Riding a motorcycle safely in the DARK [riding tips]

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  • Опубліковано 12 гру 2023
  • How to ride a motorcycle safely in the dark. Join me for a demonstration ride sharing key information about how to stay safe when riding a motorbike in the dark.
    This upload covers what to wear, what to look out for, how to be seen, and look for hazards and dangers when motorcycling in the dark.
    Thanks for watching. Please comment, like, subscribe & share.
    See you soon,
    Leanna

КОМЕНТАРІ • 45

  • @paullee6663
    @paullee6663 6 місяців тому +2

    An excellent timely reminder. I saw a scooter rider only a couple of nights ago come over a major set of traffic lights with what I guess were just his DRL's on, which were a dim blue/grey, he had a dark jacket on, it was nearly 5.30pm, I literallly just caught a glimpse of him before I was going to turn right at the lights in front of him (in my car). I've been riding since '75 and have always ridden with my headlight on, day or night, and riding with your headlamp on during the day was a lot more controversial back then. Addtionally, my bikes not that quick, so I always wear hi-viz on the motorway.
    Stay safe and Merry Christmas everyone!

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому

      Frightening how little people try to make themselves visible! Thank you for your comments as always and Merry Christmas to you too 😊🎄

  • @Grahamvfr
    @Grahamvfr 6 місяців тому +1

    Car/van drivers waIting/parking facing against flow of traffic,...... TURN YOUR HEADLIGHTS LIGHTS OFF!!!. Like you Leanna i like night riding, although obviously more on open roads. Great tips

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому +1

      Haha yes! Headlights facing us in odd positions can be so confusing. I struggle with seeing what's in my mirrors too, especially which lane vehicles are in. Thanks Graham 😊

  • @bexxyboo96
    @bexxyboo96 6 місяців тому +1

    If people are looking for cheaper hi-vis gear for commuting. I would recommend:
    30L lomo hi vis cycling dry bag (big, very reflective, also waterproof, multiple straps to click around you to keep it in place)
    Regatta professional hivis (in 2 sizes larger than you are. It rolls into a small storage bag to carry around with you, and is also waterproof. Bonus.)
    Both of these dont cost more than £30 each. Don't let the cost of some equipment stop you from being seen!

  • @steve00alt70
    @steve00alt70 6 місяців тому +1

    I wish more motorcycle jackets came with more reflective strips. I wear a backpack that has a huge reflective material and I'll mybe put some 3M diamond reflective on the back of my white helmet too.

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому +1

      Yes it's strange isn't it how little reflective material there is? Thanks for your comments as always 😊

  • @sianhillier5642
    @sianhillier5642 6 місяців тому +2

    Always such helpful tips. Basic and essential. Video not too long but gets the point across perfectly. Thank you.

  • @kangaroogroundboy
    @kangaroogroundboy 6 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for all the vids, first rode a bike in '68 but still happy to be given tips. Have a toasty Christmas and hopefully more videos in 2024

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому

      You're welcome and thank you. Merry Christmas to you too 🎄😊

  • @kgba17580
    @kgba17580 6 місяців тому +3

    Hi Leanne,
    I love riding in the dark, it can be a little scary but my brain is very focused on anything that's about as you say its a bit like riding in the rain,
    i find cars like to tailgate more at night so i just keep tapping my brake or pull in if they don't back off, I'm never in a rush to get somewhere when riding,
    i just give myself plenty of time and if late after that then it just means i was going to be late anyway, but not been late yet 😂 😂
    stay safe stay healthy from your very own stalker kev 😂

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому +1

      Good point about tailgating cars. They can be a proper pain in the backside! Haha yes, the myth of "the traffic made me late".... Try leaving the house earlier 😂 Take care Kev and catch you next week 😉 😊

  • @Craigravon
    @Craigravon 6 місяців тому +1

    Awesome vid as usual 🔥🔥🔥 keep rockin and have a great Christmas 👍👍✌️🍻

  • @DavidJones-uk9yc
    @DavidJones-uk9yc 6 місяців тому +2

    I like the tip, as always, ride to the conditions.
    You mentioned it already, the colour of the material has little value at night, or when illuminated by sodium street lighting for example.
    I used to think why can’t we have flashing lights like a cyclist, then realised it would make it harder for motorists to differentiate between us and a bicycle.
    As always on a bike plan ahead.

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому +2

      Thanks David. Even the flashing lights on bicycles these days can be dazzling! But I do agree, the brighter and more visible we can be, the better 👍

  • @iansheff
    @iansheff 6 місяців тому

    Hi Leanna, another good extremely informative video. Hope you’re keeping well. Just want to wish you a happy Christmas and a happy new year, looking forward to further videos in 2024. Keep well and warm 🙂

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому +1

      Thanks Ian, much appreciated. Wishing you a happy Christmas and New Year also, and good health for 2024. All the best 😊🎄

  • @John_Wilson513
    @John_Wilson513 6 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for the advice . The fashion for black winter coats is dangerous for all. I agree that a fluorescent coloured jacket at night is not very visible, without reflective strips. I wonder if a cheap white over jacket would be almost as effective as the reflective one that you mention. ?
    Also, I have considered a low wattage lamp on the handlebars, shining up and back on the rider to create a better light pattern for others to recognise as an oncoming 2 wheeler. Would that be legal ?

