MOTORCYCLEOperator Manual

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MESSAGE FROM THE MARYLAND MOTOR VEHICLE

ADMINISTRATION

Operating a motorcycle safely in traffic requires special skills andknowledge. This handbook has been prepared by the MVA, withassistance from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, to provide you withthe information needed to enable you to obtain a motorcycle license andto help you learn those motorcycle operating skills and knowledge.

As you study this handbook, remember that your life, and the livesof others, will depend on what you do while operating a motorcycle.Riding a motorcycle can be safe and fun when you act as a responsiblerider. When you ride a motorcycle, you should wear proper protectiveclothing and headgear, ride within your limits, obey the law and “sharethe road” with other highway users.

Ride safely and enjoy our wonderful State of Maryland andremember, don’t drink and drive.

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All motorcycle operator skills tests are by appointmentonly. To schedule an appointment visit our website at

www.mva.maryland.gov.

For more information, please call: 410-768-7000 to speak with a customer

service representative. TTY for the Hearing Impaired: 1-800-492-4575,

Or visit: www.MVA.Maryland.gov

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LICENSING OF MARYLAND DRIVERS Every�driver�of�a�motor�vehicle�must�have�a�valid�license. If you reside in Maryland and desire to drive a motor vehicle, you are required to have a valid Maryland driver’s license. If you already have a valid non-commercial driver’s license fromanother jurisdiction, you must obtain a Maryland license within 60 days of becoming aresident of this State. A commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder must transfer theirCDL within 30 days of moving to Maryland.

MOTORCYCLE LICENSING REQUIREMENT Unlicensed or improperly licensed riders are over-represented in crashstatistics. Operating a motorcycle without a valid Class M license may result in afine, a suspension of your driver’s license or license privilege, as well as pointsbeing added to your driving record and your motorcycle being towed away.

This manual provides the information needed to obtain a Class M motorcyclelicense. It is suggested that an applicant obtain and review the Maryland Driver'sManual, DL-002. If you do not have a Maryland license; or if your license hasexpired over one (1) year, you will be required to pass a Class C Marylandknowledge test, in addition to the motorcycle examinations, to obtain a motorcyclelicense. Please obtain and review the Maryland Driver’s Manual.

REQUIREMENT FOR APPLICANT UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE

DRIVER EDUCATION All applicants under 18 years of age and all new drivers regardless of age, musthave satisfactorily completed an approved driver education course of not less than 30 hours classroom instruction and six (6) hours behind-the-wheel driver training ifthe motorcycle license is an applicant's first license, then the applicant mustcomplete the provisions outlined under the Graduated Licensing System.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE Applicants under the age of 18 must complete an approved motorcycle safetycourse. The Motorcycle Safety Program’s Basic Rider Course is the approvedcourse for applicants under 18 years of age. This course is provided at trainingcenters operated by the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program. A motorcycle safetycourse taken from another provider may be accepted to satisfy this requirement.

The Basic Rider Course includes an online component, formal classroom, and an “on the motorcycle” riding experience. Courses are primarily conducted in the spring, summer and fall. Training motorcycles and some safety equipment are provided.

Students who successfully complete the Basic Rider Course receive aCompletion Certificate to obtain a Class M license. A student must have a validlicense of some Class to add the M license to.

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LICENSED IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION If you have in your possession a driver's license issued to you by another state,or jurisdiction, you may exchange that license for a Maryland license. The licensecannot be suspended, cancelled, or revoked. If it has been expired for more thanone year you will have to retake all required tests. Military driving permits/licensesare not transferrable and must be accompanied by a state side license.

You must present proof of age, identity, lawful status, verifiable social securitynumber or proof of ineligibility for a social security number, Maryland residenceand current license. You take all the required tests and finally, surrender all out-of-state driver licenses before obtaining a Maryland Driver's License.

If you cannot present a previously issued license, you must do one of thefollowing:

• Obtain and submit a certified driving record (less than 30 days old) from thejurisdiction in which you are currently, or were previously licensed, indicatingyour name, DOB, license number, license class or classes/endorsements, issueand expiration dates of the license as well as your current status; or

• Apply for and obtain a Maryland Learner's Permit.

If you have a license issued by another country, please visit the MVA's websitefor additional information.

If you are under 18 years of age, you are required to show a completioncertificate from a motorcycle safety program course, even if you already have avalid motorcycle license from another jurisdiction, before you can obtain aMaryland motorcycle license.

LEARNER’S PERMIT You may only drive those vehicles and combination of vehicles specified onyour Learner’s Permit and then only while you are accompanied by, and under theimmediate supervision of, a person who:

• Who is at least 21 years old and has had a motorcycle license for at least three (3) years as stated above.

• Has been licensed for at least three (3) years, in this state or in another state, todrive vehicles of the class then being driven by the holder of the Learner’s Permit; and

• Is a licensed motorcycle operator who is at least 21 years of age and has three(3) years experience driving a motorcycle. Motorcycle learners shall carry, onlyas a passenger, a licensed motorcycle driver who is at least 21 years old andhas had a motorcycle license for at least three (3) years.

Immediate supervision for a motorcycle instructional permit holder is definedas being in the vicinity of the motorcycle being operated in a capacity to assist andprotect the learning driver. The supervising driver may be a passenger on themotorcycle, if properly licensed with a motorcycle license on another motorcycle,on foot, or in another vehicle within safe traveling distance.

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THE LICENSING TESTTHE TESTS

The required examinations include a test of the applicant’s:

• Vision – A minimum visual acuity of 20/40 in each eye, a field of vision of atleast 140 degrees, and binocular vision is required for an unrestricted license. Ifthe applicant’s vision can be corrected by glasses or contact lenses to meetthese requirements, the Learner’s Permit or license issued will be restricted to“corrective lenses” requiring the holder to wear glasses or contact lenses whiledriving a motor vehicle;

• Ability to Read Road Signs – You must be able to read and explain all high-way signs, in English, shown to you and observe all signs during the drivingtest;

• Written Examination – This test is designed to check your knowledge of trafficlaws, rules of the road, motor vehicle law and safe driving practices. The information you will be tested on is in this handbook. The questions are multiple choice. Applicants who experience problems due to speech, hearing,language, or reading difficulty, should contact the MVA’s Customer ServiceCenter at 410-768-7000 for assistance (1-800-492-4575 for TTY);

• Driving Test – An actual demonstration of skills needed to exercise ordinaryand reasonable control in the operation of a motorcycle. A motorcycle used fortesting must be properly registered with license plate properly displayed.

If you fail any portion of the test, you may retake a second test the next day ifan appointment is available. If you fail the second or subsequent test, you must waitat least seven (7) calendar days before a new test can be taken. Testing is scheduledby appointment only.

A driving test will not be conducted using a vehicle with defective equipment orif the applicant is not wearing approved eye protection and a DOT compliant helmet.

THE SKILL TEST

During this test, you will demonstrate the skills needed to safely operate amotorcycle in traffic. There is a separate test for two and three-wheeledmotorcycles. The test includes:

For a two-wheeled motorcycle:

• Left “U” Turn;

• Sharp Right Turn From a Stop;

• Cone Weave;

• Normal Stop;

• Quick Stop;

• Obstacle Swerve; and

• Overall control of the motorcycle.

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For a three-wheeled motorcycle:

• Sharp Left Turn;

• Normal Stop;

• Cone Weave;

• Sharp Right Turn From a Stop;

• Quick Stop;

• Obstacle Swerve; and

• Overall control of the motorcycle.

NOTE: An applicant who passes the test on a three-wheeled motorcycle will receivea restricted license limiting them to the operation of the type of motorcycle used fortesting.

If you accumulate (11) eleven or more points, you have failed the test. TheExaminer is required to end the test when the applicant:

• Accumulates 11 or more points;

• Stalls the engine four times;

• Falls or drops the motorcycle (for 2-wheelers);

• Excessively tips or loses control (3-wheelers);

• Commits an unsafe act or disregards the instructions; and

• Violates a Traffic Regulation.

TRANSPORTING A MOTORCYCLE TO A TEST LOCATION The holder of a motorcycle learner’s permit may transport a motorcycle to thedriving test location by truck or other vehicle unaccompanied by another individualif the holder of the learner’s permit is licensed to drive the vehicle used to transportthe motorcycle. A motorcycle transported on another vehicle must remain on thetransporting vehicle until an examiner authorizes its removal.

An applicant driving the motorcycle to the driving test must be accompanied by a person properly licensed to drive a motorcycle who is at least 21 years old and has held a motorcycle license for three (3) years or more. The accompanyingrider is to wait with the applicant at the starting point of the test.

A younger or less experienced holder of a motorcycle license may drive themotorcycle to the examination station and to the starting point where the examinerbegins the driving test.

MOTORCYCLE EQUIPMENT Your motorcycle must be equipped with two (2) brakes, at least one (1) headlight,one (1) rear red light, one (1) brake actuated red stop light, one (1) white rear lightilluminating the license plate, a horn, two (2) mirrors, two (2) unaltered fenders, two (2)foot rests for the operator and two (2) retractable foot rests for a passenger.

The mirrors shall be factory equipment or equivalent, and may not containsharp edges, projections or irregular indents capable of producing injury.

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Rearview mirrors are one of the most important pieces of equipment on amotorcycle. The reflective surface of the mirror shall be of a size not less than seven(7) square inches allowing you to see part of the lane behind you and part of the lanenext to you. Convex mirrors allow you to see the road in your immediate area in moredetail, but they make the vehicles behind you look farther away than they really are.

REQUIRED OPERATOR EQUIPMENT No person shall operate or ride a motorcycle unless they are wearing protectiveheadgear which complies with the standards established by the Motor VehicleAdministration. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), 218Motorcycle Helmets, is adopted as the minimum standard for helmets required to beworn by operators and passengers on motorcycles. The Administration shall acceptall helmets which comply with the requirements of FMVSS 218, motorcyclehelmets, 49 CFR 571.281. Helmets bearing a factory applied (DOT) Department ofTransportation label and/or Snell Memorial Foundation meet those standards. If theDOT label is missing, a compliant helmet will also have a label either sewn into thecomfort line or affixed to the liner that indicates the month and year the helmet wasmanufactured.

No person shall operate or ride a motorcycle unless they are wearing an eyeprotection device approved by the Administration.

All face shields, goggles, prescription lenses and “over the counter” glassesmust comply with the Federal Food and Drug Administration regulations on impactresistance.

If the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen, if must be securely fastenedto the motorcycle. If the operator is not wearing an approved eye protection device,the windscreen must be mounted at a proper height to protect the operator’s faceand eyes when the operator is seated on the motorcycle in a normal riding position.It is recommended that the operator wear an approved eye protection device eventhough the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen.

Tail & Brakelights

HeadlightHorn

Front BrakeLicense Plate

Light

MirrorsL & R Sides

RearFender

FrontFender

Passenger Foot RestsL & R Sides

Operator Foot RestsL & R Sides

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THE MARYLAND MOTORCYCLE SAFETY PROGRAM The purpose of the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Motorcycle Safety Programis to improve the safety of motorcyclists through rider education and a publicawareness effort that benefits all road users. The Program operates training centersthroughout the State that conduct rider training courses for new and experiencedriders through which an individual can earn a Class M license.

