Tricks of the Trade

TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Riding tips from the guys who do it for a living

RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IN LONDON TRAFFIC ALL day long might be better than growing fat sitting behind a desk, but it’s not the safest job in the world. The Dispatch Association has figures which it claims show that messengers have fewer accidents than ordinary motorcyclists, but even so, the casualty rate is high.

Taxi drivers, most dispatch riders will tell you, are the traditional enemy, having a liking for sudden Uturns when they spot waiting passengers on the other side of the road. Volvo drivers, complacent behind yards of crumple-zone, also are rated as menaces. Tips to avoid both include wearing bright clothing and always riding with fingers covering the frontbrake lever. But the most important tip of all is to expect the worst from other road users.

“I used to watch pedestrians and think they wouldn’t step into the road. But they do,” said Peter Leeper. “So now. I just go slower and look ahead and try to keep concentrating all day long. I’ve seen a few accidents, but most professional riders aren’t lunatics; they’re good, careful riders. The ones who aren't, don't survive.”

“Touch wood. I've never hurt myself, but I know riders who have,” said Joe Tracey. “One of our chaps was killed, which shook me up a bit, especially as it was on a regular run which 1 had to do the next day.” Tracey’s riding tip was one that all riders could learn from: “The only way to keep out of trouble is to be a defensive rider and develop a sixth sense, so you're totally aware of what’s going on around you.”

Roland Brown