Riding Advice for all

Thinking Distance

The distance travelled between the moment the rider sees the need for action and the moment they take that action. This will vary in accordance with:

  • The speed of the machine
  • The mental and physical condition of the rider
  • The degree of concentration given to their riding.
bluebike

Concentration

The full application of mind and body to a particular endeavour, to the complete exclusion of everything not relevant to that endeavour.

Acceleration Sense

The ability to vary the speed of the machine according to the existing road and traffic conditions when braking is not demanded.

Principles of Cornering

(P) Correct positioning of the machine on the approach
(S) Correct choice of speed
(G) Correct gear for the speed

These three principles will ensure that the machine will always be on the correct side of the road, be able to remain there, and be capable of being stopped in the distance the rider can see to be clear.

Rules of Braking

Brake only when upright and in a straight line, and in plenty of time.

Brake pressures should vary according the road surface conditions. Firm braking on coarse dry roads, gentle braking on loose or slippery surfaces. WATCH THE ROAD SURFACE.

On long steep descents brake firmly on the straight sections and ease off on the bends. If you need to brake on bends then rear brake only gently. There is an advantage in selecting a lower gear at the start of a descent.

Avoid using the front brake when the machine is banked over, turning , on wet cambered surfaces, or where the surface is slippery, loose, greasy, icy, polished or leaf covered.

On good road surfaces, braking should be 75% front brake: 25% rear. On good wet surfaces, this should be 50% front:50% rear or evenly distributed.

Golden Rule of Safety

Your machine should always be in the RIGHT place, travelling at the RIGHT speed and with the RIGHT gear engaged.

10 Commandments of motorcycling

  • PERFECT YOUR ROADCRAFT - Use your skill to keep out of trouble.
  • RIDE WITH DELIBERATION AND OVERTAKE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE - Deliberation eliminates uncertainty, when safe, go!
  • DEVELOP MOTORCYCLE SENSE & KNOW THE CAPABILITIES OF YOUR MACHINE - Rider and machine must blend to ensure skillful riding.
  • GIVE PROPER SIGNALS. USE THE HORN AND HEADLAMPS THOUGHTFULLY - Give clear signals in good time.
  • CONCENTRATE ALL THE TIME TO AVOID ACCIDENTS - Concentration assists observation.
  • THINK BEFORE ACTING - Think and avoid accidents.
  • EXERCISE RESTRAINT & HOLD BACK WHEN NECESSARY - Whenever in doubt, wait.
  • CORNER WITH SAFETY - Lose your speed or lose your machine.
  • USE SPEED INTELLIGENTLY & RIDE QUICKER ONLY IN THE CORRECT PLACES - Any fool can ride fast enough to be dangerous.
  • KNOW THE HIGHWAY CODE & PUT IT INTO PRACTICE - Ride according to the Highway Code and you will ride safely.
Your Instructor

Tony Richardson

I have been riding bikes almost 30 years, qualifying as a DVSA Instructor in 1993 and going on to pass a Surrey County Council Advanced Motorcycle test.

Since then I've become a qualification collector including Enhanced Rider Scheme Instructor as well as an Examiner for the IAM Roadsmart, RoSPA and DIAmond.

Perhaps then it's no surprise that I was a Police motorcyclist, a coach for BikeSafe, as well as a reserve member of the revered Special Escort Group.

No matter how much experience we have, we can always learn more; and learning should be fun and engaging.

That’s what I strive to achieve when I teach or conduct a test.