Following on from her Biker Down course in Safety Central in Lymm last year, Louise has signed up for the latest course being offered, Respond Smart.
This course is aimed at bikers who want to put into practice what they have learnt on Biker Down in an immersive environment.
The day will involve a number of realistic scenarios where attendees will be required to get hands on, developing theoretical skills learned in their Biker Down course, from safe approach, scene safety and casualty care but doing it in real time.
For those who haven’t attended the Biker Down starter course we would really recommend it. This course contains some depressing statistics about biker accidents, and some really interesting images of bikers who are easily camouflaged with the surrounding environment, making it extremely difficult for them to be seen, even if the driver is looking out for them.
The course explores the science of why motorcycles are hard to see, with various explanations being discussed:
Motorcycles at distance take up a very small part of a driver’s vision. It is only when the biker is almost on top of the vehicle that the driver can spot the bike.
A driver is not looking for a biker when pulling out a junction. He is looking for a gap in the traffic, and his eye will not be drawn to looking for a bike.
There are many devices on a car’s windshield, and coupled with A pillars visibility is much reduced.
A driver will quickly scan a road when pulling out, and may not notice a bike. Viewing a bike needs the driver to scan each way for a longer period of time.
What makes bikers easier to spot:
Wear solid colour hi viz. They stand out very quickly, with pink being the easiest to spot..so you blokes need to embrace your feminine sides!
When approaching a junction where a car is pulling out, move out from your line. The movement of the bike is easier for the car driver to spot.
Constantly scan for hazards…look down the road at what is coming towards you…and if you can’t avoid something, try at least to slow down as much as you can.
The course was a couple of hours.
A couple of hours that can affect the way you ride.
Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You….sometimes they really can’t. #SMIDSY
