DISQUS

Iso · 2 years ago

I do stop to help when I can and it appears safe. I'll help but you need to help yourself.

It is difficult to distingush between a rider in need of assistance and a rider that is simply stopping for a butt break or to phone a friend.

It is even more difficult to ascertain the need for assistance at 60+mph across 4 lanes of cages all gunning to kill me.

Do yourself and those that are "here if you need us" by making it easy to figure out that you need help. Helmet behind the rear wheel is one such signal. Over the head waving is another.

With less than a few seconds to identify and determine need for help, sitting on the ground counting spokes would appear to be a rider taking a break.

Now I don't mind helping others. What ever happened to self-reliance though?

Spanky · 2 years ago

Good comment Iso. You nailed it. Back in the day, people wouldn't think about going for a ride without tools AND they'd know how to use them. If you aren't going to bring tools, or don't know how to wrench, then don't leave home without your cell phone! And don't expect us to read your mind as you stand next to your bike on the side of a busy interstate. Make it obvious you need help and someone (gasp! Even a cager) might actually stop to lend a hand. Ride safe.

Amy · 2 years ago

As a female rider that usually rides alone, I'll apologize in advance that I won't stop to help a bike or cage on the side of the road when I'm by myself. I'm sorry about it, but the cold, hard fact is - people are untrustworthy and can be very devious. I might be taking my life in my hands to stop to offer assistance.

Kickstart · 2 years ago

The comments above are thoughtful and very similar to the conversation which generated the article. I am also aware of the reticence that a lone female rider would have in that situation. No brainer there, of course.

But the signals mentioned, like the helmet behind the wheel, are the exact things that many newer riders have no clue about. My point was, and is, that everyone; dealer, rider, riding partner, needs to EDUCATE people about these things so folks know to do them. It does no good to look for a signal from a guy who didn't know that there WAS one.

I know the folks above get it: Now we just need to pass it on!

Bryan · 2 years ago

I always carry a blank piece of paper and a pen to write what I need if broken down or out of gas. If I'm in a rural environment I'd always stop for a rider by the side of the road, but on the interstate they better be signaling problems. It's both too dangerous and often not possible to stop for someone you catch out of the corner of your eye. I've circled around using exits to help a stranded biker who clearly needs help on the interstate.
Who rides without any tools?