SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Local riders are emphasizing motorcycle safety after two crashes in Central New York within 24 hours, including one that turned deadly.
Tim Ryan, owner of a Syracuse motorcycle repair shop, said many safety issues can be prevented with routine maintenance and proper preparation before hitting the road.
“A well-maintained bike is a safe motorcycle,” Ryan said.
Ryan recommends riders regularly inspect their motorcycles, paying close attention to tire pressure, tire tread and brakes.
“Make sure your tire pressures are good. Don’t be that guy or girl that fills them up one time and rides it all season,” Ryan said.
While many people associate motorcycle crashes with the beginning of summer, Ryan said he often notices more crashes later in the season.
“You end up actually seeing it more in the late summer than you do in the early summer because come the late summer you get the guys who don’t have riding experience get talked into buying a bike, and then they’ll get on it and won’t know what to do,” Ryan said. “That’s when you see problems.”
Ryan said newer riders should consider taking a Motorcycle Safety Program course before getting on the road. He also encourages riders to perform a pre-ride inspection to ensure their motorcycle is in safe operating condition.
Protective gear is another important part of motorcycle safety, according to Ryan.
“Wear DOT-approved helmets. If you’re going to put a helmet on, it might as well work,” he said.
Ryan said riders should also be aware of other drivers. Because motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, riders often need to be especially attentive to surrounding traffic.
“Most motorcycle accidents are caused by a car,” Ryan said. “Lots of people in their cars are on their cell phones. If you’re going to ride on a motorcycle, you have to pay very close attention to all the cars around you.”
Ryan believes responsibility and experience play a major role in staying safe on a motorcycle.
“If you can respect limits and respect boundaries, then you will have a really long, fun riding experience,” Ryan said. “If you have a problem with those things, you will not have a fun riding experience.”
For Ryan, one statement best sums up motorcycle safety.
“I always tell people that motorcycles are not dangerous. They’re unforgiving,” he said. “You will almost always get from where you are to where you’re going safely. But the one time that something goes wrong, it’s really going to go wrong. There’s no small mistakes.”