The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is designed for the new rider, or a riderreturning to motorcycling after several years. The course includes a 3-4-houronline component, approximately five hours of formal classroom and 10-hours ofriding practice. Participants learn basic operating, perception, and accidentavoidance skills. Training motorcycles are provided.

The Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC) is a seven-hour class intended for arider with some on-street experience, who owns their own motorcycle, but needs tobe licensed. Training motorcycles are provided, but students are encouraged to usetheir own motorcycle. A student’s motorcycle must be transported to the trainingcenter legally.

Students who meet the knowledge and riding skill test requirements of theBRC or ABRC, and have a Maryland driver’s license, will receive a CompletionCertificate that they can take to any full service MVA branch office to get the ClassM license added to their current license.

For more information, log on to the Program’s website at:www.mva.maryland.gov/safety/motorcycle/motorcycle-safety.htm,or call the Program office at: 443.572.8236.

DRIVER’S EDUCATION COURSE Applicants who have never had a license in any state, must successfully complete the Driver’s Education Course consisting of thirty (30) hours of classroomand six (6) hours of behind-the-wheel driving instruction.

ALCOHOL & DRUG EDUCATION PROGRAM Applicants who have an out-of-country license must also successfully completethe 3-Hour Alcohol & Drug Education Program.

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PREPARING TO RIDE

Wear The Right Gear ....................................2

Helmet Use ..............................................2

Helmet Selection ......................................2

Eye and Face Protection ..........................3

Clothing....................................................4

Know Your Motorcycle..................................4

The Right Motorcycle For You................4

Borrowing and Lending ..........................5

Know Your Motorcycle Controls ............5

Check Your Motorcycle ..........................6

Know Your Responsibilities ........................7

RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES

Basic Vehicle Control ....................................8

Body Position ..........................................8

Shifting Gears ..........................................8

Braking ....................................................9

Turning ....................................................9

Keeping Your Distance ..............................10

Lane Positions ........................................10

Following Another Vehicle ....................11

Being Followed ......................................12

Passing and Being Passed ......................12

Lane Sharing ..........................................14

Merging Cars..........................................14

Cars Alongside ......................................14

SEE ......................................................15

Intersections ................................................16

Blind Intersections ................................17

Passing Parked Cars ..............................18

Parking at the Roadside ........................18

Increasing Conspicuity ..............................18

Clothing..................................................19

Headlight ................................................19

Signals ....................................................19

Brake Light ............................................20

Using Your Mirrors ................................20

Head Checks ..........................................21

Horn ......................................................21

Riding at Night ......................................22

Crash Avoidance ..........................................22

Quick Stops ............................................22

Swerving or Turning Quickly ................23

Cornering................................................24

Handling Dangerous Surfaces ..................25

Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles ............25

Slippery Surfaces ..................................26

Tracks and Pavement Seams..................27

Grooves and Grating ..............................27

Mechanical Problems..................................28

Tire Failure ............................................28

Stuck Throttle ........................................28

Wobble ..................................................28

Chain Problems ......................................29

Engine Seizure ......................................29

Animals ......................................................29

Flying Objects ..............................................30

Getting Off The Road ................................30

Carrying Passengersand Cargo ......................................................30

Equipment ..............................................30

Instructing Passengers............................31

Riding With Passengers ........................31

Carrying Loads ......................................31

Group Riding ................................................32

Keep the Group Small............................32

Keep the Group Together ......................32

Keep Your Distance ..............................32

BEING IN SHAPETO RIDE

Why Information is Important ..................34

Alcohol and Other Drugs InMotorcycle Operation ................................34

Alcohol in the Body ....................................35

Blood Alcohol Concentration ................35

Alcohol and the Law ....................................36

Consequences of Conviction..................36

Minimize the Risks......................................37

Step In to Protect Friends ..........................37

Fatigue ......................................................37

EARNINGYOUR LICENSE

Knowledge Test ..............................................39

2-Wheel Skill Test Diagram............................40

3-Wheel Skill Test Diagram............................41

On-Cycle Skill Test ........................................42

CONTENTS

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WEAR THE RIGHT GEAR

When you ride, your gear is“right” if it protects you. In any crash,you have a far better chance ofavoiding serious injury if you wear:

• A�DOT�Certified�helmet.

• Face�or�eye�protection.

• Protective�clothing.

Helmet Use Crashes are not rare events —particularly among beginning riders.One out of every five motorcyclecrashes results in head or neckinjuries. Head injuries are just assevere as neck injuries – and far morecommon. Crash analyses show thathead and neck injuries account for amajority of serious and fatal injuriesto motorcyclists. Research also showsthat, with few exceptions, head andneck injuries are reduced by theproper wearing of a DOT certifiedhelmet. Some riders don’t wear helmetsbecause they think helmets will limittheir view to the sides. Others wearhelmets only on long trips or whenriding at high speeds. Here are somefacts to consider:

• A�DOT�certified�helmet�lets yousee as far to the sides asnecessary. A study of more than900 motorcycle crashes, where40% of the riders wore helmets,did not find even one case inwhich a helmet kept a rider fromspotting danger.

• Most�crashes�happen on shorttrips (less than five miles long),just a few minutes after startingout.

• Most�riders�are riding slowerthan 30 mph when a crashoccurs. At these speeds, helmetscan cut both the number andseverity of head injuries by half.

No matter what the speed,helmeted riders are three times morelikely to survive head injuries thanthose not wearing helmets at the timeof the crash.

Helmet Selection There are two primary types ofhelmets, providing two different levels of coverage: full face and openface, also known as the three-quarter.

Whichever style you choose, youcan get the most protection by makingsure that the helmet:

PREPARING TO RIDE What you do before you start a trip goes a long way toward determiningwhether or not you’ll get where you want to go safely. Before taking off on anytrip, a safe rider makes a point to:

1.� ��Wear�the�right�gear.

2.� ��Become�familiar�with�the�motorcycle.

3.� ��Check�the�motorcycle�equipment.

4.� ��Be�a�responsible�rider.

Wear

the R

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• Is�certified�to�meet�U.S.Department of Transportation(DOT) standards. (Helmets witha label from the Snell MemorialFoundation give you an addedassurance of quality.)

• Fits�snugly, all the way around.

• Has�no�obvious�defects such ascracks, loose padding or frayedstraps.

Whatever helmet you decide on,keep it securely fastened on your headwhen you ride. Otherwise, if you areinvolved in a crash, it’s likely to flyoff your head before it gets a chanceto protect you.

Eye and Face Protection A plastic shatter-resistantfaceshield can help protect yourwhole face in a crash. It also protectsyou from wind, dust, dirt, rain,insects, and pebbles thrown up fromcars ahead. These problems aredistracting and can be painful. If you have to deal with them, you can’tdevote your full attention to the road.

Goggles protect your eyes,though they won't protect the rest ofyour face like a faceshield does. Awindshield is not a substitute for afaceshield or goggles. Mostwindshields will not protect your eyesfrom the wind. Neither willeyeglasses or sunglasses. Glasseswon’t keep you eyes from watering,and they might blow off when youturn your head while riding.

To be effective, eye or faceshield protection must:

• Be�free of scratches.

• Be�resistant to penetration.

• Give�a�clear�view to either side.

• �Fasten�securely, so it does notblow off.

• Permit�air�to�pass through, toreduce fogging.

• Permit�enough�room foreyeglasses or sunglasses, ifneeded.

Tinted eye protection should notbe worn at night or any other time

Eye &

Face P

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when little light is available.Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) Street clothes may not be suitablefor the riding environment. Select PPEthat is designed for motorcycling. Notonly will it protect you in a crash, itwill also provide comfort andprotection from heat, cold, flyingdebris and hot and moving parts ofthe motorcycle.

• Jacket�and�pants should coverarms and legs completely. Theyshould fit snugly enough to keepfrom flapping or ballooning in thewind, yet loosely enough to allowfreedom of movement. Leatheroffers the most protection, butsturdy synthetic “textile”materials also offer excellentprotection with reduced weight.You should wear a jacket even inwarm weather to preventdehydration. Textile jackets aredesigned to protect withoutgetting you over-heated evenduring the summer.

• Boots should be sturdy, extendedabove your ankles and providesupport when you put your feetdown at a stop and whensupporting the motorcycle. Theyshould have low heels and solesmade of a hard non-slip material.Be sure to tuck laces in so theywon’t catch on your motorcycle.

• Gloves provide you a better gripon the handlebars and providesome protection in a crash.Gloves should be full-fingeredand made of leather, or similardurable material.

In cold or wet weather, your PPEshould keep you warm and dry, aswell as protect you from injury. You

cannot control a motorcycle well if you are numb. Riding for long periods in cold weather can causesevere chill and fatigue. A winterjacket should resist wind and fitsnugly at the neck, wrists, and waist.Good-quality rainsuits designed formotorcycle riding resist tearing apartor ballooning up at high speeds.

The Right Motorcyclefor You First, make sure your motorcycle“fits” you. When seated on themotorcycle, your feet should reach and,preferably, be flat on the ground withyour legs slightly bent at the knee. Youshould be able to reach the handlebarsand turn them lock-to-lock withouthaving to stretch forward or lock yourarms.

KNOW YOURMOTORCYCLE

There are plenty of things on thehighway that can cause you trouble.Your motorcycle should not be one ofthem. To make sure that yourmotorcycle won’t let you down:

• Read the owner’s manual first.

• Be�familiar with the motorcyclecontrols.

• Check the motorcycle beforeevery ride.

• Keep it in safe riding condition

1 Test Yourself

A plastic shatter-resistant faceshield:

A. Is not necessary if you have awindshield.

B. Only protects our eyes.

C. Helps protect your whole face.

D. Does not protect your face as wellas goggles.

Answer - page 38

Clo

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between rides.

• Avoid add-on’s and modificationsthat make your motorcycle harderto handle.

At minimum, your street-legalmotorcycle should have:

• Headlight,�taillight�andbrakelight.

• Front�and�rear�brakes.• Turn�signals.• Horn.

• Two�mirrors.

Borrowing and Lending Borrowers and lenders ofmotorcycles, beware. Crashes arefairly common among beginning riders– especially in the first months of

riding. Riding an unfamiliarmotorcycle adds to the problem. If youborrow a motorcycle, get familiar withit in a controlled area. And if you lendyour motorcycle to friends, make surethey are licensed and know how to ridebefore allowing them out into traffic.No matter how experienced you maybe, ride extra carefully on anymotorcycle that’s new or unfamiliar toyou. More than half of all crashesoccur on motorcycles ridden by theoperator for less than six months.

Get Familiar with theMotorcycle Controls Make sure you are completelyfamiliar with the motorcycle beforeyou take it out on the street. Be sure toreview the owner’s manual. This isparticularly important if you are ridinga borrowed motorcycle. If you are

Kn

ow

Yo

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oto

rcycle

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going to use an unfamiliar motorcycle:• Make�all�the�checks you would

on your own motorcycle.

