Some years ago, the rider training group I was with in Basingstoke (North Hampshire Motorcycle Training) did free eye tests during one of our regular town centre road safety displays.
We used a Keystone eyesight testing machine, tested about 85 drivers - and referred 12 to opticians!
Motorcyclists suffer from the lack of vision, and lack of looking, of drivers - and drivers with uncorrected eyesight won't improve that at all.
So I was pleased to see a TV ad. suggesting people get their eyes tested. The twist is that it's not a 'road safety' - it uses the introduction of high defintion TV as the 'hook'!
web site
TV ad
Whatever, the reason, a regular eye test is worth the minor cost and inconvenience.
Saturday, 28 June 2008
Thursday, 26 June 2008
More 'Security' info
The Thatcham motor centre has just released new details of theft-proofing a standard on a range of bikes.
Thatcham web site
Thatcham web site
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
Oxford MPTC site - Planning Application
The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) have a planning application in place for a new MPTC (Multi-Purpose Test Centre) at the Old Gas Works site on the Cowley Mill Road in Oxford.
If you wish to write in support, the details are:
http://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/index.jsp?articleid=10058
Application 3114/APP/2008/1575
Oh, bt the way, my new site - get a sneek preview as it develops!
Motorcycle training books, DVDs, e-books, and information.
The Ride
If you wish to write in support, the details are:
http://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/index.jsp?articleid=10058
Application 3114/APP/2008/1575
Oh, bt the way, my new site - get a sneek preview as it develops!
Motorcycle training books, DVDs, e-books, and information.
The Ride
Stealing Time
Computers - and computer software - are often sold to us on the basis that they 'save time'.
Rarely is that the case, as first we usually struggle to learn how to use them, then fight to get information out.
But time management software could be an honourable exception.
A good example is Four Four Time. Their Time Management and Logging software is aimed at users who wish to simply and quickly record and report how much time they spend working on a particular job or project, it's been successfully used by people as diverse as structural engineers and bespoke jewellers!
One user found a novel alternative use - after finding out how he hadn't truly recorded his working time:
“I must admit, I thought I was pretty much aware of how long it took to complete tasks. But it seems I’ve been thinking of a figure and halving it!
For instance I photographed a wedding last Saturday. It was quite a society affair, with lots of colour and plenty of moments atop the usual formal shots to capture.
A wedding shoot that I thought would take two or three hours to post process, took five – and that’s before I sat down with the clients to discuss their own thoughts.
To my mind, the most important thing about the Four Four Time product will be to build realistic time considered costings into my professional charges.”
Post Script from Neale James
"We recently broke our egg timer, and as the office is next to the kitchen we used the Four Four Timer - it may be interesting to note that last month we recorded 1 hour and 25 minutes spent boiling eggs!"
More details on the Four Four Time site.
As an old saying goes:
Time is a thief - the art is stealing it back!
Rarely is that the case, as first we usually struggle to learn how to use them, then fight to get information out.
But time management software could be an honourable exception.
A good example is Four Four Time. Their Time Management and Logging software is aimed at users who wish to simply and quickly record and report how much time they spend working on a particular job or project, it's been successfully used by people as diverse as structural engineers and bespoke jewellers!
One user found a novel alternative use - after finding out how he hadn't truly recorded his working time:
“I must admit, I thought I was pretty much aware of how long it took to complete tasks. But it seems I’ve been thinking of a figure and halving it!
For instance I photographed a wedding last Saturday. It was quite a society affair, with lots of colour and plenty of moments atop the usual formal shots to capture.
A wedding shoot that I thought would take two or three hours to post process, took five – and that’s before I sat down with the clients to discuss their own thoughts.
To my mind, the most important thing about the Four Four Time product will be to build realistic time considered costings into my professional charges.”
Post Script from Neale James
"We recently broke our egg timer, and as the office is next to the kitchen we used the Four Four Timer - it may be interesting to note that last month we recorded 1 hour and 25 minutes spent boiling eggs!"
