these will not protect the rest of your face. And if you wear glasses with a helmet that doesn’t have full-face protection, you should wear goggles over your glasses for protection from the wind. Checklist for eye and face protection ❏❏ Choose shield material that is scratch and impact resistant. ❏❏ Check that the shield will give you a clear view to either side. ❏❏ The space inside a shield should have enough room for your eyeglasses or sunglasses. ❏❏ The shield should fasten securely to the helmet. ❏❏ Check that air can ﬂow freely. This prevents fogging. ❏❏ Beware of tinted materials. It’s unsafe to use them at night or in the rain because they can obstruct your vision. ❏❏ Wearing contact lenses while riding can irritate your eyes. Be prepared by carrying your glasses at all times. 18 chapter 2 — you and your motorcycle Clothing smart riding tip The correct clothing can give you some protection during a Even on warm days, the collision. It also protects you from the weather and from debris. motorcycle’s speed creates Being warm and dry will help you stay alert and maintain a wind that can lower body temperature to the point coordination. Choose clothing that is designed for motorcycle of hypothermia. Always riding and wear it in layers so you can adjust to changing be prepared. Even on conditions. Jeans give only minimum protection. Never ride in very hot days, you should lightweight pants or shorts. wear a jacket to prevent dehydration. Checklist for clothing ❏❏ Jackets and pants should ﬁt snugly but comfortably, and should not balloon out while you are riding. ❏❏ Leather and good-quality synthetics, such as Kevlar and Cordura nylon, offer good protection from abrasion. Built-in or accessory body armour can help prevent or reduce impact injuries in the event of a crash. ❏❏ Wear a high visibility garment such as a safety vest to help make you more visible both in daytime and at night. You can further increase your visibility by choosing clothing that features fluorescent material and reflective striping. ❏❏ Check for good ventilation as well as warmth. ❏❏ Check that sleeve and leg cuffs are long and snug enough to keep out the wind and rain. ❏❏ Choose to be dry. A good rainsuit doesn’t balloon out at high speeds or tear apart, and it will keep you warm and dry. It has long sleeves and legs and extra room to fit comfortably over regular riding gear. Full-face The well-dressed rider. helmet Leather or heavy fabric Snug-fitting abrasion resistant collar jacket with built-in fluorescent panels Zippered wind flap Long sleeves Leather gloves Abrasion resistant pants Heavy over- the-ankle boots Low heels 19 developing your smart riding skills High visibility clothing Wearing a high visibility garment helps keep you safe by making you more visible to other road users. High visibility garments include: Motorcycle safety vests with built-in fluorescent panels. Motorcycle jackets or rain suits with built-in fluorescent panels. Work safety vests and jackets. 20 chapter 2 — you and your motorcycle Gloves Use gloves to protect your hands from injury and from the cold and wet. It’s best to use gloves that are designed for motorcycle riding. These will give you good protection while allowing you to make precise hand movements. Checklist for gloves ❏❏ Check the fit. Gloves should be comfortable and flexible and have good grip. ❏❏ Choose gloves that are abrasion-resistant. Look for leather or Kevlar panels to protect your palms and knuckles. ❏❏ Gloves should cover your wrists and overlap the sleeves of your jacket. This prevents cold air from flowing into your jacket and protects your skin from injury in an accident. ❏❏ One pair of gloves may not be enough. You may need some that are suitable for summer riding and others that are suitable for rain and cold-weather riding. Footwear Your boots should protect your feet and ankles and keep them warm and dry. Checklist for footwear ❏❏ Leather provides the best protection and strength. But it’s not waterproof so you may also need waterproof overboots. ❏❏ The soles should be slip-resistant and ﬂexible. This will allow you to effectively manage the controls with your feet. ❏❏ Footwear should cover the ankles and not slip off easily. ❏❏ Heels should be low so that they do not catch on controls. ❏❏ A good ﬁt is important. ❏❏ Tuck laces in securely, otherwise they may get tangled in the bike. 21 developing your smart riding skills Budgeting Will you be able to afford to ride? You need to ask yourself this question early. Don’t be caught with an expensive motorcycle and no money left over for insurance, maintenance or training. Budget checklist ❏❏ Motorcycle — your largest cost will likely be your motorcycle. Make sure you buy a motorcycle that is comfortable and suitable for your riding needs. ❏❏ Gear — set aside enough money for the best helmet you can afford. Browse in a few shops and price the riding gear you’ll need. Remember to think about the different weather conditions you’ll encounter when selecting your riding gear. ❏❏ Insurance and motorcycle licensing — insurance costs vary with the engine size of the motorcycle and the type of coverage you choose to buy. You’ll also need to pay to licence your motorcycle. Phone your local ICBC Autoplan broker and ask for rates. ❏❏ Licence and test fees — you’ll need to pay for your motorcycle driver’s licence and riding tests. Check chapter 11, your licence, for details. ❏❏ Running costs — consider the costs to keep your motorcycle in good safe running condition, including tune- ups and replacing wear items such as tires and brakes. There is also the ongoing cost for fuel, and you may want to add some accessories to your bike. ❏❏ Training — riding a motorcycle is a complex activity. Don’t put your safety at risk because you haven’t budgeted for riding courses or for acquiring the necessary information. Your life (and the lives of others) is priceless. 22 3 knowing your motorcycle Chapter 2, you and your motorcycle, presented different in this chapter options for choosing a suitable motorcycle and safe riding gear. This chapter focuses on how motorcycles work. Read on to ﬁnd Getting to know out the basics about motorcycle operation and maintenance. your motorcycle –– left handlebar controls Getting to know your motorcycle –– right handlebar controls –– instrument panel Thinking like a rider –– mirrors –– ignition switch You’re going out with a friend for your ﬁrst practice session. –– fuel supply valve He asks you to show him a few controls. You point out –– foot controls the throttle and the brake. He asks you to show him a few –– stand more things. You look at him with a frown and say, “Come on, when can we start?” He says, “Okay, try pushing the Riding posture motorcycle around on the driveway.” You get it down off Motorcycle the stand and try to push. It won’t move. (It’s still in gear.) pre-trip check You look at him and say, “How come…?” He replies, Pre-trip planning “Well, maybe we’d better ﬁnish getting to know how check everything operates.” Periodic inspection Riding and the Instrument panel environment Ignition switch Left handlebar Right controls handlebar controls Fuel supply valve You need to be able to operate all your bike’s Foot controls without taking controls your eyes off the road. Every bike is a little different, so check your owner’s manual for specific information on your bike. 23 developing your smart riding skills Left handlebar controls

Learn to Ride Smart: BC Motorcycle Licensing Guide

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