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Rider Radar


This past fall my husband and I decided to take a Basic Rider Course in Clearwater in preparation for our motorcycle license. We were anxious and excited. The course we took was a two day training class that was held on a Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 5pm. The motorcycle and helmets were included, so we didn't have to worry about that expense just yet.

I was really scared to do this. I have never driven a manual – how am I ever going to learn how to shift on a motorcycle??? This was going to be an experience!

I put my boots on, my gloves and sunglasses followed and learned the basics of how to ride a motorcycle. It was more intense than I thought it was going to be and we were surprised how much psychology goes into being a motorcyclist. It made sense after the fact...but I wanted to share some interesting tips that they taught us.

I won't give up all the secrets...but one major strategy stuck out above the rest. And I think they can parallel and be used upon regular everyday situations too.

This strategy is called Rider Radar. This strategy explains that three-fourths of the hazards riders encounter are ahead of them. A rider's eyes must constantly be scanning the road ahead. The rider is looking ahead to ensure they are keeping a two-second following distance. They are scanning the four-second immediate path ahead and the 12-second anticipated path of travel. Utilizing the Rider Radar rules a rider can anticipate hazards and avoid crashes. It's about developing a search process in three ranges – those things that can effect you in 2 seconds, 4 and way out at 12 seconds based on your speed.

While this was interesting to learn for the sake of riding, it can also be used in your everyday life! See the possible hazards or problems before you encounter them and prepare yourself. Well, that makes total sense.

The other concept used in to keep a rider's mind in the game is SEE. This acronym means to:

Search for potential hazards.
Evaluate for anticipated problems and
Execute a strategy to avoid an accident.

To Execute a rider should:
1) Adjust speed
2) Adjust position and
3) Communicate your intentions. 

Adjust speed is first on the list, thus giving yourself more time and distance to adjust position and communicate your intentions.

Take Ownership of your Ride
Each Airman is responsible for Personal Risk Management - to know the risks and take action to minimize them in order to break the mishap chain. Some of the things you can do to take ownership of your ride are:

Obtain good riding skills (Basic Rider Course) and continue to hone those skills regularly.

Wear proper gear
Helmet, goggles or face shield, long sleeved shirt or jacket, long pants, full-fingered
gloves, over the ankle footwear

See and be seen
Wear brightly colored upper outer garment
Use reflective gear and lights at night

Match speed to road and weather conditions

Be alert (others are not)

Consider minimizing exposure by not riding when hazards are higher (late at night, low visibility, etc.)  

One final thing riders can do to take ownership is to keep an eye on each other. Help to change risky behaviors in other riders by exhibiting the proper attitudes. Ride in a Safe and Sane manner. Help to mentor other riders.  

By day two of the class, I was all most ready to give up. I was exhausted and my muscles sore! My husband pushed me – and we went back for the second day. The first day consisted of 7 hours of riding time and about 2 hours of class time. This riding time didn't consist of leisurely joy rides, but very intense drills that focused primarily on turning, speed control, brake control and more turns.

The instructors said that the drills themselves, in the two days that we practice, consist of over 2,000 turns on the motorcycle.

After putting two bikes in the shop the first day I practiced (still trying to learn clutch control while shifting), I was starting to get the hang of it. By the second day, after another 4 hours of class time and five hours of riding time, I was able to practice my turns, control my clutch better while shifting and allowed me to feel more comfortable with my bike. Pretty soon we were ready to take the test.

Mind you – I was one of only two girls in the Basic Rider Course class. All the rest were men. I was slightly anxious about this, however I applied my mediation exercises as we prepared to do the test.

After four total test drills – and everyone watching you...we all got our final results. My husband and I passed! I was the only woman that passed in our class. We were so excited and ready to get our new bikes!


All in all, I learned a lot of great strategies when it comes to being more aware as a motorcyclist (and regular car driver) and can see how those strategies can work well in other life situations that may come up. I find myself doing Rider Radar even just riding in my car! The experience was definitely exciting and rewarding and I would recommend anyone to take these classes if interested in getting your license or even just brushing up on your skills if you are already a rider.