More details on the Four Four Time site.
As an old saying goes:
Time is a thief - the art is stealing it back!
Monday, 23 June 2008
Where You Look
The phrase "Where You Go is Where You Look - So Look Where You Want To Go" is fairly well known in rider training.
But however well-known it is, the problems come from the belief in it - or lack of belief - and the way it's interpreted and used.
Belief? How can it be necessary to 'believe' in a phrase? Often, riding a motorcycle is a life-threatening occupation - and the transition from 'safe' to 'scary' can happen in moments.
A sadly too common motorcycle crash involves rider encountering a tightening bend. However much the problems could have been eliminated or reduced by better foraward observation and planning prior to the corner, if the situation occurs then the rider has to take immediate action.
Sadly, 'fight or flight' type reactions come in to play - and the rider is likely to tense up and stare at the opposite side of the road - which until very recently was their expected 'way out' of the corner.
Instead, the rider needs to turn their head and look as far around the - now tighter - corner as possible.
A couple of points about this action:
1. Having the 'escape' action pre-planned means reaction time, and likelyhood of panic, is reduced
2. The rider needs to turn their entire head - not just their eyes - and point their chin where they want to go to
During a recent training session, I had a rider travelling in an oval, short straights with 45ft semi-circles at each end. The exercise was to develop some aspects of cornering. When he stopped so we could chat, I asked how he'd been steering the bike? With a bemused look, he admitted he didn't know! What he'd been doing was keeping relaxed, keeping the bike gently under power, and 'steering' by pointing his head where he wanted to go to.
Why 'point' your head? Because if you just turn your eyes, you'll revert to looking at the things that worry you.
Why have an 'escape' pre-planned? Because for every moment you spend not looking where you want - or need - to go, you'll be heading towards a crash. One second reaction time at 30mph is 44ft travelled without turning tighter . . .
So the 'belief' is knowing that a good head turn really does 'control' the bike (and during training sessions I can get a rider turning tighter just by moving where I stand and shout from!), and trusting in its use.
And the interpretation? You mustn't just 'look' - that's passive. Instead, look and choose! Choose where you want the bike to go, choose the bit of surface you want to go over - don't look at the poor road surface, look ar the good surface.
What set me thinking about it all this? Ever watched a horse-drawn ploughing competition? Me neither, but I've seen them on TV! The winners - marked on the straightness of the furrows they plow - walk along, looking relaxed, gently guiding the plough - but looking well ahead, as far as possible.
This is what my US colleagues in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation called 'Visual Directional Control'. And why did that occur to me? Because I was trying to keep my lawn mower in a straight line . . .
More training info to be added here
But however well-known it is, the problems come from the belief in it - or lack of belief - and the way it's interpreted and used.
Belief? How can it be necessary to 'believe' in a phrase? Often, riding a motorcycle is a life-threatening occupation - and the transition from 'safe' to 'scary' can happen in moments.
A sadly too common motorcycle crash involves rider encountering a tightening bend. However much the problems could have been eliminated or reduced by better foraward observation and planning prior to the corner, if the situation occurs then the rider has to take immediate action.
Sadly, 'fight or flight' type reactions come in to play - and the rider is likely to tense up and stare at the opposite side of the road - which until very recently was their expected 'way out' of the corner.
Instead, the rider needs to turn their head and look as far around the - now tighter - corner as possible.
A couple of points about this action:
1. Having the 'escape' action pre-planned means reaction time, and likelyhood of panic, is reduced
2. The rider needs to turn their entire head - not just their eyes - and point their chin where they want to go to
During a recent training session, I had a rider travelling in an oval, short straights with 45ft semi-circles at each end. The exercise was to develop some aspects of cornering. When he stopped so we could chat, I asked how he'd been steering the bike? With a bemused look, he admitted he didn't know! What he'd been doing was keeping relaxed, keeping the bike gently under power, and 'steering' by pointing his head where he wanted to go to.
