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THIS IS YOUR BIKEA safety guide for you andyour motorcycle or moped

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Introduction 2

Vulnerability 3

Control 4

Attitude and Behaviour 5Responsibility 5

Training 6

Filtering 8

Pillions 9

Maintenance 10Clothing 12

Skills 14

Machine handling skills 14

Braking 15

Gears and Braking 17Positioning 17

Hazard management skills 19

Legal issues 30

The Crash Scene 31

Useful Contacts 32

Contents

1

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There are huge variations in the competenciesof other road users. This presents a major

challenge for anyone using a powered twowheeler on Irish roads today. Only if you arecompetent in what you do on your bike canyou overcome the challenges presented byyour own limitations, the actions of otherroad users and the environment in whichyou operate.

As millions of trained motorcyclists around theworld prove every day, biking can be a fun,

safe and satisfying activity provided you arecompetent in what you do. The followingcompetencies are critical for the safe operationof any motorcycle, regardless of the experiencelevel of the rider:

Introduction

1 The right attitude

2 The benefit of education and training

3 Appropriate skills

2

This booklet aims to provide you with basic advice on motorcycle safety, bikemaintenance and proper procedures, whether you are new to biking, alreadyexperienced or thinking about getting on two wheels.

Competency can be described as having an appropriate balance of skill, attitude, ability, behaviour, experience and education.

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You have less stability and crash protectionon a bike than in a car. These disadvantagesare slightly offset by having better visibility,hearing and manoeuvrability on a bike (apartfrom the fact that your bike is generally moreenvironmentally friendly, time and fuelefficient and easier to park).

2 out of 3 (66%) motorcycle crashes involvea car. This is not surprising as 9 out of 10 (86%)of all crashes involve cars*.

20 motorcyclists are killed or injured on Irishroads each week* Irrespective of who is atfault the motorcyclist will more than likelysuffer worst in a collision with another vehicle.

So, how can we address our vulnerability inrelation to other road users?

Good question. We believe this booklet willprovide you with most of the answers.

Read on.

* National Roads Authority

3

Blind spots in the average car

Vulnerability

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The answers to these questions are criticallyimportant for your future well-being. If youanswer in the negative to anything justmentioned, who do you have to blame?

The best helmet in the world will not protectyou if you do not have the right mix of skills,good attitude and education/training.

A hazard can be defined as anything thatcontains actual or potential danger to you,such as;

Physical features such as junctions,hillcrests, roundabouts, bends, etc.

Risks arising from the movement andposition of other road users

Problems arising from variations in roadsurface, weather conditions and visibility

Ask yourself the following questions.

Am I in control..

.of myself? Do I concentrate when I am onthe bike, observe all around and anticipatethe actions of others? Do I refrain from

riding if I have drink taken or I am takingmedication that could impair myperformance? Is my gear appropriate for theweather conditions and personal protection?

.of the bike? Is the machine properlymaintained and roadworthy? Have I taken atraining course to develop the skills neededto handle a motorcycle on the road?

.of my immediate surroundings? Am I awareof the dangers posed by the actions of others,variations in the road surface and weatherconditions? Do I know how to deal withhazards? Have I been trained to recognise,assess and manage hazards?

Control

4

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TrainingIf people ever got to the stage where theyactually knew it all, they would sell the bikeand move on to something else. Ask anyexperienced rider and he or she will confirm

you never stop learning. The interaction of road users, combined with the dynamics of machine control and constant changes in yoursurroundings result in millions of differentscenarios, no two exactly alike. From the firsttime you move away on a motorcycle, youare building up a store of knowledge andinformation which you will constantly referto throughout your motorcycling career. The

more you ride the more experience you gain. You can also increase your store of knowledgeby taking advantage of the experience of others. This is where good quality trainingcan contribute hugely to your enjoyment of and safety on your motorcycle.

A good training course should allow youto explore the dynamics of machine controland some of the capabilities of the machinein a controlled environment.

