With the Raya season upon us, many will be traveling back to our respective kampungs. While many will be driving, a lot more will be riding their way back as well.
Whether you’re driving or riding back to your kampung, always remember to stay safe on the roads. In co-operation with our friends over at Bikes Republic, we proudly share this safety guide for those traveling on 2-wheels!
- 1. Prepare your bike. That includes making sure that your bike has been serviced according to its service schedule, which of course includes minor and major services. Moto Aladdin was also keen to point out bikers should insist on the job sheet to see what has been done. Here’s the list of things to check before going for a long journey.
- Lights. Make sure all your lights are functioning, including the headlights, rear light, brake lights, high beam, hazard lights and signal lights.
- Horn. Check your horns and make sure they are loud enough. Horns that aren’t loud enough are often ignored.
- Tyres. Verify that your tyres still have enough tread left and that the tyre pressure is correct. The age of the tyres should also be taken into consideration (less than 2 years old) as you will be riding for a long distance.
- Side mirrors. Make sure both side mirrors are in good condition. Replace broken ones as these are a safety hazard.
- Brakes. Engine power is one thing, and braking power is just as critical. Check and ensure that your bike still has enough ‘meat’ on its brake pads, brake fluid and good condition brake discs.
- Engine fluids. Double check that engine oil and coolant levels are between the Minimum and Maximum levels.
- Suspension. Watch out for leaky suspension forks. Replace faulty suspension soonest possible, as a worn suspension is also a safety risk.
- 2. After making sure that your bike is in tip top condition, it is also vital to make sure that you, as the rider, are prepared for the long distance ride. Our friends at Bikes Republic were keen to point out that riders should always practice ATGATT (All The Gear All The Time), including wearing a proper helmet, jacket, riding pants, gloves and boots. In addition to that, a good quality rain suit is necessary to keep yourself dry.
- For those fasting, it is recommended that the riders ride right after Ifthar or Sahur. The meal should keep your body running well until you’ve reached your destination.
- Adding to that, ride within your means and capacity. Never push your bike, or yourself, over your limits. This often has devastating results, so its best to ride safe.
- 3. Plan your route! With so much information available at our fingertips, it is vital to plan the best route beforehand. Options like Google Maps and Waze are a solid option to plan for alternative roads or navigate around traffic. Also take note of alternative routes that you may have to take while riding.
- Alternative routes aside, those using navigation applications like Waze and Google Maps can also take note of necessary rest stops, petrol stations, police stations and hospitals.
- 4. Start your journey as early as possible. Bikes Republic recommends starting your journey before the sun rises. Even so, if you are an experienced rider, you could opt to ride at night. Riding in the afternoon is not recommended, as traffic levels are higher, plus the heat of midday won’t help.
5. Stay out of the emergency lane. It is wrong, plain and simple. The authorities have already said that riding in the emergency lane is illegal.
- 6. Ride safe! Bikes Republic has stressed this line “Remember, being on two-wheels means that you are statistically 16 times – yes, SIXTEEN times – more likely at risk as opposed to driving a car.” Always give yourself enough space when riding. They also added that riders should not assume that the driver of bigger cars or trucks are aware of their presence, even if its their responsibility.
Via: Bikes Republic
