Up to 500 euros for winding on a motorcycle in traffic jams or sticking to others from behind

2023-05-09 00:08:25

You must drive with caution and always respecting the rules of the road. And when riding a motorcycle, you must avoid sudden maneuvers and zigzagging between vehicles, as this can cost you up to a 500-euro fine. But there are still more attitudes to avoid so as not to put other road users at risk. For example, aggressive driving, speeding, tailgating and even weaving in traffic jams. And it is that the motorcycle is the most dangerous means of transport: there is a 17 times greater risk of dying traveling by motorcycle than in tourism, per kilometer traveled. Only in the city is 32 times more risky than traveling by car, 4 times more than doing it by bike, 3 times more than going on foot and 450 times more than by bus, according to data from the study ‘Safer City Global Benchmarking for Urban Road Safety’ from the OECD.

Behind these data lies one of the main problems, according to experts, which is training. For Juan Manuel Reyes, president of AMM (Mutual Biker Association), lack of expertise; «Generally this expertise is acquired through experience, but even this is not enough. The majority of motorcyclists do not cover enough kilometers or do not have the proper advice or advice. By this I do not mean that motorcyclists are responsible for the accidents in which they are involved, but that, with proper training, you could avoid 90% of them.

For this reason, familiarizing ourselves with our motorcycle is a fundamental key to controlling it in adverse circumstances and minimizing risks. So, Francisco Dominguez, general manager of Peugeot Motocycles for Spain, shares with us a series of tips that novice users should take into account before “giving gas”. In the first place, “a complete motorcycle outfit is recommended to protect you from burns, bruises, etc.,” explains Domínguez. Avoid them by equipping yourself with gloves, an approved helmet, suitable closed footwear and a jacket with shoulder and knee reinforcement. “These elements are a worthwhile investment due to the protection they provide and their durability over time,” underlines the general director of the French brand.

Get to know the new vehicle, whether you are a regular motorcycle user or not. As the expert points out, “a period of progressive adaptation to your new motorcycle or scooter is essential.” Go from less to more (first with smooth driving), study their reactions (braking, cornering, etc.). “Worth take it easy at first if you want to avoid scares ».

“In this period of adaptation, he appreciates carrying passengers,” underlines the general director of Peugeot Motocycles for Spain. Learn to handle the motorcycle in the first place, get used to it, to its weight, control your balance… Adding one more element to this equation can influence a moment of emergency braking or any other unexpected maneuver. Keep in mind that “it is not advisable to do the first kilometers on wet or damp roads,” recalls the expert. This circumstance requires additional control of the vehicle so, especially if you have just acquired it, it is advisable to spend a few kilometers observing and familiarizing yourself with the behavior of the mount on a slippery surface.

Also, emergency braking is very common in the city, so it is fundamental to “be alert” to what is happening around. Remember that in case of emergency braking on dry ground, the motorcycle must be completely vertical when applying the two brakes with different intensity (with practice you will learn when and how to apply said intensity). If it is your first motorcycle, better a model equipped with ABS or combined braking.

In most cases you will be surrounded by other vehicles, and even people, so it is essential that you watch them to anticipate their manoeuvres. In urban driving, Dominguez advises respect the safety distance and keep the index and middle fingers of each hand resting lightly on the brakes to minimize braking time in case you have to act quickly.

Finally, the general manager of Peugeot Motocycles for Spain ends with a recommendation beyond the vehicle itself: «Anxiety can alter your behavior in circulation, your ability to react, just like worries, which can make you distract yourself thinking about other things… On the handlebars, it is essential that you be present, for your safety and that of others the others,” he concludes.