Why 'point' your head? Because if you just turn your eyes, you'll revert to looking at the things that worry you.
Why have an 'escape' pre-planned? Because for every moment you spend not looking where you want - or need - to go, you'll be heading towards a crash. One second reaction time at 30mph is 44ft travelled without turning tighter . . .
So the 'belief' is knowing that a good head turn really does 'control' the bike (and during training sessions I can get a rider turning tighter just by moving where I stand and shout from!), and trusting in its use.
And the interpretation? You mustn't just 'look' - that's passive. Instead, look and choose! Choose where you want the bike to go, choose the bit of surface you want to go over - don't look at the poor road surface, look ar the good surface.
What set me thinking about it all this? Ever watched a horse-drawn ploughing competition? Me neither, but I've seen them on TV! The winners - marked on the straightness of the furrows they plow - walk along, looking relaxed, gently guiding the plough - but looking well ahead, as far as possible.
This is what my US colleagues in the Motorcycle Safety Foundation called 'Visual Directional Control'. And why did that occur to me? Because I was trying to keep my lawn mower in a straight line . . .
More training info to be added here
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
10% Chance - Good or Bad Enough?
Chatting with a rider, he said (and I'm seriously paraphrasing for dramatic effect) that there would only be a 10% chance of something coming the other way while cornering on some particular roads he was planning to use*.
So we looked at the map, for the nice winding section of road we were heading towards, and even at 2.5 miles:1 inch, there were plenty of bends visible.
I counted along the route:
"1 bend, 2 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Crash. 1 bend, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 . . . Crash, 1 bend, 2, 3, 4 . . . " and so on.
OK, so 'statistics' doesn't work like that. But roads do have oncoming traffic, obstructions around blind corners, changes in road surfaces, bends that tighten mid-way, hidden entrances, adverse camber.
Although none of those things are 'Mystic Meg'-predictable to a particular corner, they are situations you'll meet, eventually.
And they're easily dealt with. Well, not always 'easily'.
Better control skills can help - but not alone.
Improved searching for information often gives clues to what's around the corner, realistic restraint and choice of speed reduces braking distances, and having pre-prepared plans for emergency action removes much of the reaction time and distance.
* In France. Not the Berkshire downs where we were riding :)
PSYCHOLOGY or SYSTEMS?
I happened across a link to John Brown's site, and his new book:
"DRIVING is more about PSYCHOLOGY than SYSTEMS"
Book
Reading through his web site pages, I found this quote:
"My clients tell me that my success is because I treat them as people, analyse their personal needs, address their specific needs, don't patronise or shout at them am enthusiastic, make driving interesting, have faith in them and do not try to fit them into the system that I have to teach, but try to analyse their problems and discover the way which is best for them to learn."
I train motorcyclists, at post-test level (although I did for many years teach learners). What I enjoy most is getting a rider with a 'problem' and finding the way they can work through it.
At some time soon I'll have to take DSA's RPMT instructional ability test.
Do I follow a rider, analyse & prioritise the 'faults' I see, then present 'fixes'?
No . . . I talk through the problems the rider is having, look for the root cause, [re-]build control skills, develop planning to give extra time to react, and plan a whole training session specifically to suit that rider.
An example was a recent trainee - a rider happy at high speeds, but nervous at low speeds. When I say 'happy', that's a euphamism, perhaps, for 'too quick'.
The nervousness due to a crash he'd had.
So the session was planned in a number of ways, to deal with low-speed control and confidence, then higher-speed planning and restraint.
Objectives achieved, rider happy.
But the most gratifying thing was one of his final comments, after we'd had a restrained ride along a winding road (where previously he'd have travelled much quicker) with me drawing his attention to likely problems in the distance via radios:
"The guy I trained with before said much the same things - but I took notice of you".
