A SAFE RIDE
It is important to know how to react in emergency situations on two wheels, it can make all the difference in terms of safety. Let us look at how to move in the town, which is a potential hot spot for riding problems.
Text by Andrea Di Marcantonio

Riding a bike for getting around in the town, is the best way to save time especially when it is short !!A scooter therefore is the most practical and fastest means of crossing the city to get to school, the workplace, a meeting etc.
In today's towns we see these scooters circulating in "swarms" in a kind of "ordered disorder" ,but thanks to their extreme versatility they are bikes with the ability to meet the needs of any age group, sex or social class.
However town riding is sometimes risky, and there are a host of lurking dangers, and therefore it is necessary to take certain fundamental rules into account to ensure total safety. The hidden risks include, cars doors which open out suddenly, streaks of petrol on the road, careless pedestrians, and drivers; it is for this reason that one pair of eyes is often inadequate to calculate and anticipate everything that is going on in front of us.
I shall therefore attempt in this limited space to outline a few fundamental rules, to help you to ensure your safety every time you are on your scooter..

RULE N.1 : the riding position is a very important factor in ensuring practical safety. You should always sit upright with both hands firmly gripped on the handlebars, but not too tight, feet should be well positioned on the footboard, and a 360° view of the surrounding area is fundamental. Sitting in the rider's seat signifies being at one with the scooter itself. The seat should not therefore be too far forward but in a central position, to ensure mobility in riding. Arms should not hang on the handlebars, but must ensure that the rider dominates the bike; therefore your back must never be rigid, but relaxed (and slightly curved), and you should try and "feel" your best position. There is no specific rule but you should feel free and unrestricted in your movements and ready to anticipate anything that may occur. Fast reaction is essential when we talk of riding safety.
Always wear gloves and never take heed of those who say that it is an exaggerated safety measure; should you fall off the bike or slide onto the ground your hands will be protected because they are the first things that come into contact with hard ground. A good jacket is also essential; which should be sturdy with a good inner lining to offer protection to your body, arms and elbows. Your best bet is a long jacket, or a leather jacket, resistant to abrasion or adverse weather conditions. You should never opt for jeans jackets or imitation leather garments; save them for going out in !. For the females amongst you I would advise against wearing a skirt (even if you like them……) because it will not afford adequate protection. Change in the office, if you really want to show off your legs !
If this sounds excessive, I can assure you after years of "biking" that it is essential to protect yourself when on your bike.
So much for clothing; let us look at how to "anticipate" certain danger situations. A suddenly opened car door is one of the most common dangers when in town.
To avoid the risk do not travel too near to columns of cars at fast speeds (a speed of 30 km/h is already excessive!). It is better to keep a distance of 20/20 cm, and learn to try and prevent the risks caused by careless drivers. A way of doing this is to observe the gestures of the driver from the inner rear view mirror. Or, even better, as things often happen in a fraction of a second, always observe the body movements of the driver, for example whether he is on the phone (which is prohibited by the New Highway code), or whether he is having a heated discussion with someone inside the car, or whether (heavens no!!!) he is about the tip the contents of his car ashtray into the road whilst in a traffic jam. Therefore always beware of the gestures of the driver.
Another potential danger is traces of petrol on the road leaked from a bus or heavy vehicle, usually you are forewarned of this risk because you will smell the petrol itself in the air.
As soon as you do, slow down and observe the road beneath you, the dark patch can be avoided if you take extra care. Should the bike career out of control, allow the scooter to go in its logical path and do not attempt to "follow" it, as this is a very serious danger risk.
Another potential risk are those cars which appear to loom out of nowhere. Should this happen you have two extreme options; quickly change your route, making sure however that you do not unbalance the bike, or otherwise slow down using both brakes never just the front one. Remember that the best ABS (wheel anti-lock system) is up to you, and is obvious. However always remember that the degree of adherence of your scooter will vary according to the type of tarmac beneath you and the ground conditions in general; which means that the type of response provided by your brake system will be affected by damp conditions or the presence of dirt.
Indecisive pedestrians are another risk. Remember that the pedestrian always comes first even if he is in the wrong or fails to anticipate your moves.
Having said this remember to always slow down when you come to a bus stop, as it is here that pedestrians often just appear out of nowhere with dire consequences. Always respect old people, mothers with children, or pedestrians with shopping bags, even if they fail to cross at the pedestrian crossing. The true "biker" is reputed a mature adult. Let us make sure that he is an intelligent, mature adult.
What else ? A couple more tips; always check the state of wear of the brakes, the tyre pressure and conditions, the reliability of the suspensions in the event of emergency braking, and the general conditions of the bike as a whole.
Experience will take care of the rest. The important thing is your own attitude to things that happen around you, within your visual range. Intelligent riding, a well-tuned bike, and a diligent attitude will drastically reduce the risk of contact, falls or errors on your part.
It is true that it is often others that make mistakes. However it is important to be able to always anticipate all emergency situations, without tensing of the body. A fluid riding style means that you are always able to react in the event of the carelessness of others.
Finally, the helmet, which "certifies" your safety. Use semi-integral helmets (jet type that provides protection around the ear area), which should be homologated, never use the dangerous "saucepan" helmets. A helmet will always make a difference. Never compromise on such a "vital accessory". I often see high- class scooters, with riders wearing cheap helmets. It pays to get your priorities right. Helmets should always be correctly strapped, this is a fundamental rule often ignored by riders who wear their helmets un-strapped. This cancels out the whole point of the helmet, as in the event of an accident it is worthless.
Finally, "enjoy" your bike, to the full, it will give you some of the best moments of your life.
……See you next time……