Riding Safe

[markem]

There are idiots in every crowd. Try not to be one of the obvious ones

[markem]

okay, in all seriousness, here are some tips from an old MSF instructor

Carry a medical information card. This is the one that my motorcycle group developed: http://micapeak.com/tools/medform.html. Put is some place obvious. I put it in a clear pouch that is velcro'd to my left sleeve.

Get trained. It isn't about learning to handle a bike normally so much as learning emergency and evasive maneuvers and how to practice them on your own. I used to teach for Team Oregon: http://team-oregon.org/. Check out the advanced rider training - it is day 1 of the course taught to motor officers throughout North America (they come here, that's how good it is).

Look at the NHTSA Traffic Safety Digest occasionally: http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/outreach/safedige/. I used to be a technical reviewer for their main motorcycle safety conference.

Be sure to know your bike. A valuable place to start is here: http://www.dansmc.com/MC_repaircourse.htm

My view on gear is that you can never have good enough when it comes to a crash. I don't ride without wearing Aerostich (http://www.aerostich.com/) but that's me (I've crashed as well). If you prefer leather, consider Langlitz Leathers: http://www.langlitz.com/. Also, as regards to a helmet, never spend more than your head is worth (think about it). Learn how to spot an expired helmet and why buying a used one can cost you your life. Held gloves are the best that I have ever found, regardless of the weather.

If you don't know about the word "conspicuity", make it your mission to learn all you can about it. "Retroreflective" is also a good one to be on intimate terms with. These two words have saved more lives than "I had to lay her down" ever did. or could.

Finally, ride like your life depends on it, because at some point it will.