lesson 11.3 MOTORCYCLES AND SCOOTERS As a licensed driver, you will share the road with motorcycles and scooters. Motorcycle engines can reach speeds of 100 mph. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

Explain the key ways in which riding a motorcycle differs from driving a car. OBJECTIVE

Most scooters require no shifting of gears. Scooters are generally smaller and less performance-oriented than motorcycles, although some are as large as a mid-size motorcycle. Most scooters require no shifting of gears. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

Operators of motorcycles and scooters have the same rights and responsibilities as those of other motor vehicles. They are expected to obey all traffic laws and rules of the roads.

Riding a Two-Wheeled Vehicle Understanding the special needs of scooter and motorcycle riders will help you predict their behavior. Maintaining balance and traction on a two-wheeled vehicle requires the skillful use of the controls and body position.

Motorcycles are less stable at low speeds than at higher speeds Motorcycles are less stable at low speeds than at higher speeds. Higher speeds, however, reduce maneuverability. What high-risk behavior is this motorcyclist doing?

A patch of gravel or wet leaves can be a serious hazard for a motorcyclist or scooter rider. When passing a motorcyclist, predict that a rider may need to change lanes to avoid risky road conditions. Adjust your lane position if needed.

Acceleration and Braking Motorcycles and scooters are capable of amazing acceleration, which can help them avoid potential hazards, but can also get them into trouble.

Motorcycles have separate brakes for the front and rear wheels Motorcycles have separate brakes for the front and rear wheels. Most of the stopping power is in the front brake. Locking the front or rear brake can result in loss of control. A skillful rider with good traction and good tires may be able to stop more quickly than a car driver. An inexperienced rider can lose control.

Lane Position A passenger vehicle occupies about six feet of a lane, but a motorcycle occupies only three feet. Respect the rider’s need and legal right to use their full lane. Never share the lane.

When changing lanes, check your blind spot carefully for motorcycles and scooter riders.

Describe why it is often difficult to see motorcycles, and how to search for them effectively in different locations. OBJECTIVE

Using IPDE to Protect Riders When a motorcycle collides with another vehicle, the driver of the other vehicle is at fault more than 50 percent of the time.

Make a special effort to use the IPDE Process to prevent conflicts. The Identify step is crucial—motorcycles are sometimes hard to see. Can you identify the motorcycle in this scene?

Riders are even less visible at night. Search for reflective materials on a rider’s helmet and jacket, especially at night.

For a motorcycle to turn, the rider must lean into the curve. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

Searching at Intersections Most collisions with two-wheeled vehicles occur at intersections.

A blinking turn signal is not an absolute guarantee that the rider is turning. A rider’s turn signal may not cancel automatically. Look for indications that the rider plans to turn, such as reducing speed, searching the intersection, changing position within a lane, and looking to the left and right.

Turning Right A motorcyclist turning right is entitled to the entire lane for a new path of travel. Multiple right-turning lanes can create a hazard because some drivers move to a different lane during the turn. Watch for riders who are making right turns, too, and stay within your lane.

Turning Left Turning left in front of an oncoming rider is a major cause of rider fatalities. When you need to turn left, search your left, front, and right zones carefully. Commit to your left turn only after you are sure you have sufficient time.

When two lanes are reserved for left turns, stay within your lane as you make your turn. A motorcyclist in the left-turn lane next to you will need an entire lane to negotiate the left turn.

On wet roads, motorcyclists can gain traction by riding in the wheel tracks of another vehicle.

Identify situations in which motorcycle riders may be at risk. OBJECTIVE

Adverse Weather Conditions A motorcyclist has limited protection from the weather. Heavy winds can affect a rider’s balance. Any time that weather conditions reduce your visibility or traction, be aware that the conditions are much worse for the rider. Riders who are not wearing proper gear can quickly become chilled and distracted.

By riding in offset positions, riders provide a full lane to each other. Are these cyclists likely to move within their lanes? Is there room for your vehicle to share this lane?

Road Conditions A rider can quickly lose traction when the road is covered with oil, wet leaves, sand, gravel, or snow. Search for riders who may be riding in these conditions and increase your following distance.

Carrying Passengers Passengers can affect a rider’s control. At low speeds, the operator may have difficulty with balance and control. The weight of the passenger will increase the distance needed for acceleration and stopping.

Riding in Groups When two or more motorcyclists travel together, they should ride in an offset position. Riding in an offset position gives each rider adequate space for visibility and maneuvering. Don’t be tempted to share the lane with a group of riders, even if there appears to be room.

Describe the benefits protective gear offers motorcyclists and scooter riders. OBJECTIVE

Protective Gear Riders on scooters and motorcycles are fully exposed to the environment. Riders can reduce or prevent injuries by using protective gear. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

Protective gear has two purposes: comfort and protection. Uncomfortable protective gear can create distractions. Inferior gear can reduce protection.

This rider is wearing protective gear and appropriate clothing. Explain why loose or baggy clothes present a risk to riders. The copyright holder has not granted permission to display this photograph in a downloadable format. You may view the photograph in the Drive Right Presentation for this lesson on your Keys to Teaching Success disc.

Helmets are key to saving lives Helmets are key to saving lives. Helmets also reduce the noise of the wind and help prevent fatigue. Other protective gear includes goggles or a face shield—to protect vision gloves—to protect hands, increase handlebar grip, and reduce fatigue over-the-ankle boots—to protect and support feet and ankles sturdy jacket and pants—to protect against the weather and flying objects

lesson 11.3 review How does protective gear help riders reduce risk? Identify four situations that can affect the control of a motorcycle or scooter. For each situation, describe the actions a driver can take to reduce the risks to the motorcycle or scooter rider.