• Find�out�where�everthing�is,particularly the turn signals, horn,headlight switch, fuel-controlvalve, and engine cut-off switch.Find and operate these itemswithout having to look for them.

• Know�the�gear�pattern. Workthe throttle, clutch, and brakes afew times before you startriding. All controls react a littledifferently.

• Ride�very�cautiously and beaware of surroundings. Accelerategently, take turns more slowly, andleave extra room for stopping.

Check Your Motorcycle A motorcycle needs morefrequent attention than a car. A minortechnical failure in a car seldom leadsto anything more than aninconvenience for the driver. If something’s wrong with themotorcycle, you’ll want to find outabout it before you get in traffic.Make a complete check of yourmotorcycle before every ride.

Before mounting the motorcycle makethe following checks:

• Tires—Check the air pressure,general wear and tread.

• Fluids—Oil and fluid levels. At aminimum, check hydraulic fluidsand coolants weekly. Look underthe motorcycle for signs of an oilor gas leak.

• Headlights�and�Taillight—Check them both. Test yourswitch to make sure both highand low beams are working.

• Turn�Signals—Turn on bothright and left turn signals. Makesure all lights are workingproperly.

• Brake�Light—Try both brakecontrols, and make sure each oneturns on the brake light.

Once you have mounted themotorcycle, complete the followingchecks before starting out:

• Clutch�and�Throttle—Makesure they work smoothly. Thethrottle should snap back whenyou let go. The clutch should feeltight and smooth.

• Mirrors—Clean and adjust bothmirrors before starting. It’sdifficult to ride with one handwhile you try to adjust a mirror.Adjust each mirror so you cansee the lane behind and as muchas possible of the lane next toyou. When properly adjusted, amirror may show the edge ofyour arm or shoulder—but it’sthe road behind and to the sidethat’s most important.

• Brakes—Try the front and rearbrake levers one at a time. Makesure each one feels firm andholds the motorcycle when thebrake is fully applied.

2 Test Yourself

More than half of all crashes:

A. Occur at speeds greater than 35mph.

B. Happen at night.

C. Are caused by worn tires.

D. Involve riders who have ridden theirmotorcycles less than six months.

Answer - page 38

Ch

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Yo

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Mo

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• Horn—Try the horn. Make sureit works.

In addition to the checks youshould make before every trip, checkthe following items at least once aweek: Wheels, cables, fasteners, andfluid checks. Follow your owner’smanual to get recommendations.

KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES

“Accident” implies an unforeseenevent that occurs without anyone’sfault or negligence. Most often in traffic, that is not the case. In fact,most people involved in a crash canusually claim some responsibility forwhat takes place. Consider a situation wheresomeone decides to try to squeezethrough an intersection on a yellowlight turning red. Your light turnsgreen. You pull into the intersectionwithout checking for possiblelatecomers. That is all it takes for thetwo of you to tangle. It was thedriver’s responsibility to stop. And itwas your responsibility to look beforepulling out. Neither of you held upyour end of the deal. Just becausesomeone else is the first to start thechain of events leading to a crash,doesn’t leave any of us free ofresponsibility.

As a rider you can’t be sure thatother operators will see you or yieldthe right of way. To lessen yourchances of a crash occurring:

• Be�visible—wear properclothing, use your headlight, ridein the best lane position to seeand be seen.

• Communicate�your�inten-tions—use the proper signals,brake light, and lane position.

• Maintain�an�adequate�spacecushion—following, beingfollowed, passing and beingpassed.

• Scan�your�path of travel 12seconds ahead.

• Identify�and�separate multiplehazards.

• Be�prepared�to�act—remainalert and know how to carry outproper crash-avoidance skills.

Blame doesn’t matter whensomeone is injured in a crash. Thereis rarely a single cause of any crash.The ability to ride aware, makecritical decisions, and carry them outseparates responsible riders from allthe rest. Remember, it is up to you tokeep from being the cause of, or anunprepared participant in, any crash.

Know

Your R

esponsib

ilities

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BASIC VEHICLE CONTROL

Body Position

To control a motorcycle well:

• Posture—Sit so you can use yourarms to steer the motorcyclerather than to hold yourself up.

• Seat—Sit far enough forward sothat arms are slightly bent whenyou hold the handlegrips.Bending your arms permits youto press on the handlebarswithout having to stretch.

• Hands—Hold the handle gripsfirmly to keep your grip overrough surfaces. Start with yourwrist down and knuckles up onthe throttle. This will help youkeep from accidentally using toomuch throttle. Also, adjust thehandlebars so your hands are

even with or below your elbows.This permits you to use theproper muscles for precisionsteering.

• �Knees—Keep your knees againstthe gas tank to help you keepyour balance as the motorcycleturns.

• Feet—Keep your feet firmly onthe footpegs to maintain balance.Don’t drag your feet. If your footcatches on something, you can beinjured and it could affect yourcontrol of the motorcycle. Keepyour feet near the controls so youcan get to them fast if needed.Also, don’t let your toes pointdownward—they may get caughtbetween the road and the foot pegs.

Shifting Gears There is more to shifting gearsthan simply getting the motorcycle topick up speed smoothly. Learning touse the gears when downshifting,turning, or starting on hills is importantfor safe motorcycle operation.

Shift down through the gearswith the clutch as you slow or stop.Remain in first gear while you arestopped so that you can move outquickly if you need to.

Make certain you are ridingslowly enough when you shift into alower gear. If not, the motorcycle willlurch, and the rear wheel may skid.When riding downhill or shifting intofirst gear you may need to use the

RIDE WITHIN YOUR ABILITIES This manual cannot teach you how to control direction, speed, or balance. That’s something you can learn only through practice. Butcontrol begins with knowing your abilities and riding within them, along with knowing and obeying the rules of the road.

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brakes to slow enough beforedownshifting safely. Work towards asmooth, even clutch release,especially when downshifting.

It is best to change gears before entering a turn. However,sometimes shifting while in the turn isnecessary. If so, remember to do sosmoothly. A sudden change in powerto the rear wheel can cause a skid.

Braking On most motorcycles, the brakeson the front and rear wheels arecontrolled independently. You shouldalways use both brakes when stopping.The front brake is more powerful andprovides up to three-quarters of yourtotal stopping power. The front brake issafe to use if used properly.

• Use�both�brakes every time youslow or stop. Using both brakesfor even “normal” stops willpermit you to develop the habit orskill of using both brakes in anemergency. Apply the front brakeusing a firm progressive squeezewith all four fingers on the leverand press down on the rear brakepedal. The more you squeeze onthe front brake lever, the lesspressure is applied to the rearbrake pedal. Grabbing the frontbrake, or stomping on the rearbrake can cause the brakes tolock, resulting in a loss of control.

• If�you�know�the�technique,using both brakes in a turn ispossible, although, it should bedone very carefully. When amotorcycle leans, some of thetraction is used for turning andless traction is available forbraking. A skid could occur ifyou apply too much brake. Also,using the brakes on a slipperysurface can be hazardous. Use

caution and apply the brakesgently where traction is reduced.

• Some�motorcycles may haveintegrated, ABS or linked brakingsystem. Consult your owner’smanual to see if your motorcyclehas one of these systems and fora detailed explanation on itsoperation and effective use.

Turning Most single-vehicle motorcyclecrashes happen in turns and too muchspeed is usually the cause. A riderwill either cross into another lane oftraffic, or run off the road. Too often,a rider will over-react and brake toohard, causing a skid, loss of controland a low side fall. Approach turnsand curves with caution.

Use the following four steps to safelyexecute turns:

• SLOW

• LOOK

• PRESS

• ROLL

SLOW—Reduce speed by closing thethrottle and/or using the brakes. Allbraking should be done before leaningthe motorcycle.

LOOK—Look through the turn towhere you want to go. Turn just yourhead, not your shoulders, and keepyour eyes level with the horizon.

PRESS—To turn, the motorcyclemust lean. To lean the motorcycle,press on the handgrip in the directionof the turn. Press the left—lean left—go left. Press right—lean right—goright (counter steering). Higherspeeds and/or tighter turns require the

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motorcycle to lean more.

ROLL—Roll on the throttle throughthe turn to stabilize suspension.Maintain steady speed or accelerategradually through the turn. This willhelp keep the motorcycle stable.

In normal turns, the rider and the

motorcycle should lean together at thesame angle.

In slow turns, counterbalance by

leaning the motorcycle only andkepping your body straight. Shift yourweight to the outside peg.

KEEPING YOURDISTANCE

The best protection you can haveis distance—a “cushion of space”—all around your motorcycle. Ifsomeone else makes a mistake,distance permits you:

• Time�to�react.

• Space�to�maneuver.

Lane Positions In some ways the size of themotorcycle can work to your advantage. Each traffic lane gives amotorcycle three paths of travel, asindicated in the illustration. Your lane position should:

• Increase your ability to see andbe seen.

• Avoid others’ blind spots.

• Avoid surface hazards.

• Protect your lane from otherdrivers.

• Communicate your intentions.

• Avoid wind blast from othervehicles.

3 Test Yourself

When riding, you should:

A. Turn your head and shoulders tolook through turns.

B. Keep your arms straight.

C. Keep your knees away from the gastank.

D. Turn just your head and eyes to lookwhere you are going.

Answer - page 38

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• Provide an alternate path oftravel.

Select the appropriate path tomaximize your space cushion andmake yourself more easily seen byothers on the road.

In general, there is no single bestposition for riders to be seen and tomaintain a space cushion around themotorcycle. No portion of the laneneed be avoided—including the center. Position yourself in the portion ofthe lane where you are most likely tobe seen and you can maintain a spacecushion around you. Change positionas traffic situations change. Ride inpath 2 or 3 if vehicles and otherpotential problems are on your leftonly. Remain in path 1 or 2 if hazardsare on your right only. If vehicles arebeing operated on both sides of you,the center of the lane, path 2, isusually your best option. The oily strip in the centerportion that collects drippings fromcars is usually no more than two feetwide. Unless the road is wet, theaverage center strip permits adequatetraction to ride on safely. You canoperate to the left or right of thegrease strip and still be within the

center portion of the traffic lane.Avoid riding on big buildups of oiland grease usually found at busyintersection or tollbooths.Following Another Vehicle “Following too closely” is amajor factor in crashes involvingmotorcyclists. In traffic, motorcyclesneed as much distance to stop as cars.Normally, a minimum of two-secondsdistance should be maintained behindthe vehicle ahead. To gauge your following distance:

• Pick�out�a�marker, such as apavement marking or lamppost,on or near the road ahead.

• When�the�rear�bumper�of thevehicle ahead passes the marker,count off the seconds: “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two.”

• If�you�reach�the�marker beforeyou reach “two,” you arefollowing too closely.

The two-second following distanceallows for reaction time. Allow four ormore seconds to stop or swerve if thedriver ahead should stop suddenly.

