CRASH COURSE: THE PITFALLS OF MOTORCYCLING

Normally, I would focus on some of the positives of motorcycling with so many obvious benefits, such as; easy to park, economical to operate, a closer connection to the environment and good for your physical and mental wellbeing. But in this edition, I am going to discuss some of the pitfalls of motorcycling. As with everything in life, there are positives and negatives to be aware of!

Let’s start with speed... Many motorcyclists would remember the 2012 Victorian TAC advertisement which focuses on the implications of speed in relation to the severity of motorcycle accidents and injuries. The crash scene investigator discusses how an accident outcome may be different when the motorcycle speed is reduced by six kilometres. The closing line hits hard; “you decide your speed - the physics decide whether you live or die”. 

Speed is explained in Newton’s First Law of Motion, where he discusses the Law of Inertia. The greater the speed of a motorcycles velocity (v), the greater the inertia effect and effect of gyroscopic procession occurring. Therefore, with greater inertia, motorcycles require more rider input to change direction or stop. If you double the speed, that generally equates to four times the braking distance.

There are several factors that can reduce this equation;

·         Practice braking safely at various speeds,

·         The condition of the motorcycle,

·         The capability and limitations of the rider, and;

·         The amount of traction.

A commonly taught crash avoidance strategy (after braking hard) is to swerve away from a vehicle or object in the path of the rider. This is often instinctive as a survival response when a car fails to see a motorcycle and turns across its path. This type of multi-vehicle accident is more common in cities and suburban environments, but usually at lower speeds where motorcycle brakes work more effectively. In most of these cases, the act of braking hard with good situational awareness and a minor counter-steer helps to avoid an object and minimise the impact. Slowing down around other road users and paying attention to the surrounding environment is often a much better option than dramatically swerving away from a potentially dangerous scenario.

It’s no surprise that motorcycles attract riders who enjoy the thrill when a motorcycle accelerates – this is commonly known as FUN! In relation to Newton’s Second Law of Motion, motorcycles accelerate due to the net force (engine capacity/output) and inversely proportional to its mass (F-ma). When acceleration is kept within a reasonable and legal limit on a public road, issues don’t usually occur.

In my own experience, riding choices are guided by proven roadcraft and motorcycling principles. I understand the importance of vision - constantly scanning in all directions, identifying potential hazards and managing all conditions as a holistic riding experience. I use my knowledge of how motorcycles riders are injured (or worse), and I apply simple countermeasures to my speed, position and timing, with respect to the riding environment around me. Put simply, I keep my space from other road users and stay focused on the everchanging conditions at all times. 

I have also been involved in road race motorcycling for many years, including Official positions up to the MotoGP level. So my understanding of appropriate speed comes from understanding the environment where the motorcycle is being operated. In a controlled environment like a racetrack, higher speeds are expected. If I jump onto a track with riders of varying experience and capability, my mindset shifts into a higher gear as the possibility of an accident increases. My comfort level changes significantly with being closer to other riders and traveling at greater speeds, while riding with discipline, respect, and the best protective equipment that I can afford! On a public road, excessive speeding, travelling too close to other road users, swerving to navigate objects and near-death experiences are not good options for that environment... It’s not hard to see why.

I will leave you with Newton’s Third Law of Motion; for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Let’s try and make this statement a positive one, by riding within our capability and understanding how to safely operate a motorcycle, as well as choosing less speed over a higher accident rate, and therefore, enjoying the ride for longer. 

Safe cruising,

Grom