Proper training will enable you to spot,assess, prioritise and manage the many andvarious dangers which arise on our roadsevery day, in a systematic manner. You willlearn to leave nothing to chance.

Involvement in such a course will allow youto find out about the most appropriate

Attempting to use the full potential of apowerful machine on todays crowded roadsis stupid, selfish, irresponsible and dangerous.

The greater the performance capability of your machine the greater your responsibilityupon deciding when to use it. Any fool canride a bike fast in a straight line. If you wantto go fast, do it under controlled conditionssuch as a track day, or simply go racinglegitimately!

You should develop a well-honed awarenessof your own vulnerability.

In todays world, none of us operate inisolation. We interact with family, friends,work colleagues and other road userspractically every day.

6

Recognise and accept yourresponsibilities.

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7

clothing to wear and inform you as to basicsof machine maintenance.

The more you know the better it gets.Motorcycling can be magic, especially if youget properly trained.

Contacts for training are listed at the back of the publication.

Your friends may haveexperience but theinformation they providemay be fatally wrong. Learnfrom trained professionals.

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Will I cause other road users to altercourse or speed to accommodate mymanoeuvre?

Will I at any stage be completely relianton the goodwill of another road user formy safety?

More than any other activity on the road,inconsiderate filtering by a rider can resultin leaving a trail of resentment in his orher wake.

The golden rule of filtering is that it shouldbe safe, legal and should be performed at a

speed that the rider can stop the machinewithin the distance he/she can trust toremain clear.

Filtering can be defined as overtakingslow moving or stationary traffic and morethan any other activity illustrates boththe versatility and vulnerability of motorcycle usage.

It should only be carried out by trained andexperienced motorcyclists and should neverbe attempted by novices or newcomers.

It requires intense concentration andawareness, high levels of observation,machine handling and anticipatory skills andshould be done in a considerate manner.

The questions any rider should ask beforeembarking on a filtering manoeuvre are;

Have I been instructed in the pitfalls anddangers of filtering? (e.g. Raised whitelines affecting the stability of themachine, doors opening, cars changinglanes, pedestrians emerging betweencars etc.).

Is it safe and is it legal?

Can I see where I can rejoin the trafficflow before I leave my position?

What is my contingency or escape routeif the situation changes or things gowrong?

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Filtering

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9

Pillion passengers deserve to be adequatelyprotected while riding on the back of amotorcycle. It is the motorcyclist whoultimately must take responsibility foranyone riding pillion. It is arguable thatgiven their disproportionate representationin motorcycle fatality figures, pillions deservemore protection than the rider.

Pillions can have a serious effect on thebalance and stability of a motorcycle.They affect;

Balance (by changing the centre of gravity of the machine)

Braking (the increased weight willincrease stopping distance)

Steering (the steering of the machinecan become unpredictable with a pillion)

Acceleration (the extra weight willdecrease acceleration performance,perhaps critically on a smaller machineduring an overtaking manoeuvre)

Ground clearance (the extra weight may

cause the machine to come in contactwith the road, startling the rider andresulting in loss of concentration)

Most importantly; a motorcycle relies onbalance for stability. If a pillion fidgets,moves about or leans the opposite way tothe bike while cornering - this creates ahazard that may become so severe, the rider

cannot compensate, resulting in a crash.

Do you have enough experience andconfidence to deal with the previouslymentioned effects on your machine causedby carrying a pillion?

Pillions must not; Move about unnecessarily

Put their feet down in corners or whenthe machine is stationary

Lean against the direction the machine isbanked towards

Mount or dismount the machine withoutalerting the rider of their intention

The rider should ensure;

A pillion passenger wears appropriateclothing

Their helmet is securely fastened (legallythis is the riders responsibility)

They lean with the machine

They hold onto the rider or to a grab railor saddle strap

Pillion Passengers

Are you licenced?

Are you legally entitled tocarry a pillion passenger?

Are you insured to carry apillion passenger?