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому +1

      I think a white jacket with no reflective material would look much the same as any other light colour (not especially visible when it is dark). The key is the reflective nature of the material, not its colour.
      I suspect any backward facing light needs to be red (which, when reflected against the rider could cause more confusion) but I don't actually know the legality of lights on bikes without actively seeking it out.
      Thanks for your comments 😊

  • @05gt99
    @05gt99 6 місяців тому +2

    Leanna, Thanks for all your videos this year that helped me get through my test. Hope you have a great relaxing time over the festive period.

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому +2

      You're most welcome 😊 and thank you for the good wishes. Happy to have helped and wishing you an enjoyable festive period too 🎄🎁🎅

  • @ItsBeenDanBefore
    @ItsBeenDanBefore 6 місяців тому +2

    My biggest tips I give to my associates or people who ask about night riding advice are: if you're riding a lot, consider adding smart lights to your bike, not big spot lamps aimed directly into drivers eyes, correctly positioned additional lights that distinguish your shape and movement better; don't be afraid to move your bike around a bit to tell someone you're a bike, especially when coming towards a junction coming onto your road, that movement from, say, position 2 into 3 can be enough to highlight you better; and don't be afraid to flash your lights around corners - on the approach to a corner where I can see there's an incoming car around it, I normally drop my high beam and flash 3 or 4 times at different intervals before they arrive around the corner, that normally gets them to drop their high beam but also highlights the fact there's actually someone around their corner

  • @iallso1
    @iallso1 6 місяців тому

    Reflective tape attached to the bike is an alternative to reflective clothing. If the bike is fitted with a top box or panniers there is a decent area to attach reflective material. Also a top box may obsruct a drivers view of the rider making reflective clothing ineffective.

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому +1

      I partially agree (I have reflective stickers on my top box and helmet), but wearing the type of jacket I have on, you wouldn't fail to see me even with my top box obstructing my lower back. You'll get more coverage of reflective material on a rider than stickers or reflectors on a bike, purely because of surface area available. Many thanks for your comments 😊

    • @DavidJones-uk9yc
      @DavidJones-uk9yc 6 місяців тому

      @@motorcyclelessonsukand I have a lot of surface area thank you very much 😂

  • @Rebecka_J
    @Rebecka_J 6 місяців тому

    I hate riding in the dark, which I am sure is purely because of the headlamp on the CB500F (2016) being next to useless. I had ridden on a 125 in the dark AND fog and felt okay, but the first time I rode the CB500F on an unlit road I felt blind. Being seen is ever so important, but so is seeing! Even on your video it was so stark the difference between the cars with a bright patch of road in front of them and your bike. Manufacturers really could do a better job with head lamps. I am sure mine is properly adjusted, it has to be to pass an MOT, but I can leave it on full beam without dazzling anyone!

    • @clarkie005
      @clarkie005 6 місяців тому

      Get an LED projector bulb instead of the halogen. Massive difference

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому

      It's certainly worth considering a bulb upgrade even if you can't upgrade to an LED. I used to buy the more expensive ones for my old TDM. Made such a difference. I wouldn't suggest riding with full beam on continuously even if you think you're not dazzling other road users. Thanks for your comments 😊

  • @kooollorion1746
    @kooollorion1746 6 місяців тому +1

    First 🎉 love your job ❤

  • @user-rs6gl5lx6f
    @user-rs6gl5lx6f 6 місяців тому

    What's the make of your reflective jacket, Lianna ?

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому

      It's a Proviz Reflect360 plus. They are on sale at the moment, worth having a look! 👍

    • @user-rs6gl5lx6f
      @user-rs6gl5lx6f 6 місяців тому

      Ah, right, they are cycling jackets. I am wearing 2xl size, so I'm not sure what size I would have to get. 🤔

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому

      @@user-rs6gl5lx6f as large as possible to fit over the top. Returns are easy though if it doesn't fit 👍

    • @user-rs6gl5lx6f
      @user-rs6gl5lx6f 6 місяців тому

      Many thanks for your help. 👍

    • @motorcyclelessonsuk
      @motorcyclelessonsuk  6 місяців тому

      @@user-rs6gl5lx6f you're welcome 😊👍

  • @i_am_celt
    @i_am_celt 6 місяців тому +1

    Ta x

  • @IThinkItsMe
    @IThinkItsMe 6 місяців тому +1

    If a man's large jacket fits over your motorcycle jacket you must be tiny. My bike jacket is a 6xl.