A larger cushion of space isneeded if your motorcycle will take

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longer than normal to stop. If thepavement is slippery, if you cannotsee through the vehicle ahead, or iftraffic is heavy and someone maysqueeze in front of you, open up athree second or more following distance.

Keep well behind the vehicleahead even when you are stopped.This will make it easier to get out ofthe way if someone bears down on youfrom behind. It will also give you acushion of space if the vehicle aheadstarts to back up for some reason. When behind a car, ride where thedriver can see you in the rearviewmirror. Riding in the center portion ofthe lane should put your image in themiddle of the rearview mirror—wherea driver is most likely to see you. Riding at the far side of a lanemay permit a driver to see you in asideview mirror. But remember thatmost drivers don’t look at theirsideview mirrors nearly as often asthey check the rearview mirror. If thetraffic situation allows, the center

portion of the lane is usually the bestplace for you to be seen by the driversahead and to prevent lane sharing bythe others.Being Followed Speeding up to lose someone following too closely only ends upwith someone tailgating you at ahigher speed. A better way to handle tailgatersis to get them in front of you. Whensomeone is following too closely,change lanes and let them pass. Ifyou can’t do this, slow down andopen up extra space ahead of you toallow room for both you and thetailgater to stop. This will alsoencourage them to pass. If they don’tpass, you will have given yourselfand the tailgater more time and spaceto react in case an emergency doesdevelop ahead.

Passing and Being Passed Passing and being passed byanother vehicle is not much differentthan with a car. However, visibility ismore critical. Be sure other driverssee you, and that you see potential

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hazards.

Passing1. Ride�in�the�left portion of the

lane at a safe following distanceto increase your line of sight andmake you more visible. Signaland check for oncoming traffic.Use your mirrors and turn yourhead to look for traffic behind.

2. When�safe, move into the leftlane and accelerate. Select alane position that doesn’t crowdthe car you are passing andprovides space to avoid hazardsin your lane.

3. Ride�through�the�blind�spot asquickly as possible.

4. Signal�again, and completemirror and head checks beforereturning to your original laneand then cancel signal.

Remember,�passes�must�becompleted�within�posted�speed�limits,and�only�where�permitted.�Knowyour�signs�and�road�markings!

Being Passed When you are being passed frombehind or by an oncoming vehicle,stay in the center portion of your lane.Riding any closer to them could putyou in a hazardous situation. Avoid being hit by:

• The�other�vehicle—A slightmistake by you or the passingdriver could cause a sideswipe.

• Extended�mirrors—Somedrivers forget that their mirrorshang out farther than their fenders.

• Objects�thrown�fromwindows—Even if the driverknows you’re there, a passengermay not see you and might tosssomething on you or the roadahead of you.

• Blasts�of�wind�from�larger�vehicles—They can affect yourcontrol. You have more room forerror if you are in the middleportion when you are hit by thisblast than if you are on eitherside of the lane.

Do�not move into the portion of

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the lane farthest from the passingvehicle. It might invite the otherdriver to cut back into your lane tooearly.

Lane Sharing Cars and motorcycles need a fulllane to operate safely. Lane sharing isprohibited in Maryland.

Riding between rows of stoppedor moving cars in the same lane canleave you vulnerable to theunexpected. A hand could come outof the window; a door could open; acar could turn suddenly. Discouragelane sharing by others by protectingyour lane. Keep a center-portionposition whenever drivers might betempted to squeeze by you. Driversare most tempted to do this:

• In�heavy, bumper-to-bumpertraffic.

• When�they want to pass you.

• When�you are preparing to turnat an intersection.

• When�you are getting in an exitlane or leaving a highway.

Merging Cars Drivers on an entrance ramp maynot see you on the highway. Givethem plenty of room. Change toanother lane if one is open. If there isno room for a lane change, adjustspeed to open up space for themerging driver.

Cars Alongside Do not ride next to cars or trucksin other lanes if you do not have to.You might be in the blind spot of acar in the next lane, which couldswitch into your lane withoutwarning. Cars in the next lane also

4 Test Yourself

Usually, a good way to handle a tailgater is to:

A. Change lanes and let them pass.

B. Use your horn and make obscenegestures.

C. Speed up to put distance betweenyou and the tailgater.

D. Ignore them.Answer - page 38

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block your escape if you come upondanger in your own lane. Speed up ordrop back to find a place clear oftraffic on both sides.

SEE Good experienced riders remainaware of what is going on aroundthem. They improve their ridingstrategy by using SEE, a 3-stepprocess used to make appropriatejudgments, and apply them correctlyin different traffic situations:

• Search

• Evaluate

• Execute

Let’s examine each of these steps.

Search Scan aggressively ahead, to thesides and behind you to avoidpotential hazards even before theyarise. How assertively you search, andhow much time and space you have,can eliminate or reduce harm. Focuseven more on finding potential escaperoutes in or around intersections,shopping areas, schools andconstruction zones. Search for:

• Oncoming�traffic that may turnleft in front of you.

• Traffic coming from the left andright.

• Traffic approaching from behind.

• Hazardous road conditions.

Be especially alert in areas withlimited visibility. Visually “busy”

surroundings could hide you and yourmotorcycle from others.

Locate hazards and potentialconflicts.

• Vehicles�and�other�motor-cycles—may move into your pathand increase the likelihood of acrash.

• Pedestrians�and�animals—areunpredictable, and make short,quick moves.

• Stationary�objects—potholes,guard rails, bridges, roadwaysigns, hedges or trees won’tmove into your path but may influence your riding strategy.

Evaluate Consider speed, distance, anddirection of hazards to anticipatehow they may affect you. Carsmoving into your path are morecritical than those moving away orremaining stationary. Predict where a collision mayoccur. Completing this “what if…?”phrase to estimate results ofcontacting or attempting to avoid ahazard depends on your knowledgeand experience.

Determine what you need to dobased on your prediction.

The mental process ofdetermining your course of actiondepends on how aggressively yousearched. The result is your actionand knowing which strategy is bestfor the situation. You want to

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eliminate or reduce the potentialhazard. You must decide when, whereand how to take action. Your constantdecision making tasks must stay sharpto cope with constantly changingtraffic situations. The decisions you make can begrouped by the types of hazards youencounter.

• Single�hazard

• Two�hazards

• Multiple�hazards

Execute Carry out your decision. To create more space and minimizeharm from any hazard:

• Adjust�your�speed byaccelerating, stopping, or slowing.

• Adjust�your�position and/ordirection.

• Communicate your presencewith lights and/or horn.

Apply the old adage “one step ata time” to handle two or morehazards. Adjust speed to permit twohazards to separate. Then deal withthem one at a time as single hazards.Decision making becomes morecomplex with three or more hazards.Weigh consequences of each and giveequal distance to the hazards.

In potential high risk areas, suchas intersections, shopping areas,school and construction zones, coverthe clutch and both brakes to reducethe time you need to react.

INTERSECTIONS

The greatest potential for conflictbetween you and other traffic is atintersections. An intersection can bein the middle of an urban area or at adriveway on a residential street—anywhere traffic may cross your pathof travel. Over one-half of motor-cycle/car crashes are caused bydrivers entering a rider’s right-of-way.Cars that turn left in front of you,including cars turning left from thelane to your right, and cars on sidestreets that pull into your lane, are thebiggest dangers. Your use of SEE (p. 15) at intersections is critical.

There are no guarantees thatothers see you. Never count on “eyecontact” as a sign that a driver willyield. Too often , a driver looks rightat a motorcyclist and still fails to“see” him. The only eyes that you cancount on are your own. If a car canenter your path, assume that it will.Good riders are always “looking fortrouble”—not to get into it, but tostay out of it.

Increase your chances of beingseen at intersections. Ride with your

5 Test Yourself

To reduce your reaction time, youshould:

A. Ride slower than the speed limit.

B. Cover the clutch and the brakes.

C. Shift into neutral when slowing.

D. Pull in the clutch when turning.

Answer - page 38

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headlight on in a lane position thatprovides the best view of oncomingtraffic. Provide a space cushionaround the motorcycle that permitsyou to take evasive action.

As you approach the intersection,select a lane position to increase yourvisibility to the driver. Cover theclutch and both brakes to reducereaction time.

Reduce your speed as youapproach an intersection. Afterentering the intersection, move awayfrom vehicles preparing to turn. Donot change speed or positionradically. The driver might think thatyou are preparing to turn.

Blind Intersections If you approach a blindintersection, move to the portion ofthe lane that will bring you intoanother driver’s field of vision at the

earliest possible moment. In thispicture, the rider has moved to the leftportion of the lane—away from theparked car—so the driver on the crossstreet can see him as soon as possible.

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Remember, the key is to see asmuch as possible and remain visibleto others while protecting your space.

If you have a stop sign or stopline, stop there first. Then edgeforward and stop again, just short ofwhere the cross-traffic lane meets yourlane. From that position, lean yourbody forward and look aroundbuildings, parked cars, or bushes to seeif anything is coming. Just make sureyour front wheel stays out of the crosslane of travel while you’re looking.

Passing Parked Cars When passing parked cars, staytoward the left of your lane. You canavoid problems caused by doorsopening, drivers getting out of cars,or people stepping from betweencars. If oncoming traffic is present, itis usually best to remain in the

center-lane position to maximizeyour space cushion.

A bigger problem can occur ifthe driver pulls away from the curbwithout checking for traffic behind.Even if he does look, he may fail tosee you.

In either event, the driver might cutinto your path. Slow down or changelanes to make room for someone cutting in.

Cars making a sudden U-turn arethe most dangerous. They may cutyou off entirely, blocking the wholeroadway and leaving you with noplace to go. Since you can’t tell whata driver will do, slow down and getthe driver’s attention. Sound yourhorn and continue with caution.

Parking at the Roadside Park at about a 45° anglewith your rear wheel touching thecurb.

INCREASINGCONSPICUITY

6 Test Yourself

Making eye contact with other drivers:

A. Is a good sign they see you.

B. Is not worth the effort it takes.

C. Doesn’t mean that the driver willyield.

D. Guarantees that the other driver yieldto you.

Answer - page 38

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In crashes with motorcyclists,drivers often say that they never sawthe motorcycle. From ahead orbehind, a motorcycle’s outline ismuch smaller than a car’s. Also, it’shard to see something you are notlooking for, and most drivers are notlooking for motorcycles. More likely, they are looking through theskinny, two-wheeled silhouette insearch of cars that may pose a problem to them. Even if a driver does see youcoming, you aren’t necessarily safe.Smaller vehicles appear farther away,and seem to be traveling slower thanthey actually are. It is common fordrivers to pull out in front ofmotorcyclists, thinking they have plentyof time. Too often, they are wrong. However, you can do manythings to make it easier for others torecognize you and your cycle.

Clothing Most crashes occur in broad daylight. Wear bright colored clothingto increase your chances of beingseen. Remember, your body is half ofthe visible surface area of therider/motorcycle unit.

Bright orange, red, yellow or

green jackets or vests are your bestbets for being seen. Your helmet cando more than protect you in a crash.Brightly colored helmets can alsohelp others see you.

