And Now I'm Falling...

My bike... a typical underbone.

I've been riding my motorcycle for almost 4 years and I learned how to ride since 1995. Motorcycles, especially the underbones have been around for quite sometime but they only became popular here in the Philippines about 10 years ago. These underbone bikes are so called due to the engineering of their chassis which is quite unusual from the regular motorcycles wherein the gas tank is placed on top of the chassis between the seat and handlebars.

The reason why these machines became popular here is because of the skyrocketing prices of fuel. But to some (or maybe more than the average Juan can see) these bikes became popular because of drag races held in almost every major avenue at least in Metro Manila. Due to the popularity of underbones, it also gave birth to a new set of problems... bike crashes.

Pedestrian crossing.

Just this morning, I witnessed a hapless bike rider fell. No one bumped him and he didn't crash to anyone or anything. Traffic was not heavy at that time and I am sure he is within the 60 kmh speed limit because I was riding within the same limits and we were only 4 bikes apart. He doesn't seem to be drunk. The only problem was the road was still wet due to the heavy rains. I stopped for a while just to see if he is alright and when I was sure that he is, I went on my way.

Most news programs feature these kinds of accidents on TV and always, and I mean always, it is being assumed that the poor rider is either drunk or going really fast. In some cases these may be true but most of the time it is not. But the rider who fell always get the look that he is the one at fault of his accident.

                            Ride safe.

People, especially those who have something against two wheeled transports, tend to generalize all riders to be boastful, road hogs, undisciplined and rowdy bunch of obstacles plying the road. I beg to disagree. Yes, there are some who are guilty of those accusations but in reality, only a very small portion of the motorcycle riding populace are like that. Generally, bike riders such as myself, follow traffic rules and regulations. Why? The real reason is that we are always picked out from the rest of the motorists by traffic enforcers who would rather take Php200 - Php500 from riders who are caught violating rather than educating them. And to us, that amount is worth one week of gas and travel... Too much to lose, if you would ask any rider.

To my fellow bike riders, let me give you some more road tips just to ensure personal safety as well as the safety of other motorists.

* Avoid riding on the painted lines on the streets especially on wet roads. These lines are very slippery so avoid them. The same goes for those reflectors on the roads as they may tend to make you lose traction and steering.

Don't try this anywhere.

* Always give way to pedestrians even if they are on the no-crossing zone. If you bump them, you will be the one at fault... Philippine rule. You can shout all the known invectives at them after they have crossed safely.

* Do not play chicken with any four-wheeled vehicles. They tend to be more stubborn than 2-wheeled ones.

* Never forget to wear protective gear when riding. It is much cheaper to buy a good helmet than a good wheel chair or the cheapest memorial plan.

* The maximum number of people who can ride a motorcycle is 2. Hence the 4 four foot pegs.

* The horn is to get the attention of the vehicle in front of you when you are going to pass it and not to attract the attention of the whole neighborhood.

* Always have time to do a maintenance check on your bike as it cannot maintain itself.

* Modifications are usually good only if it is within the limits of your motorcycle riding skills.

* Avoid revving too much in residential areas especially if your bike is fitted with an aftermarket muffler. This may be hazardous to your health and this is already a proven fact.

And lastly, avoid going too fast. Try to enjoy the bike ride and the scenery. Feel the air flowing in to your face. Feel the road and its bumps, curves and ridges. This is the real advantage of a motorcycle from any 4-wheeled contraption.

Ride safe!