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Experienced riders use the following learningaid to help them perform safety checks in asystematic manner;

P.O.W.D.E.R.Petrol Oil Water Damage

Electrics Rubber

Petrol - make sure you have enough fuel forthe journey. Does your machine have areserve tank switch or just a warning light?Can you turn the fuel tap to reserve while onthe move, without taking your eyes off theroad? Do you know where the tap is?

Oil - How do you check the oil level on yourmachine? Most dry sump machines requireyou to check the oil when the engine is hot,while most wet sump machines should havetheir oil level checked with the engine cold.Which type is yours? The owners handbookwill tell you how to perform thischeck correctly.

Is your machine a two stroke or a fourstroke? Of course you know that on a twostroke machine the two stroke oil should bechecked every time you fill up with petrol.On a four-stroke machine the procedure forchecking the oil level varies - dipstick or sightglass? Engine - hot or cold? If you are notsure what type your machine is, you hadbetter find out otherwise you may be looking

at a major repair bill for an engine seizureand/or crash damage.

That you both agree a range of signalsbefore the journey (for instance, a tapon the shoulder if they want to stop)

Taking somebody on the back of your bikeis a huge responsibility and is probably thereason why many motorcyclists travel solo.

If you are intending to carry a pillion, letthem know what to expect and what isexpected of them. Above all, show someconsideration and address their concerns.

10

Maintenance

You are not permitted to carry

a pillion passenger if you havea provisional licence.

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11

Water - How do you check the coolant level?Where is the filler cap? Of course you knowthat to open the radiator cap when theengine is hot is inviting the risk of seriousscalding. Is your machine water or aircooled? Best to find out now.

Damage - Check the bike for signs of obviousdamage. Are the extremities of the machinescuffed, such as indicators, bar-end weightsand levers? Are the light lenses or mirrorscracked or broken? Any noticeable buckles inthe rims? Any drips or pools under the bike?Check for damage to the tyre walls and rim.Your machine could have been knocked overwhile unattended or it could have beenborrowed during the day without yourknowledge. Better to check and be safethan sorry!

Electrics - Are you sure all your lights andsignals are clean and working? Finding outthe horn doesnt work just when you needit is no use. Is your faulty brake light inviting

a rear end shunt? Do you know where thefuses are and can you replace them?

Rubber - Your tyres form a contact patchwith the road no bigger than the palm of your hand and are thus an essentialcomponent of motorcycle safety. Too muchair in your tyres reduces grip by making thetyre stand proud of the road surface. Too

little air promotes instability because itallows the side walls of the tyres to flex.

Do you know what your tyre pressures areand the legal minimum tread depth?(see page 30)

Remember, if you are going to pull a nailout of one of your tyres, do it outside aMotorcycle shop that is open and fixespunctures!

Finally, you must ensure the maintenanceschedule for your machine is adhered to.If you cannot do it yourself get a professionalto do it or show you how. For instance, abadly maintained chain may snap or jump off and cause you to crash. Could you spot one?

Check local colleges for courses.

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Clean your visor gently with warm soapywater. Replace it if it is scratched.

Oil on a wet road is almost impossible tospot through a dark visor. But of courseyou knew that, didnt you?

Jackets and trousers should offer adequateprotection against impact and abrasion.

In summertime its tempting to leavemotorcycle gear off in favour of t-shirtsand shorts. Remember its easier to havea shower than to have a skin graft!

Clothing should also protect against thecold and the wet. Purchase clothing withremovable winter liners so you can usethem in the summer. Body armour onexposed areas such as the back, knees,elbows, shoulders, hips and shins shouldbe adjustable so it fits snugly and does notmove in a crash.

A good reflective jacket will make you morevisible on the road, increasing your profile.It will also keep road dirt off yourmotorbike jacket.

If you are ever lying injured in the middle of a badly lit road at night and hear the noise of a car approaching at high speed you may havejust enough time to question the wisdom of

wearing black clothing in the dark.

* National Roads Authority

74% of motor cycle crashes occur in built upareas* . Most motorcyclists live in urban areastherefore you are more likely to be involved ina crash close to home. What this means for usis that we should wear appropriate clothingevery time we get on the bike.