Any bright color is better thandrab or dark colors. Reflective, brightcolored clothing (helmet and jacket orvest) is best.

Reflective material on a vest andon the sides of the helmet will helpdrivers coming from the side to spotyou. Reflective material can also be abig help for drivers coming towardyou or from behind.

Headlight The best way to help others seeyour motorcycle is to keep theheadlight on—at all times (althoughmotorcycles sold in the U.S. since1978 automatically have the headlightson when running). Studies show that,during the day, a motorcycle with itslight on is twice as likely to be noticed.Use low beam at night and in cloudyweather. Do not use the high beamduring the day. Instead, consider theuse of a headlight modulator, whichautomatically varies the intensity ofthe low or high beam.

Signals The signals on a motorcycle aresimilar to those on a car. They tellothers what you plan to do.

However, due to a rider’s added vulnerability, signals are even moreimportant. Use them anytime you plan to change lanes or turn. Usethem even when you think no one else is around. It’s the car you don’tsee that’s going to give you the mosttrouble. Your signal lights also makeyou easier to spot. That’s why it’s a

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good idea to use your turn signalseven when what you plan to do isobvious. When you enter onto a freeway,drivers approaching from behind aremore likely to see your signalblinking and make room for you. Turning your signal light onbefore each turn reduces confusionand frustration for the traffic aroundyou. Once you turn, make sure yoursignal is off or a driver may pulldirectly into your path, thinking youplan to turn again. Use your signals atevery turn so drivers can reactaccordingly. Don’t make them guesswhat you intend to do.

Brake Light Your motorcycle’s brake light isusually not as noticeable as the brakelights on a car—particularly whenyour taillight is on (it goes on withthe headlight). If the situation willpermit, help others notice you byflashing your brake light before youslow down. It is especially importantto flash your brake light before:

• You�slow�more�quickly thanothers might expect (turning off ahigh-speed highway).

• You�slow�where others may notexpect it (in the middle of a blockor at an alley).

If you are being followed closely,it’s a good idea to flash your brakelight before you slow. The tailgatermay be watching you and not seesomething ahead that will make youslow down. This will hopefullydiscourage them from tailgating andwarn them of hazards ahead they maynot see.

Using Your Mirrors While it’s most important to keeptrack of what’s happening ahead, youcan’t afford to ignore situationsbehind. Traffic conditions changequickly. Knowing what’s going onbehind you is essential for you tomake a safe decision about how tohandle trouble ahead. Frequent mirror checks should bepart of your normal scanning routine.Make a special point of using yourmirrors:

• When�you�are�stopped at anintersection. Watch cars comingup from behind. If the driver isn’tpaying attention, he could be ontop of you before he sees you.

• Before�you�change�lanes. Makesure no one is about to pass you.

• Before�you�slow�down. Thedriver behind may not expect youto slow, or may be unsure aboutwhere you will slow. Forexample, you signal a turn andthe driver thinks you plan to turn

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at a distant intersection, ratherthan at a nearer driveway.

Some motorcycles have rounded(convex) mirrors. These provide awider view of the road behind thando flat mirrors. They also make carsseem farther away than they reallyare. If you are not used to convexmirrors, get familiar with them(While you are stopped, pick out aparked car in your mirror. Form amental image of how far away it is.Then, turn around and look at it tosee how close you came.). Practicewith your mirrors until you become agood judge of distance. Even then,allow extra distance before youchange lanes.

Head Checks Checking your mirrors is notenough. Motorcycles have “blindspots” like cars. Before you change

lanes, turn your head, and look to theside for other vehicles.

On a road with several lanes,check the far lane and the one next to you. A driver in the distant lanemay head for the same space youplan to take. Frequent head checks should beyour normal scanning routine, also.Only by knowing what is happeningall around you, are you fully preparedto deal with it.

Horn Be ready to use your horn to getsomeone’s attention quickly. It is a good idea to give a quickbeep before passing anyone that maymove into your lane. Here are some situations:

• A�driver in the lane next to youis driving too closely to thevehicle ahead and may want topass.

• A�parked�car has someone in thedriver’s seat.

• Someone�is�in�the�street, ridinga bicycle or walking.

In an emergency, press the hornbutton and hold it. Be prepared tostop or swerve away from the danger. Keep in mind that a motorcycle’shorn isn’t as loud as a car’s,

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therefore, use it, but don’t rely on it.Other strategies may be appropriatealong with the horn.

Riding at Night At night it is harder for you tosee and be seen. Picking yourheadlight or taillight out of the carlights around you is not easy for otherdrivers. To compensate, you should:

Reduce�your�speed—Do not over-ride your headlight. Ride even slowerthan you would during the day—particularly on roads you don’t knowwell. This will increase your chancesof avoiding a hazard.

Increase�Distance—Distances areharder to judge at night than during theday. Your eyes rely upon shadows andlight contrast to determine how faraway an object is and how fast it iscoming. These contrasts are missing ordistorted under artificial lights at night.Open up a three-second followingdistance or more. And allow moredistance to pass and be passed.

Use�the�Car�Ahead—The headlightsof the car ahead can give you a betterview of the road than even your highbeam can. Taillights bouncing up anddown can alert you to bumps or roughpavement.

Use�Your�High�Beam—Get all thelight you can. Use your high beam

whenever you are not following ormeeting a car. Be visible, wearreflective materials when riding atnight.

Be�flexible�about�lane�position—Change to whatever portion of thelane is best able to help you see, beseen and keep an adequate spacecushion.

CRASH AVOIDANCE

No matter how careful you are,there will be times when you findyourself in a tight spot. Your chancesof getting out safely depend on yourability to react quickly and properly.Often, a crash occurs because a rideris not prepared or skilled in crash-avoidance maneuvers.

Know when and how to stop orswerve, two skills critical to avoidinga crash. It is not always desirable orpossible to stop quickly to avoid anobstacle. Riders must also be able toswerve around an obstacle.Determining the skill necessary forthe situation is important as well. Studies show that most crash-involvedriders:

• Underbrake the front tire andoverbrake the rear.

• �Did�not separate braking fromswerving or did not chooseswerving when it was appropriate.

The following information offerssome good advice.

Quick Stops To stop quickly, apply bothbrakes at the same time. Don’t be shyabout using the front brake, but don’t“grab” it, either. Squeeze the brake

7 Test Yourself

Reflective clothing should:

A. Be worn at night.

B. Be worn during the day.

C. Not be worn.

D. Be worn day and night.

Answer - page 38

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lever firmly and progressively. If thefront wheel locks, release the frontbrake immediately, then reapply itfirmly. At the same time, press downon the rear brake. If you accidentallylock the rear brake on a good tractionsurface, keep it locked until you havecompletely stopped. Even with alocked rear wheel, you can control themotorcycle on a straightaway if it isupright and going in a straight line.

Always use both brakes at thesame time to stop. When braking,weight is shifted forward over thefront wheel. As a result, the frontbrake can provide 70% or more of thetotal stopping power.

If you must stop quickly whileturning or riding a curve, the besttechnique is to straighten the bikeupright first and then brake. However,it may not always be possible tostraighten the motorcycle and thenstop. If you must brake while leaning,apply light brakes and reduce thethrottle. As you slow, you can reduceyour lean angle and apply more brakepressure until the motorcycle isstraight and maximum brake pressureis possible. You should “straighten”the handlebars in the last few feet ofstopping, the motorcycle should thenbe straight up and in balance.

Swerving or Turning Quickly Sometimes you may not haveenough room to stop, even if you useboth brakes properly. An object mightappear suddenly in your path. Or thecar ahead might squeal to a stop. Theonly way to avoid a crash may be toturn quickly, or swerve around it. A swerve is any sudden changein direction. It can be two quick turns,or a rapid shift to the side. Applypressure to the handgrip located on

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the side of your intended direction ofescape. This will cause themotorcycle to lean quickly. Maintainpressure until the motorcycle hascleared the obstacle. Keep your body upright andallow the motorcycle to lean in thedirection of the turn while keepingyour knees against the tank and yourfeet solidly on the pegs. Let themotorcycle move underneath you.Make your escape route the target ofyour vision. Press on the oppositehandgrip once you clear the obstacleto return you to your originaldirection of travel. To swerve to theleft, press the left handgrip, then pressthe right to recover. To swerve to theright, press right, then left.

IF BRAKING IS REQUIRED,SEPARATE IT FROM SWERVING.Brake before or after—never whileswerving.Cornering A primary cause of single-vehiclecrashes is motorcyclists running widein a curve or turn and colliding withthe roadway or a fixed object. Every curve is different. Be alertto whether a curve remains constant,gradually widens, gets tighter, orinvolves multiple turns. Ride within your skill level andposted speed limits.

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Your best path may not alwaysfollow the curve of the road.

Change lane position dependingon traffic, road conditions and curveof the road. If no traffic is present,start at the outside of a curve toincrease your line of sight and theeffective radius of the turn. As youturn, move toward the inside of thecurve, and as you pass the center,move to the outside to exit. Another alternative is to move tothe center of your lane before enteringa curve—and stay there until you exit.This permits you to spot approachingtraffic as soon as possible. You canalso adjust for traffic “crowding” thecenter line, or debris blocking part of

your lane.

HANDLING DANGEROUSSURFACES

Your chance of falling or beinginvolved in a crash increaseswhenever you ride across:

• Uneven�surfaces�or�obstacles.

• Slippery�surfaces.

• Railroad�tracks.

• Grooves�and�gratings.

Uneven Surfaces and Obstacles Watch for uneven surfaces suchas bumps, broken pavement, potholes,or small pieces of highway trash. Try to avoid obstacles by slowingor going around them. If you must goover the obstacle, first, determine if itis possible. Approach it as close to a90º angle as possible. Look whereyou want to go to control your path oftravel. If you have to ride over the

8 Test Yourself

The best way to stop quickly is to:

A. Use the front brake only.

B. Use the rear brake first.

C. Throttle down and use the frontbrake.

D. Use both brakes at the same time.

Answer - page 38

Dan

gero

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obstacle, you should:

• Slow�down as much as possiblebefore contact.

• Make�sure the motorcycle isstraight.

• Rise�slightly off the seat withyour weight on the footpegs toabsorb the shock with your kneesand elbows, and avoid beingthrown off the motorcycle.

• Just�before�contact, roll on thethrottle slightly to lighten thefront end.

If you ride over an object on thestreet, pull off the road and checkyour tires and rims for damage beforeriding any farther.

Slippery Surfaces Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit goodtraction. Surfaces that provide poortraction include:

• Wet�pavement, particularly justafter it starts to rain and beforesurface oil washes to the side ofthe road.

• Gravel�roads, or where sand andgravel collect.

• Mud,�snow,�and�ice.

• Lane�markings, steel plates andmanhole covers, especially whenwet.

To ride safely on slippery surfaces:

• Reduce�Speed—Slow downbefore you get to a slipperysurface to lessen your chances ofskidding. Your motorcycle needsmore distance to stop. And, it isparticularly important to reducespeed before entering wet curves.

