TEAM Arizona Riding Tip: I AM THE NIGHT RIDER; THE ROCKER, THE ROLLER!
Last Updated: June 3rd, 2022
We start this article off with a little bit of fun by having a parsed quote from the cult motorcycle movie Mad Max. Even though we’re having fun with the topic of riding at night, research shows that riding at night presents a slightly increased risk for motorcyclists, especially around the dusk time of day during the week (rush hour) and around from 9pm to 2am at all times (bar traffic?).
This month we want to explore ways to reduce our risk as the summer heat creeps in and night riding becomes more appealing due to the beautiful nights we experience in Arizona for most of the state. In specific, we want to explore what you can do to reduce your risk before you even mount the motorcycle to take the ride.
IS YOUR BIKE READY?
Our ol friend T-CLOCS stands at attention waiting to be used like a trusty friend. Yep, we’ll want to make sure we give our motorcycle some attention before we head out under the star-freckled sky. In particular, we want to give some attention to the “L” in T-CLOCS (Lights and Electrics). Here are some things to investigate:
- Does our headlight work properly? Is it aimed correctly to spread the beam of light effectively when we’re seated on the motorcycle? How strong is the beam of light and is it unobstructed? Is the surface area of the headlight area clean and haze-free? Corrective action may be necessary. Some upgrades, like replacing the head lamp bulb for a LED unit or a more intense headlamp, might do the trick for increasing your safety.
- Does our brake light work properly? Is it highly visible to motorists behind us? Does the light actuate when either brake control is used? Do the turn signals work properly? Would an accessory brake light increase the chance of you being seen from motorists behind you?
- Is your battery maintained accordingly and operating at proper levels? Is it older than two years? If so, consider replacement.
- Have you considered auxiliary lighting to throw additional light down the roadway? The aftermarket is replete with upgrades or even replacement lighting systems.
Beyond lighting, conspicuity (retro-reflective) tape for your motorcycle or reflectors can increase your chance of being seen.
IS YOUR GEAR READY?
We’ll want to make sure we’re seen as best as possible. Do you have bright, reflective clothing? Vibrant colored gear can get other motorist’s attention. Black looks cool, but can and should be enhanced with some reflective material. Many black items made for motorcycle use now come with reflective panels and material already built into them. Look for these features when buying any new riding gear. What a great way to keep the cool factor AND increase your safety!
Do you have the correct visor? Being able to see without the handicap of a tinted visor is critical. Make sure your helmet and eye protection is bug free, clean, and ready for use at night.
ARE YOU READY?
Preparing for a night ride includes asking yourself some serious questions. Self analysis is important if we’re going to reduce our risk. Preparing for the motorist who represents the lowest common denominator (e.g. tired driver, impaired driver, distracted driver) when driving means we’ll need to consider our current physical and mental state.
- When was the last time you visited the eye doctor? How old are your glasses? Have you noticed any degradation in your night vision?
- Do you understand and accept the added risk with riding at night due to impaired riders, increased animal activity at dusk, and more?
- Are you well rested and ready to perform hazard avoidance techniques?
CLEAR FOR TAKE OFF NIGHT RIDER
Night riding can be an enjoyable and safe experience. A common mistake riders can make at night is overriding their headlight. This is a situation where the road speed is greater than the visibility provided by headlight. For example, if traveling at 60mph, we’ll need see almost 400 feet ahead to provide us enough stopping distance to perceive, react, and avoid a hazard by braking. If a rider can’t see that far ahead, the simple solution would be to slow down.
Once a motorcyclist has considered the items above, and is willing to accept the additional risk, it is easily possible to have an experience equivalent to riding in the daytime. Enjoy the ride folks!
Join the discussion on our Facebook page; happy riding!
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