The price of a good helmet is the cost of living. Think about how much you use yourhead everyday and how useful it is to youand then decide how much you are goingto spend on protecting it!

If in doubt, ask around. Look at the riders of clean, well maintained bikes and see what

they are wearing. Look at motorcycle racersand see what their preferred style andbrands are. They crash a lot so headprotection is a priority for them.

If you have a 10 head buy a 10 helmet! Buy from reputable dealers. Try several

different sizes and makes. Make sure thedealer knows how to assess proper fit.

Never buy or use second hand. Never loan your helmet to someone else.

It is an item of personal clothing. Do youreally want an incurable scalp diseasefrom someone else?

If your helmet is damaged, replace it. Read the manual and follow the

care instructions. An unsecured helmet is useless in a crash

and is also illegal. Helmets must be wornat all times and must be securely fastened.

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Clothing

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Always wear protective gloves and footwearthat at least comes over the ankle. Use earprotection on long journeys.

If you wear an open face helmet (one

without a chin bar) make sure you weareye protection.

Do your research before you buy!Does the protection meet EU standards?

13

With protectiveclothing

Without protectiveclothing

Helmet witheye protectionSerious brain

injury

Shoulder injury

Heavy bruising

Severelacerations

Severe skin loss

Hand and fingerdamage

Infections f romroad contact

Abrasions andnerve damage

Severe skin loss

Toes amputated

Backinjuries

Built-in shoulderprotection

Abrasionresistant jacket

Built-in elbowprotection

Built-in backprotection

Motorcycle gloves(reinforced & padded)

Protective pants(abrasion resistant)

Built-in knee pads

Motorcycle boots(Secure & reinforced)

Ear protection

Transport Accident Commission, Australia, 2001.

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Acceleration should be done when themachine is upright or returning to theupright position to take advantage of themaximum amount of tyre contact patch withthe road.

Braking should always be done with themachine in the upright position, once againensuring maximum tyre grip is available.

Cornering should be done in isolation fromthe other two activities because the machineis obviously not upright, has reduced tyrecontact with the road and needs all availablegrip for cornering alone.

When cornering, the throttle position shouldbe positive. That is, the machine should be

driving through the bend, ensuring a slightbias in the balance of the machine towards

The grip of the reartyre reduces

The skills necessary to ride a motor cycle wellcan be divided into;

1. Machine handling skills2. Hazard management skills

Machine handlingskillsYour tyres provide you with grip for threecritical activities on your bike. These are;

AccelerationBrakingCorneringThe ABC of motorcycling. None of these

activities should overlap on the road.

14

Skills

During acceleration*

* Adapted from Motorcycle Roadcraft, The Police Foundation, London, 2002

During deceleration

The rear tyregains grip

The grip of thefront tyre reduces

The front tyregains grip

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16

100kph

50kph

Reaction Distance

*Rules of the Road DOELG: Estimated stopping distances based on dry road conditions. For guidance only.

Total Stopping distance* 23m

Total Stopping distance* 72m

Braking Distance

Reaction Distance Braking Distance

When speed is doubled, braking distance quadruples

9m

20m 52m

14m

Good forward observation and planning willensure you do not get yourself into thesecircumstances in the first place!

The rear brake only should be used on looseor hazardous surfaces, or in an emergencywhen cornering or turning. Remember, therear tyre is generally wider than the frontand certainly has more weight over it,making it more stable than the front inthese situations.

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17

Automatic scooters can range in size from50cc shoppers to 650cc touring machines,capable of embarking on a high mileageEuropean holiday. They are relatively easy tolearn to ride, in that there is generally onlyone gear to deal with. Motor cycles withgears are a different matter entirely.

People often ask, what gear should I be in?The answer is - the correct gear for the givensituation! Gear selection is dependent onyour speed at that particular time and thelikely demands you might be about to placeon the machine in the short term.Your machine should always respond readilyto the throttle, that is, if you open thethrottle the bike should accelerate, if youclose it the machine should slow down. Thisis called engine braking and is far morenoticeable on large capacity four strokemachines than on low capacity two strokes.Most small scooters are two strokes.Different machines have different enginebraking characteristics, for instance, big

single cylinder four strokes (usually dirtbikestyle machines) have tremendous enginebraking while small scooters usually havevery little.