• Avoid�Sudden�Moves—Any

sudden change in speed ordirection can cause a skid. Be assmooth as possible when youspeed up, shift gears, turn or brake.

• Use�Both�Brakes—The front brakeis still effective, even on a slipperysurface. Squeeze the brake levergradually to avoid locking the frontwheel. Remember, gentle pressureon the rear brake.

• The�center�of�a�lane can behazardous when wet. When itstarts to rain, ride in the tiretracks left by cars. Often, the lefttire track will be the bestposition, depending on traffic andother road conditions as well.

• Watch�for�oil�spots when youput your foot down to stop orpark. You may slip and fall.

• Dirt�and�gravel collect along thesides of the road—especially oncurves and ramps leading to andfrom highways. Be aware ofwhat’s on the edge of the road,particularly when making sharpturns and getting on or offfreeways at high speeds.

• Rain�dries�and�snow�meltsfaster on some sections of a roadthan on others. Patches of icetend to crop up in low or shadedareas and on bridges andoverpasses. Wet surfaces or wetleaves are just as slippery. Rideon the least slippery portion ofthe lane and reduce speed.

Cautious riders steer clear ofroads covered with ice or snow. Ifyou can’t avoid a slippery surface,keep your motorcycle straight up andproceed as slowly as possible. If youencounter a large surface so slipperythat you must coast, or travel at awalking pace, consider letting yourfeet skim along the surface. If the

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motorcycle starts to fall, you cancatch yourself. Be sure to keep offthe brakes. If possible, squeeze theclutch and coast. Attempting thismaneuver at anything other than the slowest of speeds could provehazardous.

Railroad Tracks, Trolley Tracksand Pavement Seams Usually it is safer to ride straightwithin your lane to cross tracks.

Turning to take tracks head-on (at a90º angle) can be more dangerous—your path may carry you into anotherlane of traffic. For track and road seams that runparallel to your course, move farenough away from tracks, ruts, orpavement seams to cross at an angleof at least 45º. Then, make a quick,sharp turn. Edging across could catchyour tires and throw you off balance.

Grooves and Gratings Riding over rain grooves orbridge gratings may cause amotorcycle to weave. The uneasywandering feeling is generally nothazardous. Relax, maintain a steadyspeed and ride straight across.Crossing at an angle forces riders to

9 Test Yourself

When it starts to rain it is usually best to:

A. Ride in the center of the lane.

B. Pull off to the side until the rainstops.

C. Ride in the tire tracks left by cars.

D. Increase your speed. Answer - page 38

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zigzag to stay in the lane. The zigzagis far more hazardous than thewandering feeling.

MECHANICALPROBLEMS

You can find yourself in anemergency the moment somethinggoes wrong with your motorcycle. Indealing with any mechanical problem,take into account the road and trafficconditions you face. Here are someguidelines that can help you handlemechanical problems safely.

Tire Failure You will seldom hear a tire goflat. If the motorcycle starts handlingdifferently, it may be a tire failure.This can be dangerous. You must beable to tell from the way themotorcycle reacts. If one of your tiressuddenly loses air, react quickly tokeep your balance. Pull off and checkthe tires. If the front tire goes flat, thesteering will feel “heavy.” A front-wheel flat is particularly hazardousbecause it affects your steering. Youhave to steer well to keep yourbalance. If the rear tire goes flat, the backof the motorcycle may jerk or swayfrom side to side. If either tire goes flat while riding:

• Hold�handlegrips�firmly, easeoff the throttle, and keep astraight course.

• If�braking�is�required, however,gradually apply the brake of thetire that isn’t flat, if you are surewhich one it is.

• When the motorcycle slows, edgeto the side of the road, squeezeclutch and stop.

Stuck Throttle Twist the throttle back and forthseveral times. If the throttle cable isstuck, this may free it. If the throttlestays stuck, immediately operate theengine cut-off switch and pull in theclutch at the same time. This willremove power from the rear wheel,though engine noise may notimmediately decline. Once themotorcycle is “under control,” pull offand stop. After you have stopped, checkthe throttle cable carefully to find thesource of the trouble. Make certainthe throttle works freely before youstart to ride again.

Wobble A “wobble” occurs when the frontwheel and handlebars suddenly start toshake from side to side at any speed.Most wobbles can be traced toimproper loading, unsuitableaccessories, or incorrect tire pressure. Ifyou are carrying a heavy load, lightenit. If you can’t, shift it. Center theweight lower and farther forward onthe motorcycle. Make sure tirepressure, spring pre-load, air shocks,and dampers are at the settingsrecommended for that much weight.Make sure windshields and fairings aremounted properly. Check for poorly adjusted steering;worn steering parts; a front wheel thatis bent, misaligned, or out of balance;loose wheel bearings or spokes; andswingarm bearings. If none of these aredetermined to be the cause, have themotorcycle checked out thoroughly by

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a qualified professional. Trying to “accelerate out of awobble” will only make themotorcycle more unstable. Instead:

• Grip�the�handlebars�firmly, butdon’t fight the wobble.

• Close�the�throttle gradually toslow down. Do not apply thebrakes; braking could make thewobble worse.

• Move�your�weight as far forwardand down as possible.

• Pull�off�the�road as soon as youcan and fix the problem.

Chain Problems A chain that slips or breaks whileyou’re riding could lock the rearwheel and cause your cycle to skid.Chain slippage or breakage can beavoided by proper maintenance.

Slippage—If the chain slips whenyou try to speed up quickly or rideuphill, pull off the road. Check thechain and sprockets. Tightening thechain may help. If the problem is aworn or stretched chain or worn orbent sprockets, replace the chain, thesprockets, or both before riding again.

Breakage—You’ll notice an instantloss of power to the rear wheel. Closethe throttle and brake to a stop.

Engine Seizure When the engine “locks” or“freezes” it is usually low on oil. Theengine’s moving parts can’t movesmoothly against each other, and theengine overheats. The first sign maybe a loss of engine power or a changein the engine’s sound. Squeeze theclutch lever to disengage the enginefrom the rear wheel. Pull off the roadand stop. Check the oil. If needed, oilshould be added as soon as possibleor the engine will seize. When thishappens, the effect is the same as alocked rear wheel. Let the engine coolbefore restarting.

ANIMALS

Naturally, you should do everything you safely can to avoidhitting an animal. If you are in traffic, however, remain in your lane.Hitting something small is less dangerous to you than hitting something big—like a car. Dogs seem to be attracted tomotorcycles. If you are chased,downshift and approach the animalslowly. As you near the point ofintersection, accelerate and steer awayfrom the dog. Don’t kick at an animal.Keep control of your motorcycle, andlook to where you want to go.

10 Test Yourself

If your motorcycle starts to wobble:

A. Accelerate out of the wobble.

B. Use the brakes gradually.

C. Grip the handlebars firmly and closethe throttle gradually.

D. Downshift.Answer - page 38

11 Test Yourself

If you are chased by a dog:

A. Kick it away.

B. Stop until the animal loses interest.

C. Swerve around the animal.

D. Approach the animal slowly, thenspeed up.

Answer - page 38

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For larger animals (deer, elk, cattle) brake and prepare to stop, they are unpredictable.

FLYING OBJECTS

From time to time riders arestruck by insects, cigarettes thrownfrom cars, or pebbles kicked up by thetires of the vehicle ahead. If you arewearing face protection, it might getsmeared or cracked, making it difficultto see. Without face protection, anobject could hit you in the eye, face ormouth. Whatever happens, keep youreyes on the road and your hands on thehandlebars. When safe, pull off theroad and repair the damage.

GETTING OFF THE ROAD

If you need to leave the road tocheck the motorcycle (or just to restfor a while), be sure you:

• Check�the�roadside—Make surethe surface of the roadside is firmenough to ride on. If it is softgrass, loose sand, or if you’re justnot sure about it, slow way downbefore you turn onto it.

• Signal—Drivers behind mightnot expect you to slow down.Give a clear signal that you willbe slowing down and changingdirection. Check your mirror andmake a head check before youtake any action.

• Pull�off�the�road—Get as far offthe road as you can. It can bevery hard to spot a motorcycle bythe side of the road. You don’twant someone else pulling off atthe same place you are.

• Park�carefully—Loose and

sloped shoulders can make settingthe side or center stand difficult.

CARRYING PASSENGERS AND CARGO

Only experienced riders shouldcarry passengers or large loads. Theextra weight changes the way themotorcycle handles, balances, turns,speeds up and slows down. Beforetaking a passenger or heavy load on the street, practice away from traffic.

EquipmentTo carry passengers safely:

• Equip�and�adjust yourmotorcycle to carry passengers.

• Instruct�the�passenger beforeyou start.

• Adjust�your�riding technique forthe added weight.

Equipment should include:

• A�proper�seat—large enough tohold both of you without crowding.You should not sit any fartherforward than you usually do.

• Footpegs—for the passenger.Firm footing prevents yourpassenger from falling off andpulling you off, too.

• Protective�equipment—the sameprotective gear recommended foroperators.

Adjust the suspension to handlethe additional weight. You willprobably need to add a few pounds ofpressure to the tires if you carry apassenger. (Check your owner’s

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manual for appropriate settings).While your passenger sits on the seatwith you, adjust the mirror andheadlight according to the change inthe motorcycle’s angle.Instructing Passengers Even if your passenger is amotorcycle rider, provide completeinstructions before you start. Tell yourpassenger to:

• Get�on the motorcycle only afteryou have started the engine.

• Sit�as�far�forward as possiblewithout crowding you.

• Hold�firmly to your waist, hips,or belt.

• Keep�both�feet on the pegs, evenwhen stopped.

• Keep�legs�away from themuffler(s), chains or moving parts.

• Stay�directly�behind�you,leaning as you lean.

• Avoid�unnecessary talk ormotion.

Also, tell your passenger to tightenhis or her hold when you:

• Approach surface problems.

• Are�about�to�start from a stop.

• Warn�that�you will make asudden move.

Riding With Passengers Your motorcycle will respond

more slowly with a passenger onboard. The heavier your passenger,the longer it will take to slow down,speed up, or turn—especially on alight motorcycle.

• Ride�a�little�slower, especiallywhen taking curves, corners, orbumps.

• Start�slowing�earlier as youapproach a stop.

• Open�up�a�larger�cushion ofspace ahead and to the sides.

• Wait�for�larger�gaps to cross,enter, or merge in traffic.

Warn your passenger of specialconditions—when you will pull out,stop quickly, turn sharply, or ride overa bump. Turn your head slightly tomake yourself understood, but keepyour eyes on the road ahead.

Carrying Loads Most motorcycles are notdesigned to carry much cargo. Smallloads can be carried safely ifpositioned and fastened properly.

• Keep�the�Load�Low—Fastenloads securely, or put them insaddle bags. Piling loads againsta sissybar or frame on the back ofthe seat raises the motorcycle’scenter of gravity and disturbs itsbalance.