Reasons? Possibly my attitude to him, but also because - perhaps - I'd related both all the training directly back to the crash he'd had - even to 'predicting (if there's a past-tense version?) how he'd ridden in to trouble (and it wasn't what he'd assumed)!
Monday, 9 June 2008
Security Update
In case you missed it, 'Zanx' added a comment to the earlier 'security' post.
He's the . . . er . . . generously-proportioned . . . chap jumping on the bolt croppers in the video.
His succinct advice:
I'd suggest to your readers that they only use chains with links of 16mm or more in diameter, an expensive container padlock and a decent ground anchor.
Kind regards, Zanx
He's the . . . er . . . generously-proportioned . . . chap jumping on the bolt croppers in the video.
His succinct advice:
I'd suggest to your readers that they only use chains with links of 16mm or more in diameter, an expensive container padlock and a decent ground anchor.
Kind regards, Zanx
Isle of Man Brings Out The Best?
It's no secret that racing on the Isle of Man during 'TT' week is far riskier than road-racing on a typical mainland track. Unfortunately, each year usual counts the cost in road riders biting the dust too.
The IoM police issued a statement:
Time and date of issue: 2200 hrs 5th June 2008 There have been a number of serious road traffic collisions on the Island during the TT period which are causing concern for the Police.
Chief Inspector Peter Young who is in charge of the road policing function for TT said:- “I cannot comment about any individual collision; however it is clear from the ongoing investigations that there is a common thread running through a number of the collisions.
A small proportion of motorcyclist are treating the roads of the island as a race track, they are travelling at high speed and very close to the machine in front. The riders are not allowing for any deviation or unexpected slowing down of the other machines. This is resulting in faster moving machines hitting the rear of slower machines bringing both riders off. The speed and distance behind other machines, that some people are riding, is extremely dangerous, and can have horrendous consequences.
I would remind every rider that we want them to enjoy their stay on the Island, however we are enforcing speed limits and prosecuting those who are guilty of dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention. It is imperative that every road user rides safely and considers that rider ahead may slow down or move position.
I would ask all those who choose to take a risk and ride at high speed to think about how their, or another innocent rider’s family, children, friends and colleagues would be effected by their death or how receiving horrendous injuries would impact on the future life of everyone who knows them.
As a final work I would ask everyone to remember that they are riding on public roads. Please treat them with respect so they are able to return in the future”.
They also released video taken by a marshall, of some dubious overtaking. Main concerns were with two aspects:
- Limited visibility
- 'Lemming' or 'follow my leader' riding - where a tail-end rider overtakes because the group leader has, not because the rider concerned has decided it's a good overtake.
Top Riding Tips
What do you think?
The IoM police issued a statement:
Time and date of issue: 2200 hrs 5th June 2008 There have been a number of serious road traffic collisions on the Island during the TT period which are causing concern for the Police.
Chief Inspector Peter Young who is in charge of the road policing function for TT said:- “I cannot comment about any individual collision; however it is clear from the ongoing investigations that there is a common thread running through a number of the collisions.
A small proportion of motorcyclist are treating the roads of the island as a race track, they are travelling at high speed and very close to the machine in front. The riders are not allowing for any deviation or unexpected slowing down of the other machines. This is resulting in faster moving machines hitting the rear of slower machines bringing both riders off. The speed and distance behind other machines, that some people are riding, is extremely dangerous, and can have horrendous consequences.
I would remind every rider that we want them to enjoy their stay on the Island, however we are enforcing speed limits and prosecuting those who are guilty of dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention. It is imperative that every road user rides safely and considers that rider ahead may slow down or move position.
I would ask all those who choose to take a risk and ride at high speed to think about how their, or another innocent rider’s family, children, friends and colleagues would be effected by their death or how receiving horrendous injuries would impact on the future life of everyone who knows them.
As a final work I would ask everyone to remember that they are riding on public roads. Please treat them with respect so they are able to return in the future”.
