Which of the following do you fear most?
a) Vehicle turning in front of you
b) Being rear-ended while stopped
c) Vehicle cutting into your lane
d) Losing your balance and the bike falling over
While each of these pose a very real threat. However, answer "d" that was the most common accident reported in a recent accident study. These low-speed crashes most frequently occurred as the motorcycle was coming to a stop or starring out from a stop - skills you'd think most bikers would master within the first few months of riding.
The study, known as the MSF-100, followed 100 riders over a 2-year period as they rode through five different states with bikes equipped with state-of-the-art GPS, accelerometers, high resolution cameras, machine vision lane tracers and brake/clutch lever inputs.
The study found that 18% of the riders experienced as least one crash, with 16 of the reported 22 incidents consisting of a rider falling over in a low-speed incident. While not normally associated with a fatal outcome, it's important to remember we have lost riders to this seemingly benign occurrence. Most often, a rider who is not wearing a DOT approved helmet.
To avoid "falling" to this easily avoidable crash, make use of the following tips.
1. Stop fully whenever possible and obviously when legally required. Avoid "slow-n-go's" at stop signs.
2. Practice smooth stops and starts in an empty parking lot. Be sure to include making both right and left hand turns to simulate real-world riding.
3. Work toward putting your left foot down "light as a feather" when coming to a stop. Look at each stop as on opportunity to refine your control skills.
To learn even more interesting details from the MSF-100 study, check out the companion video to our newsletter on the Snyder's Riders Facebook page. Additional tips can be found in the comment section under that video will be links to a number of YouTube tips that will help you improve those "lost arts" of starting and stopping smoothly.
Bonus information on the study can also be found in the Snyder's Riders article featured in the September issue of Thunder Roads Magazine of Pennsylvania.
Ride Safe and Smooth this month!
Ride for Kids Charity Ride
Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation
Join Snyder's Riders on Sunday, September 12th as we once again proudly sponsor the Western Pennsylvania Ride For Kids benefitting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation.
This year the event will once again go "live" at Seneca Valley High School. COVID-19 safety guidelines will be in place and can be found here.
Due to the risk of infection and the compromised immunity of those youngsters, no "Stars" or their families will be in attendance.
However, they still need our help! Be there as #WeRideAlongside to ride and celebrate the courageous battle these kids and their families fight every day.
Click here for more information. And be sure to scroll down on that information page to learn how you can WIN a Honda Motorcycle.
See you on September 12th!
While there, be sure to stop by the Snyder's Riders information booth for the latest Snyder's Swag, Snyder's Riders Contest flyers, PA Safety Class information and related goodies. All brought to you by Edgar Snyder & Associates, the sponsors brining you Snyder's Riders!
Ride Safe and SEE YOU THERE!
September Contest
Snyder's Riders wants to know what is YOUR Bucket List Ride or Destination!
Perhaps you've already ridden there and back, or maybe your plans were put on hold due to COVID. Is it a trip overseas or something closer to home? Will you be riding there or having the bike trailered to save your energy for when you arrive?
Regardless, we want to know. And by sharing your dream you will be automatically entered in into our September Snyder's Riders giveaway!
Everyone who enters will have a chance to WIN over $140 worth of goods fromfrom our Safety Partners.
To enter :
1. Post your Bucket List Destination in the comment section on the Snyder's Riders Facebook page under the #BucketListRide contest announcement.
2. You can also post your entry on Twitter or Instagram.
Be sure to tag us and include the hashtags #SnydersRiders and #BucketListRide to be officially entered.
3. Include a picture with your post to earn a DOUBLE entry!
No social media, no worries! Email us at SnydersRiders@gmail.com withyour pic(s) and you will be automatically entered for a chance to win.
Entries due by September 30th. You must be aSnyder's Riders memberto win.
With the current health issues and fluid social recommendations, our usual event lineup is changing on a daily basis.Check the Snyder's Riders Facebook Page for event updates.