The main benefit of engine braking is thatit enables you to adjust the speed of themachine without using the brakes, thusminimising the disruption to the balance of

the machine. It is particularly useful whenriding on loose or hazardous surfaces.

PositioningMotorcyclists have more flexibility whenchoosing road position on their own sideof the road. When choosing a road position,never sacrifice safety for any other advantage.

The best road position to take should bebased on your safety, visibility (to see andbe seen), observation, road and trafficconditions, road layout, manoeuvrability,assisting traffic flow and making yourintentions clear.

Gears & Braking

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18

Benefits: Provides a clear view

through right hand bends Provides clearer nearside

view past goods vehicles Generally the best position

for left-hand turns as longas there are nonearside hazards

Risks: Vehicles emerging from

junctions Conflicting with

pedestrians and pedalcyclists

Parked cars (doors opening) Danger posed by road

debris and drains

Benefits: Provides good margins of

safety left and right Allows the rider to change

position to left or right Provides clearance to

nearside hazards

Risks: Be aware of the dangers

posed by accumulation of oil and diesel especially inwet weather near junctionsand on approach to bends

Benefits: Provides a clearer view on

the approach toleft-hand bends

Provides added clearance tonearside hazards

Generally a good position totake on the approach tojunctions in rural areas asvision is improved into themouth or opening of minorroads left and right

Generally the best positionfor right-hand turns

Risks: Conflicting with oncoming

traffic and vehicles crossing

from the offside

The NearsidePosition

The OffsidePosition

The Command Position(Approximate Central Position,or any position from which the

rider can exert control overinvitation space either side)

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Hazard management skillsAny time you ride your bike you must beconfident that the road space you occupy issafe and that the road space you are aboutto enter is also safe. This may seem like a tallorder, but all you have to ask yourself is;

Do I or will I have space and time to dealwith an emergency?

If the answer is no, then find out whyvery quickly!

The reasons why you do not have enoughspace and time to deal with hazardsmay include;

Inappropriate speed (for the grip available,the capabilities of the machine, your ownabilities and the volume of traffic atthat time).

Lack of awareness (of the movement andposition of other road users, the road surfaceand the condition of your bike or the Rules of the Road). You may have little or no trainingin the detection, assessment, prioritisationand management of hazards.

Lack of anticipation (not being able topredict the possible future actions of othersor changes on the road layout andcondition ahead).

Hazard managementskills

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We cannot control the actions of other roadusers but we can manage hazardoussituations as they arise.

Lack of concentration (distracted, cold, wet,drunk, drugged). Cars are a lot like people.If one of them is going to hit you they willshow all the signs. Are you paying enoughattention?

Lack of observation (you may see things onthe road, but their significance escapes you).What do you think will follow a ball out ontothe road?

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Routine scanning enables you to spot all areas of risk, which you should then check and re-check.

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21

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Scenario 1 You are on a main road. 200 metres ahead there is a junction on the left hand side witha car in it, stationary, waiting to emerge. The best way to manage this hazard is to createspace and time for yourself. You can do this by:

Changing position to put more space on your left hand side between the hazard and themachine (offside position). If you are going to change position, you must ensure the newarea is safe for you to enter. Have you checked behind? What about oncoming traffic?

Reduce speed to ensure you can stop on your own side of the road in the distance you cansee to be clear in case the car pulls out. Check your own indicator is not on in error. This couldbe disastrous!

Check out the surface and assess the grip level available.

Watch the wheels of the car. If they start to move you may have problems. If you look at thedriver he or she will probably look you straight in the eye before pulling out in front of you.

Monitor traffic movement ahead, to the sides and behind. You want to be sure of an escaperoute and developing hazards.

By reacting in this manner, you will have displayed most of the skills outlined earlier.