They also released video taken by a marshall, of some dubious overtaking. Main concerns were with two aspects:
- Limited visibility
- 'Lemming' or 'follow my leader' riding - where a tail-end rider overtakes because the group leader has, not because the rider concerned has decided it's a good overtake.
Top Riding Tips
What do you think?
Apologies . . .
. . . Normal service has now been resumed, and apologies for anyone who looked in over the weekend and found page elements moved around.
Hint for blog users: See that 'save' option in the layout page? Use it before making any changes . . .
Hint for blog users: See that 'save' option in the layout page? Use it before making any changes . . .
Thursday, 5 June 2008
Weatherproof DIsplay & Storage Ring Binder
Further 'paper-based' training gear!
I use a splash-proof A4+ sized storage box, with built-in ring-binder-type clips - and can carry 'advanced' notes (laminated), maps, radios, and pens, all safely and easily in one pannier-fitting 'lump'.
Box File
They're imaginatively called' Box Files'! They're also substantially cheaper than the flip-chart stand in the previous post!
No connection with manufacturers or these people, by the way!
.
Good 'Old Paper
In these days of Powerpoint presentations, mobile Internet, and portable DVD players, there's still a place for paper.
And, for that matter, paper-based training materials.
If you're an observer or instructor who does a lot of 'cafe' training, there's an alternative you might find useful (although not cheap). It's a ring-binder which folds around in to a triangular presentation display.
This sort of display is particularly useful for table-top training of small groups.
It's called the Durastar A4, and retails for about £30.
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
Parked, Or Abandoned . . . ?
I would never claim that my car parking skills are wonderful - even more so with modern cars which have rounded, aerodynamic, corners, and limited rear visibility.
Even so, I can parallel park.
But every now and again you see a car, and wonder whether it's been parked - or stolen then abandoned.
Flossing - The New Driving Craze!
As if drivers didn't have enough distractions beyond the usual mental and physical workload to cope with - what with phoning, texting, adjusting the MP3 input to the stereo, using the SatNav, eating and drinking, doing hair and make-up, etc. etc. . . .
. . . According to the BBC's health news, 13% of a 1,000 people surveyed admitted to flossing their teeth while driving!
. . . According to the BBC's health news, 13% of a 1,000 people surveyed admitted to flossing their teeth while driving!
Monday, 2 June 2008
Instructors Training the Under 18s
Are you an instructor - employed or volunteer - working with trainees aged under 18?
BBC News
From October 2009, anyone applying for jobs working with or helping young people, will have to apply for registration - and employers or charities working with children and vulnerable adults cannot recruit workers who are not registered.
It will become an offence for anyone barred from working with children to apply for such a job - and there will be penalties for employers who fail to check on the registration of applicants.
From 2010, those already employed in jobs or in a voluntary capacity, with or without CRB checks, will be obliged to register.
The government's response to consultation only applies to England, but the scheme will be extended to Wales and Northern Ireland.
ISA
At £64 per person, look forward to an increase in training costs to cover this.
Interestingly - as many instructors are self-employed - The current legislation does not allow the self-employed or individuals to apply for a CRB check on themselves.
CRB
BBC News
From October 2009, anyone applying for jobs working with or helping young people, will have to apply for registration - and employers or charities working with children and vulnerable adults cannot recruit workers who are not registered.
It will become an offence for anyone barred from working with children to apply for such a job - and there will be penalties for employers who fail to check on the registration of applicants.
From 2010, those already employed in jobs or in a voluntary capacity, with or without CRB checks, will be obliged to register.
The government's response to consultation only applies to England, but the scheme will be extended to Wales and Northern Ireland.
ISA
At £64 per person, look forward to an increase in training costs to cover this.
Interestingly - as many instructors are self-employed - The current legislation does not allow the self-employed or individuals to apply for a CRB check on themselves.