• Keep�the�Load�Forward—Placethe load over, or in front of, therear axle. Tank bags keep loadsforward, but use caution whenloading hard or sharp objects.Make sure the tank bag does notinterfere with handlebars orcontrols. Mounting loads behindthe rear axle can affect how themotorcycle turns and brakes. Itcan also cause a wobble.

12 Test Yourself

Passengers should:

A. Lean as you lean.

B. Hold on to the motorcycle seat.

C. Sit as far back as possible.

D. Never hold on to you.Answer - page 38

Carry

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• Distribute�the�Load�Evenly—Load saddlebags with about thesame weight. An uneven load cancause the motorcycle to drift toone side.

• Secure�the�Load—Fasten theload securely with elastic cords(bungee cords or nets). Elasticcords with more than oneattachment point per side are moresecure. A tight load won’t catch inthe wheel or chain, causing it tolock up and skid. Rope tends tostretch and knots come loose,permitting the load to shift or fall.

• Check�the�Load—Stop andcheck the load every so often tomake sure it has not workedloose or moved.

GROUP RIDING

If you ride with others, do it in away that promotes safety and doesn’tinterfere with the flow of traffic.

Keep the Group Small Small groups make it easier andsafer for car drivers who need to getaround them. A small number isn’tseparated as easily by traffic or redlights. Riders won’t always behurrying to catch up. If your group islarger than four or five riders, divideit up into two or more smaller groups.

Keep the Group Together• Plan—The leader should look

ahead for changes and signalearly so “the word gets back” inplenty of time. Start lane changesearly to permit everyone tocomplete the change.

• Put�Beginners�Up�Front—Placeinexperienced riders just behindthe leader. That way the moreexperienced riders can watchthem from the back.

• Follow�Those�Behind—Let thetailender set the pace. Use yourmirrors to keep an eye on the person behind. If a rider fallsbehind, everyone should slowdown a little to stay with thetailender.

• Know�the�Route—Make sureeveryone knows the route. Then, ifsomeone is separated they won’thave to hurry to keep from gettinglost or taking a wrong turn. Planfrequent stops on long rides.

Keep Your Distance Maintain close ranks but at thesame time keep a safe distance toallow each rider in the group time andspace to react to hazards. A closegroup takes up less space on thehighway, is easier to see and is lesslikely to be separated. However, itmust be done properly.

Don’t�Pair�Up—Never operatedirectly alongside another rider. Thereis no place to go if you have to avoid

Gro

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a car or something on the road. Totalk, wait until you are both stopped.

Staggered�Formation—This is thebest way to keep ranks close yetmaintain an adequate space cushion.The leader rides in the left side of thelane, while the second rider stays onesecond behind in the right side of thelane.

A third rider maintains in the leftposition, two seconds behind the firstrider. The fourth rider would keep atwo-second distance behind thesecond rider. This formation keeps thegroup close and permits each rider asafe distance from others ahead,behind and to the sides.

• Passing�in�Formation—Ridersin a staggered formation shouldpass one at a time.

• First,�the�lead�rider�should�pullout and pass when it is safe. Afterpassing, the leader should returnto the left position and continueriding at passing speed to open

room for the next rider.

• After�the�first�rider�passessafely, the second rider shouldmove up to the left position andwatch for a safe chance to pass.After passing, this rider shouldreturn to the right position andopen up room for the next rider.

Some people suggest that theleader should move to the right sideafter passing a vehicle. This is not agood idea. It encourages the secondrider to pass and cut back in beforethere is a large enough space cushion infront of the passed vehicle. It’s simplerand safer to wait until there is enoughroom ahead of the passed vehicle toallow each rider to move into the same

13 Test Yourself

When riding in a group, inexperiencedriders should position themselves:

A. Just behind the leader.

B. In front of the group.

C. At the tail end of the group.

D. Beside the leader.Answer - page 38

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more than any other factor, degradeyour ability to think clearly and toride safely. As little as one drink canhave a significant effect on yourperformance. Let’s look at the risks involved inriding after drinking or using drugs.What to do to protect yourself andyour fellow riders is also examined. WHY THIS INFORMATION

IS IMPORTANT

Alcohol is a major contributor tomotorcycle crashes, particularly fatalcrashes. Studies show that 40% to45% of all riders killed in motorcyclecrashes had been drinking. Only one-third of those riders had a bloodalcohol concentration above legallimits. The rest had only a few drinksin their systems—enough to impairriding skills. In the past, drug levelshave been harder to distinguish orhave not been separated fromdrinking violations for the trafficrecords. But riding “under theinfluence” of either alcohol or drugsposes physical and legal hazards forevery rider.

Drinking and drug use is as big aproblem among motorcyclists as it isamong automobile drivers.Motorcyclists, however, are more

likely to be killed or severely injuredin a crash. Injuries occur in 90% ofmotorcycle crashes and 33% ofautomobile crashes that involve abuseof substances. On a yearly basis, 2,100motorcyclists are killed and about50,000 are seriously injured in thissame type of crash. These statistics aretoo overwhelming to ignore.

By becoming knowledgeableabout the effects of alcohol and otherdrugs you will see that riding andsubstance abuse don’t mix. Takepositive steps to protect yourself andprevent others from injuringthemselves.

ALCOHOL AND OTHERDRUGS IN MOTORCYCLE

OPERATION

No one is immune to the effectsof alcohol or drugs. Friends may bragabout their ability to hold their liquoror perform better on drugs, butalcohol or drugs make them less ableto think clearly and perform physicaltasks skillfully. Judgment and thedecision-making processes needed forvehicle operation are affected longbefore legal limits are reached.

Many over-the-counter,prescription, and illegal drugs have

position held before the pass.

Single-File�Formation—It is best to move into a single-file formation whenriding curves, turning, or entering or leaving a highway.

BEING IN SHAPE TO RIDE Riding a motorcycle is a demanding and complex task. Skilled riders payattention to the riding environment and to operating the motorcycle, identifyingpotential hazards, making good judgments, and executing decisions quicklyand skillfully. Your ability to perform and respond to changing road and trafficconditions is influenced by how fit and alert you are. Alcohol and other drugs,

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side effects that increase the risk ofriding. It is difficult to accuratelymeasure the involvement of particulardrugs in motorcycle crashes. But wedo know what effects various drugshave on the process involved in ridinga motorcycle. We also know that thecombined effects of alcohol and otherdrugs are more dangerous than eitheris alone.

ALCOHOL IN THE BODY

Alcohol enters the bloodstreamquickly. Unlike most foods and beverages, it does not need to bedigested. Within minutes after beingconsumed, it reaches the brain andbegins to affect the drinker. The major effect alcohol has is to slowdown and impair bodily functions—both mental and physical. Whateveryou do, you do less well afterconsuming alcohol.

Blood Alcohol Concentration Blood Alcohol Concentration orBAC is the amount of alcohol inrelation to blood in the body.Generally, alcohol can be eliminatedin the body at the rate of almost onedrink per hour. But a variety of otherfactors may also influence the level ofalcohol retained. The more alcohol inyour blood, the greater the degree of

impairment. Three factors play a major part indetermining BAC:

• The�amount of alcohol youconsume.

• How�fast�you drink.

• Your�body weight.

Other factors also contribute to theway alcohol affects your system. Yoursex, physical condition and food intakeare just a few that may cause yourBAC level to be even higher. But thefull effects of these are not completelyknown. Alcohol�may�still�accumulatein�your�body�even�if�you�aredrinking�at�a�rate�of�one�drink�perhour.�Abilities and judgment can beaffected by that one drink. A 12-ounce can of beer, a mixeddrink with one shot of liquor and a 5-ounce glass of wine all contain thesame amount of alcohol. The faster you drink, the

35

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more alcohol accumulates in yourbody. If you drink two drinks in anhour, at the end of that hour, at leastone drink will remain in your bloodstream.

Without taking into account any of the other factors, the formulabelow illustrates the LEAST amount ofdrinks remaining in the bloodstream:

A person drinking:

• 8�drinks�in�4�hours would haveat least 4 drinks remaining intheir system.

• 7�drinks�in�3�hours would haveat least 4 drinks remaining intheir system.

There are times when a largerperson may not accumulate as high aconcentration of alcohol for each drinkconsumed. They have more blood andother bodily fluids. But because ofindividual differences it is better not totake the chance that abilities andjudgment have not been affected.Whether or not you are legallyintoxicated is not the real issue.Impairment of judgment and skillsbegins well below the legal limit.

ALCOHOL AND THE LAW

In Maryland, a BAC of .05 orabove could lead to an alcohol relatedconviction. It doesn’t matter howsober you may look or act. The breathor urine test is what usuallydetermines whether you are ridinglegally or illegally.

Your chances of being stoppedfor riding under the influence ofalcohol are increasing. Lawenforcement is being stepped upacross the country in response to thesenseless deaths and injuries caused

by drinking drivers and riders.

Implied Consent In Maryland, any person whodrives or attempts to drive a motorvehicle on a highway or on any privateproperty used by the public in general,consents to take a test to determinealcohol concentration or a test todetermine the concentration of a drugor controlled dangerous substance. A police officer, who hasreasonable grounds to believe that anindividual is driving while impairedby drugs, alcohol, or a controlledsubstance, may have a drugrecognition expert request that personto submit to a blood test. A person may not be compelledto take a drug or alcohol test.However, if upon receipt of a certifiedstatement from a police officer that atest was refused, the MVA willimpose the suspension period for atest refusal. The MVA will suspend thelicense of any driver who submits tothe test and is determined to have atest result of 0.08 percent alcoholconcentration or higher.

Consequences of Conviction Years ago, first offenders had agood chance of getting off with asmall fine and participation inalcohol-abuse classes. Today the lawsof most states impose stiff penaltieson drinking operators. And thosepenalties are mandatory, meaning thejudges must impose them. If you are convicted of ridingunder the influence of alcohol ordrugs, you may receive any of the following penalties:

• License�Suspension—Mandatorysuspension for conviction, orrefusal to submit to a breath test or

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blood test if it is deemed necessary.

• Fines—Severe fines are anotheraspect of a conviction usuallylevied with a license suspension.

• Community�Service—Performing tasks such as pickingup litter along the highway,washing cars in the motor-vehiclepool, or working at an emergencyward.

• Costs—Additional lawyer’s feesto pay; lost work time spent incourt or alcohol-educationprograms; public transportationcosts (while your license issuspended); and the addedpsychological costs of beingtagged a “drunk driver.”

MINIMIZE THE RISKS

Your ability to judge how wellyou are riding is affected first.Although you may be performingmore and more poorly, you think youare doing better and better. The resultis that you ride confidently, takinggreater and greater risks. Minimize therisks of drinking and riding by takingsteps before you drink. Control yourdrinking or control your riding.

Don’t DrinkDon’t�Drink—Once you start, yourresistance becomes weaker. Setting a limit or pacing yourselfare poor alternatives at best. Yourability to exercise good judgment isone of the first things affected byalcohol. Even if you have tried todrink in moderation, you may notrealize to what extent your skillshave suffered from alcohol’sfatiguing effects. Or,�Don’t�Ride—If you haven’t

controlled your drinking, you mustcontrol your riding.

