From a time when there were hardly a handful of car and motorcycle models plying in our cities to the modern day era when there is a never ending plethora of auto brands inundating our streets, things have changed tremendously. If this signifies a more prosperous population enjoying the benefits of a better lifestyle, it also is bad news in another respect.
Our cities and our roads are no longer safe. There are more traffic jams and more accidents all around. The worst affected out of all mishaps that happen in our streets are two wheelers. So what are some basic city riding safety tips we can look at?
1. Your bike may be fast and powerful. But speed can be your number one enemy on the road. It doesn't matter that you have excellent control of your bike. Mistakes can happen to the best of riders. Also, road condition may not be good at all. Equally unpredictable can be the driving skills and discipline of other drivers around you. It is better to exercise safe riding rather than risk your life.
2. Roads have an equal number of bigger vehicles. Given the crowded situation, the best course of action to take is to stick to one's lane. Bigger vehicles like buses and cars would be driving faster. So bikes should keep to the left lane to avoid any skirmishes.
3. The cardinal rue of safe driving or riding is not to mix drinking with it. Never ever get behind the wheel or handle if you have had even a drop of alcohol. Quite understandably, alertness of the highest order is needed while on the road. There is no room for compromise on this.
4. Equally critical a rule is not to ever use mobiles while riding a bike. Any communication that comes in the way of riding is dangerous. It is all the more risky when it happens in the form of talking on mobiles. You may have to either take off your helmet or slip in the handset to your ear. Both of these are unacceptable.
5. Another tip on safety while riding a bike in the city is to avoid tailgating. Often it is seen on Indian roads that there is a penchant to get too close to the vehicle in front. This results in very little distance between the two drivers and leads to a mishap due to shortage of braking space and time. Adequate distance should be maintained, whether to the front or back or to the side.
6. Finally, never ride without a helmet. It is the most elementary mistake that a rider can make. Always strap up before getting on to the bike.
Resources: http://goo.gl/izSAH8 http://ezinearticles.com/?Basic-CityRiding-Safety-Tips---BikeSafety&id=8727689