CRB
Sold Sincere?
Motorcycle theft is a serious issue - especially if it's your bike that goes missing. Between 2001 and 2003 an annual average of 49,500 machines were reported stolen!
There are several options you have to try and reduce the chances of your bike going missing. These include marking ('Datatag' or 'Smartwater' - or simply embossing into metal parts and painting plastic), alarms, taking care where you park . . .
. . . and locking the bike.
Options here include disklocks, and chains.
But how do you, the consumer, know if the products you buy are up to scratch (or sledgehammer)?
Two of the best-known 'labels' for tested products are 'Thatcham' and 'Sold Secure'
"http://www.thatcham.org/security/index.jsp?page=75">
"http://www.soldsecure.com/">
Sold Secure say:
"http://www.soldsecure.com/why_do_we_test.htm">
A determined thief will take some risks to secure the bike he wants even to lifting them over gates with a crane! Sold Secure has a single level of Motorcycle Security Approval. Both mechanical and electronic security devices are certified to the same high level. Using a fully specified burglar’s toolkit the motorcycle is proven safe from the average thief. There are a number of options for security at home and also when parked away from home.
So one of the best options is a suitable chain, securing the bike to a 'ground anchor'.
Here's their approved product list:
"http://www.soldsecure.com/downloads/Rev%20may08pdf.pdf">
However, it has become apparent that the Sold Secure tests don't seem to include the use of substantial - but easily portable, bearing in mind that thieves are likely to be using a van - croppers.
Have a watch of the video, and wonder, perhaps, about how long your chain might last . . .
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3hFr8p2ck">
Frightening, eh?
There are several options you have to try and reduce the chances of your bike going missing. These include marking ('Datatag' or 'Smartwater' - or simply embossing into metal parts and painting plastic), alarms, taking care where you park . . .
. . . and locking the bike.
Options here include disklocks, and chains.
But how do you, the consumer, know if the products you buy are up to scratch (or sledgehammer)?
Two of the best-known 'labels' for tested products are 'Thatcham' and 'Sold Secure'
"http://www.thatcham.org/security/index.jsp?page=75">
"http://www.soldsecure.com/">
Sold Secure say:
"http://www.soldsecure.com/why_do_we_test.htm">
A determined thief will take some risks to secure the bike he wants even to lifting them over gates with a crane! Sold Secure has a single level of Motorcycle Security Approval. Both mechanical and electronic security devices are certified to the same high level. Using a fully specified burglar’s toolkit the motorcycle is proven safe from the average thief. There are a number of options for security at home and also when parked away from home.
So one of the best options is a suitable chain, securing the bike to a 'ground anchor'.
Here's their approved product list:
"http://www.soldsecure.com/downloads/Rev%20may08pdf.pdf">
However, it has become apparent that the Sold Secure tests don't seem to include the use of substantial - but easily portable, bearing in mind that thieves are likely to be using a van - croppers.
Have a watch of the video, and wonder, perhaps, about how long your chain might last . . .
"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VC3hFr8p2ck">
Frightening, eh?
Sunday, 1 June 2008
Call Of The Wild
One hundred and sixty five thousand wild people*.
Probably.
Last year, in England and Wales, 165,000 people received a £60 fine and 3 bonus points for the offence of using a mobile phone while driving.
* I'm assuming they weren't too happy about it.
Probably.
Last year, in England and Wales, 165,000 people received a £60 fine and 3 bonus points for the offence of using a mobile phone while driving.
* I'm assuming they weren't too happy about it.
Lights On For Animals Now?
Out on a walk today, across the Berkshire countryside near Donnington Castle and Snellsmore Common.
Part of the walk used a bridleway, which was very well signposted, with many of the signs at rider's-eye-height rather than walker's-eye-height.
But I couldn't help noticing that some of the signs (the upper, blue one in the pic) appeared to be retro-reflective.
Does this mean that horses are now being fitted with headlamps?