| It pays to practise emergency riding techniques |
It pays to practice emergency techniquesMost licence courses these days teach you the basics behind riding techniques you would use in the event of an emergency, such as braking and swerving or counter steering. Knowing the correct way of executing these manoeuvres is essential for all riders.Not only is the theory behind these skills important, riders must also know when each maneuver should be used. This is just as important as being good at the individual skill, because a moment’s hesitation in an emergency situation can be fatal.A tip I would give to all riders is to practise emergency braking and counter-steering regularly. You don’t have to go out of your way to practise these skills, but if you are riding home late at night with no cars on the road, why not simply pick a spot on the road These skills need to be practised from different speeds as well, because they may be needed at any time whether it be a residential area or going down the Hume. So try a slow counter-steer then work your way up. Try one at 5-10 k/ph faster each time, until you are comfortable that you would be able to do this at high speed if need be. The same goes for emergency braking, but don’t brake so suddenly that you lock the front wheel up.Of course, you would have to make sure there was enough room to do this, and that your sudden movement is safe for other road users (ie. there is no one around).If you practise these skills enough, they will come naturally when you really need them. It could save your life, or at least your fairings! to dodge around, or brake before.
 Practise, practise, practise makes perfect. These skills need to be practised from different speeds as well, because they may be needed at any time whether it be a residential area or going down the Hume. So try a slow counter-steer then work your way up. Try one at 5-10 k/ph faster each time, until you are comfortable that you would be able to do this at high speed if need be. The same goes for emergency braking, but don’t brake so suddenly that you lock the front wheel up.Of course, you would have to make sure there was enough room to do this, and that your sudden movement is safe for other road users (ie. there is no one around).If you practise these skills enough, they will come naturally when you really need them. It could save your life, or at least your fairings!
|
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