• Leave�the�motorcycle�home—soyou won’t be tempted to ride.Arrange another way to get home.

• Wait—If you exceed your limit,wait until your system eliminatesthe alcohol and its fatiguingeffects.

STEP IN TO PROTECT FRIENDS

People who have had too muchto drink are unable to make aresponsible decision. It is up to othersto step in and keep them from takingtoo great a risk. No one wants to dothis—it’s uncomfortable,embarrassing and thankless. You arerarely thanked for your efforts at thetime. But the alternatives are oftenworse. There are several ways to keep friends from hurting themselves:

• Arrange�a�safe�ride—Providealternative ways for them to gethome.

• Slow�the�pace�of�drinking—Involve them in other activities.

• Keep�them�there—Use anyexcuse to keep them from gettingon their motorcycle. Serve themfood and coffee to pass the time.Explain your concerns for theirrisks of getting arrested or hurt,or hurting someone else.

• Get�friends�involved—Use peerpressure from a group of friendsto intervene.

It helps to enlist support fromothers when you decide to step in. Themore people on your side, the easier it

Fatig

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is to be firm and the harder it is for therider to resist. While you may not bethanked at the time, you will neverhave to say, “If only I had…”

FATIGUE

Riding a motorcycle is more tiringthan driving a car. On a long trip, you’lltire sooner than you would in a car.Avoid riding when tired. Fatigue canaffect your control of the motorcycle.

• Protect�yourself from theelements—Wind, cold, and rainmake you tire quickly. Dresswarmly. A windshield is worth its cost if you plan to ride longdistances.

• Limit�your�distance—Experienced riders seldom try toride more than six hours a day.

• Take�frequent�rest�breaks—Stop, and get off the motorcycleat least every two hours.

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14 Test Yourself

If you wait an hour for each drinkbefore riding:

A. You cannot be arrested for drinkingand riding.

B. Your riding skills will not beaffected.

C. Side effects from the drinking maystill remain.

D. You will be okay as long as you rideslowly.

Answer - page 38

• Don’t�drink�or�use�drugs—Artificial stimulants often result in extreme fatigue or depression whenthey start to wear off. Riders are unable to concentrate on the task at hand.

EARNING YOUR LICENSE Safe riding requires knowledge and skill. Licensing tests are the bestmeasurement of the skills necessary to operate safely in traffic. Assessing yourown skills is not enough. People often overestimate their own abilities. It’s evenharder for friends and relatives to be totally honest about your skills. Licensingexams are designed to be scored more objectively.

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1. It is MOST important to flash yourbrake light when:

A. Someone is following too closely.

B. You will be slowing suddenly.

C. There is a stop sign ahead.

D. Your signals are not working.

2. The FRONT brake supplies how muchof the potential stopping power?

A. About one-quarter.

B. About one-half.

C. About three quarters.

D. All of the stopping power.

3. To swerve correctly:

A. Shift your weight quickly.

B. Turn the handlebars quickly.

C. Press the handgrip in the direction ofthe turn.

D. Press the handgrip in the oppositedirection of the turn.

4. If a tire goes flat while riding, and youmust stop, it is usually best to:

A. Relax on the handgrips.

B. Shift your weight toward the good tire.

C. Brake on the good tire and steer to the side of the road.

D. Use both brakes and stop quickly.

5. The car below is waiting to enter theintersection. It is best to:

A. Make eye contact with the driver.

B. Reduce speed and be ready to react.

C. Maintain speed and position.

D. Maintain speed and move right.

KNOWLEDGE TEST(Sample Questions)

Answers to Test Yourself (previous pages)

1-C 2-D 3-D 4-A 5-B

6-C 7-D 8-D 9-C 10-C

11-D 12-A 13-A 14-C

Answers to Knowledge Test (above)

1-B 2-C 3-C 4-C 5-B

Kn

ow

led

ge Te

st

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On

-Cycle

Sk

ill

Test

MOTORCYCLE/SIDECAR/TRIKE TEST DIAGRAM

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Sign

MOTORCYCLE/SIDECAR/TRIKE TEST DIAGRAM

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ON-CYCLE SKILL TEST FOR 2 and 3-wheeledmotorcycles Following is a description of the Class M Motorcycle License Skill Test.There is a version of the test for two-wheeled, single-track motorcycles andanother for three-wheeled, multi-track motorcycles. The test can be taken onany standard production or stock motorcycle with an engine displacement of 51cubic centimeters or more. Two-wheeled motorcycles with a wheelbase of no more than 67 inches cantake the test. Motorcycles with custom modifications, or features such asextended forks that result in a longer wheelbase, or have reduced groundclearance, may not be able to perform all of the exercises. The test can also be taken on three-wheel motorcycles such as a motorcycle-sidecar combination, or a standard trike with two rear wheels, and somemotorcycles with two front wheels. The test can accommodate three-wheeledmotorcycles that are no more than 60 inches wide and with a wheelbase of nomore than 72 inches. The three-wheel test cannot accommodate trikes that are automotivehybrids or automotive conversions. An automotive hybrid is a motorcycle thatshares some defining characteristic with a car, such as an engine, or seating. An automotive conversion is a trike that has a front or rear mounted engine and an automotive drive train. If you think your trike falls into one of these categories, contact the Motorcycle Safety Program at 443-572-8236 or motorcyclesafety@mva.maryland.gov for more information and to find outabout other testing options.NOTE: An applicant who passes the test on a three-wheeled motorcycle willreceive a restricted license limiting them to the operation of the type ofmotorcycle used for testing.

Skill Test for 2-wheeled, single-track vehicles

Exercise�#1�–�U-Turn�and�Turn�(Right)�From�a�Stop

The applicant completes a “U” turn to the left. Applicants onmotorcycles 600 cc’s or larger must complete the u-turn in a 24 footwide area, between the two solid sidelines, while applicants onmotorcyles less than 600 cc’s must complete the u-turn in a 20 footarea, between the dashed and solid sidelines.

After completing the u-turn, the applicant rides to the Start Line priorto the sharp right turn, stops, then completes a sharp right turn from astop between the boundary lines.

Penalty points are assessed for putting a foot down, or touching aboundary.

Exercise�#2�–�Cone�Weave,�Normal�Stop

The applicant rides through a cone weave of five (5) cones, in-line, 12feet apart. After completing the weave and without stopping, theapplicant rides straight ahead bringing the motorcycle to a smoothnormal stop with the contact patch of the front tire inside of a 3 footdeep by 5 foot wide box using both brakes.

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In the Cone Weave, penalty points are assessed for putting a footdown, or hitting, or skipping a cone. In the Normal Stop, points areassessed for skidding, or touching a boundary.

Exercise�#3�–�Quick�Stop

The applicant rides toward the braking area at approximately 15 mph.When the motorcycle’s front tire crosses the line at the beginning ofthe braking area, the applicant is to stop the motorcycle as quickly andas safely as he or she can using both brakes.

Penalty points are assessed for stopping beyond the standard for yourspeed, or braking before entering the braking area. If there is standingwater in the braking area, the test will not be conducted and theapplicant will be assessed (2) penalty points.

Exercise�#4�–�Obstacle�Swerve

The applicant rides toward the obstacle line at between 12-20 mph.When the motorcycle’s front tire passes the second line, the rider is toswerve to the right avoiding the first obstacle line and staying insideof the escape boundary line.

Penalty points are assessed for swerving too soon and touching orcrossing the obstacle line or escape boundary.

Skill Test for 3-Wheeled, multi-track motorcycles

Exercise�#1�–�Left�Turn,�Normal�Stop

The applicant rides straight ahead and makes a normal left turn andthen a sharp left turn between the outside boundary lines and an insidecone marker. Without stopping, the applicant rides straight aheadbringing the motorcycle to a smooth normal stop with the contactpatch of the front tire (left tire if the motorcycle has two front wheels)inside of a 3-foot deep by 5-foot wide box using both brakes.

In the Left Turn, penalty points are assessed for touching a boundary,or marker cone. In the Normal Stop, points are assessed for skidding,or touching a boundary.

Exercise�#2�–�Cone�Weave,�Turn�From�a�Stop

The applicant rides through a cone weave of three (3) cones, in-line,18 feet apart. After completing the weave, the applicant rides to theStart Line prior to the sharp right turn, stops, then completes a sharpright turn from a stop turning between the outside boundary lines andinside cone marker.

In the Cone Weave, penalty points are assessed for hitting, or skippinga cone. In the Turn from a Stop, points are assessed for touching aboundary or the marker cone.

Exercise�#3�–�Quick�Stop

The applicant rides toward the braking area at approximately 15 mph.When the motorcycle’s front tire crosses the line at the beginning ofthe braking area, the applicant is to stop the motorcycle as quickly andas safely as he or she can using both brakes.

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Diagrams and drawings used in this manual are for reference only and are

not to correct scale for size of vehicles and distance.

Penalty points are assessed for stopping beyond the standard for yourspeed, or breaking before entering the braking area. If there isstanding water in the braking area, the test will not be conducted andthe applicant will be assessed (2) penalty points

Exercise�#4�–�Obstacle�Swerve

The applicant rides toward the obstacle line at between 12-20 mph.When the motorcycle’s front tire passes the second line, the rider is toswerve to the right avoiding the second obstacle line and stayinginside of the escape lane boundary line.

Penalty points are assessed for swerving too soon and touching orcrossing the obstacle line or escape bnoundary.

TERMINATION OF TESTUnder certain conditions, the Examiner is required to stop the Motorcycle SkillTest and fail the applicant.

Point�Accumulation

When the applicant has been assessed 11 (or more) penalty points.

Stalls�Engine�Four�Times

Indicates lack of clutch/throttle control.

Falls�or�Drops�Motorcycle (2-wheels)

Indicates an inability to operate the motorcycle in a safe manner. Adrop has occurred when any portion of the side of the motorcyclecomes in contact with the ground.

Tip�or�Loss�of�Control (3-wheels)

If in a turn the inside front or rear wheel comes off the ground it is anindication of a loss of control. This does not apply if the wheel of asidecar comes off the ground in a right turn and the rider lands itproperly.

Commits�an�Unsafe�Act

Defined as a rider’s inability to perform exercise requirements, or ifthe rider attempts a skill not called for in an exercise (disregard forinstructions).

Fails�to�Understand�or�Follow�Instructions

The rider is not able to understand the instructions after twoexplanations, or does not execute the exercise as instructed.

Rider�Stops�Test

If the rider terminates the test early, the entire test must be administeredwhen retesting. (This also applies when the Examiner stops a test.)

Violation�of�Traffic�Regulations

Failure to stop at the STOP signs, or the front tire crossing onto thewhite Stop bar.

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NOTES

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NOTES

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NOTES

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For Information On

MARYLAND’SMOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSES

Call

443-572-8236

www.MVA.Maryland.gov/mva-programs/moto/default.htm

Basic, Alternate Basic, and

Experienced Rider Courses are

available at training centers throughout the State.

Course Registration Fee

is not refundable.

Licensing tests are administered

at the end of the basic courses.

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