Riding a motorcycle is an exercise in responsibility-to yourself, to other, to the environment and to the sport. Wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing whenever you ride. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and never use the street as a racetrack. Inspect your motorcycle before riding, read your owners's manual, and see your local Honda Dealer concerning reimbursement through the Honda's Rider's of America for Motorcycle Safety Foundation rider training. Always obey local laws, use common sense and respect the rights of others when you ride. Make sure you have proper license when riding on public roads, and never modify your motorcycle's exhaust system.
U.S. Helmet Laws
As of July 1997
Please contact the
Motorcycle Industry Council
at (714) 727-4211 for
additional information.
Except as noted below, all states except Colorado, Illinois and Iowa require
helmets to be worn at all times when operating a motorcycle. This includes
the District of Columbia. The following are conditions or exceptions of
that requirement for the states listed.
ALASKA
9
ARIZONA
4
ARKANSAS
6
CONNECTICUT
4
DELAWARE
1, 7
HAWAII
1, 4
IDAHO
4
INDIANA
4, 11
KANSAS
4
MAINE
3
MARYLAND
1
MINNESOTA
4, 11
MONTANA
4
NEW HAMPSHIRE
4
NEW JERSEY
1
NEW MEXICO
1, 4
NORTH DAKOTA
1, 4
OHIO
4, 8
OKLAHOMA
4
RHODE ISLAND
5
SOUTH CAROLINA
1, 6
SOUTH DAKOTA
4
TEXAS
10
UTAH
4
VERMONT
1
WISCONSIN
4, 11
WYOMING
4
Legend: 1. Reflectorization.
2. Where speeds exceed 35 MPH.
3. With learner's permit; for 1 year after obtaining license; &
passenger under 15 years.
4. Under 18 years.
5. Operators under 21 years; for 1 year after obtaining license; &
for all passengers.
6. Under 21 years.
7. Possession by all; wear under 19 years; & by instruction permit
holders.
8. Novice license holders.
9. Operators under 18 years and all passengers.
10. Except for 21 years and over with rider ed or with health insurance
with $10,000 medical benefits for motorcycle-related injuries.
11. Instructional permit holders.
This information is from the Motorcycle Industry Council and is based
on the most authoritative sources as of the date shown above. The MIC assumes
no responsibility for accuracy or completeness.
The Ten Commandments of Motorcycling
1. Perfect Your Roadcraft
Good roadcraft means less stress - and avoiding awkard and dangerous situations. Be courteous and acknowlege courtesy to
you. Never be provoked.
2.Ride Deliberately
Think clearly and ride decisively. Overtake quickly but safely so the road is left clear for other traffic.
3.Develop "Bike Sense"
Know your limitations. Know your bike and treat it sympathetically. Ride smoothly so as to reduce wear and tear.
4.Use Your Horn, Signals and Lights Sensibly
Aggressive use of the horn is as bad as not using it at all. Give good clear signals. Use your headlights at all times, day or night.
5.Concentrate
Total concentration is the key to good riding. It improves control and ensures that nothing is missed or misunderstood.
6.Think First, Then Act
A good biker never rides automatically. Every hazard is different and needs to be thought through in plenty of time and
negotiated carefully.
7.Hold Back
When in doubt, hold back. Keep your distance until it is safe to overtake, and don't cut in too quickly.
8.Corner Safely
Safe cornering means being fully aware of the forces at work on your bike, and applying correct cornering principles.
9.Use Speed Intelligently
Never go faster than you need to. The speed limit is not the same as the "safe speed".
10.Know and Obey Highway Laws
Keep up on the changes to them.
"The Ten Commandments of Motorcycling" are at the surface of what is called "Roadcraft", the science of becoming an
accomplished motorcyclist. The implication is that motorcycling is a craft worthy of mastering, not simply a fun thing one ought
to go through by BUMP AND FEEL.