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5. Acceleration - oncethe situation is fullyassessed, use theappropriateacceleration to leavethe hazard.

4. Gear - select aresponsive gear, thatwill provide positiveacceleration ordeceleration.

3. Speed - is it suitable?Adjust to a speedappropriate for thesituation.

2. Position - take up thecorrect position forthe hazard(s).

1. Information - lookinto the hazardousarea. Dont forgetto look behind.Constantreassessment givesyou time to react.

Minimum line of sight

Maximum line of sight

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Scenario 2 You wish to turn left, 200 metres ahead, from a major road to a minor road. Positionyourself so that your intention is clear, towards the nearside (left hand side) of the road,taking into account any hazards (e.g. Parked cars, pedestrians, cyclists). This allowsfollowing traffic to overtake on the offside (right hand side) and reduces the opportunity

for overtaking on the nearside. Assess traffic movement to the front, sides and rear.

Signal your intention using your indicators. You realise that indicators do not confer right of way, but only show intention. Early signalling allows other road users to react and changeposition if necessary.

Reduce speed to that appropriate to the hazard. (Is the surface good/wet/dry, is anyonealready turning in the junction, are there pedestrians crossing, is the turn very tight?).

Just before you turn, turn your head to check your blind spot - the area not covered by your

mirror - on the side you are turning. This is called a Lifesaver. This will alert you to traffic(other motorbikes, cars, push bikes, etc.) already in your blind spot. If it is safe, you can turn.If it is not safe, stop the machine (upright and in a straight line) let the hazard pass, checkagain and if safe, turn.

The timing for this check is as follows. Quickly check in your blind spot, look forward and onlywhen you have done this, say the word Safe and then turn, providing of course that it issafe! Looking and turning at the same time will simply confirm to you that you are about tobe hit side on. Make sure the machine does not veer off line as you look over your shoulder!

Allow yourself time to react to what you see. Expect the unexpected.

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25

5 Acceleration

4 Gear

3 Speed

2 Position

1 Information(Take, Use and Give)

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Scenario 3 You are approaching a left-hand bend. Concentrate and observe! Assess the level of grip

available (is it dry, wet, grippy or shiny tarmac) and the severity of the bend. Look at the tops

of the trees, hedges or telegraph poles, or use the limit point (the point where both verges

meet and you cannot see any further. If this point comes towards you the bend is tightening

up. If it rushes away, then the bend is opening out).

Position yourself for maximum visibility so you have as great a range of vision around the bendas possible. This generally means moving towards the crown or middle of the road. You will alsosee and be seen earlier by oncoming traffic. Ensure that your speed is appropriate to the bend.Can you stop if necessary, on your side of the road? Are you in the right gear ? Stay two to threefeet from the crown of the road and when you see the road open out, accelerate gently out of the bend, returning to your original position in the road.

Vision dictates speed. If vision is restricted by a bend in the road or fog, rain, high sided vehicle,darkness etc. then you have no option but to reduce speed until you have adequateSPACE AND TIME.

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For left hand bends the offsideposition generally provides aclearer view

Left hand bend

Right hand bendFor right hand bends a positiontowards the nearside (left) of the road provides a clearer view

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Scenario 4 You are travelling along a main road when you see some children playing close to theroadway on your side. The children are close to the edge of the road. In the event of playacting or a stumble, one of them could fall into your path. So how do we managethis situation?

You need SPACE AND TIME. Adjust your speed to enable you to stop in the event of anemergency. Consider changing position, giving yourself more space between the machineand the children. Make sure you alert other traffic (behind, to the front and the sides) usingindicators or arm signals as to your intentions. Ensure the space you intend to move into issafe by checking your blindspot, observing the speed and position of other road users andanticipating their possible actions.

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In summary; Concentrate on what you are doing

Take effective observation to the front,rear and sides

Communicate effectively with otherroad users with appropriate signals.

Manage the hazard!

Remember, before youTurn right;

Turn left;

overtake another vehicle;

or substantially change your position.

You should Take rear observation to assess following

traffic

Signal (use your arm to supplementindicator if necessary and appropriate)

Move onto the correct course in a safemanner (give a lifesaver asappropriate)

(Having adjusted your speed if necessary andselected the appropriate gear.)

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If you hold a provisional licence and a pillionis badly injured while on the back of yourbike you may be: Convicted in the courts (irrespective of

whether anyone is injured or not).

Held personally liable for repaying anycompensation awarded by the courts.

You must satisfy the following legalrequirements before you can drive onthe road;

Read and understand the Rules of the Road.

You must hold a valid licence for yourage and the type of machinebeing driven

You must have a minimum of thirdparty insurance Your machine must have a valid tax

disc displayed You must wear a securely

fastened helmet It is your responsibility to ensure your

pillion also wears a securelyfastened helmet

Your machine must be roadworthy. Mirrorsfitted , all lights working and clean, numberplate legal and clean. Your tyres must havea tyre tread depth of 1mm. This is the legalminimum depth but you should replace themlong before they get to 1 mm.

30

Remember, pillions deserveat least as much protectionas you.

Remember, if you have aprovisional driving licenceyou are not legally entitled

to carry a pillion.

Legal Issues

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31

See the Rules of the Road for responsibilitiesand advice if involved in a crash.

If you arrive at the scene of a crash

Summon assistance ambulance,doctor, An Garda Sochna, fire brigadeas quickly as possible

Do NOT attempt to remove a helmetfrom a motorcyclist unless you havebeen trained to do so safely

Keep any victims warm (coats, rugsshould be placed round them)

Do NOT move a victim unless they are ina life threatening situation

Do NOT give a victim anything to drink

Do NOT stay at the scene if there isadequate control and assistance

Do NOT smoke

Do a recognised First Aid Course

The Crash Scene

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Motorcycling Ireland (Motorsport)B.E.A.T. Centre,Stephenstown Business ParkBalbrigganCo. DublinIrelandPhone: 01 802 0480Fax: 01 802 0481E-mail: office@motorcycling-ireland.com

Further readingRules of the RoadMotorcycle Roadcraft (available frombookshops or MAG Ireland)How to pass your advanced motorcyclingtest (IAM)

Road Safety AuthorityBallinaCo. MayoPhone: 1890 506080Email: info@rsa.ieWeb: www.rsa.ie

MAG Ireland The Irish Motorcyclists ActionGroup1b Ring TerraceInchicoreDublin 8Phone: 01 453 0797Fax: 01 453 3643Email: office@magireland.orgWeb: www.magireland.org

Garda National Traffic BureauAn Garda SochnaGarda HeadquartersPhoenix ParkDublin 8Phone: 01 666 0000Email: gntb@iol.ieWebsite: www.garda.ie

The Department of TransportTransport House44 Kildare St.Dublin 2Phone: 01 670 7444 orLocall 1890 443 311Email: info@transport.ieWeb: www.transport.ie

Useful Contacts

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AcknowledgementsThe Road Safety Authority and MAG Ireland The Irish Motorcyclists Action Group Ltd.would like to thank Mr. Ray Murray Local Training Officer, Star Rider Motor CycleTraining, Fingal Co. Co for his invaluable assistance in developing this booklet.

Thanks to Fingal Co. Co., Road Safety Unit, and Mr. Tom Kelly, Local Training Officer,Star Rider Motor Cycle Training, Fingal Co. Co. Mr. Martin Reilly, Chief RoSPAExaminer in Ireland and Mr. Mark O'Loideoin, Irish Rider Training Association.

This booklet is not an interpretation of the law. The overall aim is to promote safe and enjoyable motorcycling inaccordance with the law. It is not the basis for the driving test.

June 2009

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dars Um Shbhilteacht Ar BhithreRoad Safety AuthorityMoy Valley Business Park, Primrose HillDublin Road, Ballina, Co. Mayo.locall: 1890 50 60 80 tel: 00353 (0) 96 25 000fax: 00353 (0) 96 25 252 email: info@rsa.iewebsite: www.rsa.ie