Minimal Damage

Well, it finally happened.  Yesterday afternoon, while on my way to, of all things, use my vintage Vespa in a photo shoot (where my scooter needed to look perfect), I got into my first accident.  Luckily, it was only a fender bender, and the actual damage was minimal.  But the fright was real, and it’s something that will stick with me, each time I head out on the road.

I was heading south on a main avenue that runs through Williamsburg, in a steady line of slow traffic, caused by a truck parked perpendicular in the road.  Because of the slow speed, at some point, the driver felt he could cross against the flow, from where he had stopped at a stop sign.  I was traveling in the proper direction, with the right of way, when he darted out in front of me.  I slammed on the brakes, both front and rear, and immediately started to skid.  The bike was traveling so slow to begin with, that I was able to just about come to a full stop, before tapping into the side of his car.  At no time did he hit the brakes.  He really didn’t even see me.  Seems that once he noticed that there was not a large, two ton vehicle coming his way, he decided to gas it, crossing  the road while it was my turn to pass his intersecting street. In hindsight, it seems that he considered the lack of car coming, an opening.  In reality, the lack of car coming was a scooter coming.  But I was invisible to him.

The damage to the scooter is barely visible.  The front wheel hit the car, but lightly, and left some scrapes along the cover on the shock.  Also, I had pulled up on the steering, jerking it left at the last minute, so the front end was turned on it’s axis.  The result was that when the handlebars were straight, the front tire pointed off to the left.  I was able to straighten that out right there on the side of the road, and was on my way.

Ironically, I had posted a piece recently, about the functionality of the brakes on these old Vespas (and older bikes in general), and wondered if downshifting would be able to aid in this type of situation.  Turns out, there was absolutely no time for me to downshift, rendering that debate moot.  The fact that I got both brakes locked up in time surprises me, but in a good way.  I’m glad my reflexes handled the challenge. But obviously, there was a deficiency in my riding.  I was not at fault in this situation, but I have to accept a certain amount of responsibility.  We all know that these cars are NEVER going to be looking out for us, so it is up to us to be prepared for inconsideration, in even the most obvious of circumstances, when we should have the right of way.

For me, this experience brings up a new question.  Perhaps the my focus should not be on how well my brakes work in an insulated setting, but at what speed and distance  brakes, no matter the type, can bring us to a safe stop.  Knowing that I have older drum brakes, and the older cable mechanism that comes with it, makes me aware that it will take me longer to stop.  But maybe I need to head out to an empty parking lot, and test out the exact distance it will take for this old beauty to fully stop. The 2 and 4 second rule is helpful when judging your traveling distance, but the other factor involved is your specific brakes.  I may need 3 and 5 seconds, because of the specifics of my bike.  I really have no idea, without a bit of testing.

I realize now that knowing my actual braking time would effect my traveling distance, my overall speed, and the way I approach traffic in general.

Related posts:

1. A tale of two bridges… In the span of one week (pun intended), I have...
2. A lane-splitting virgin no more Scott finally decides enough is enough and goes for broke...
3. Following…by the golden rule It has been discussed here several times, at least once...

I was very reluctant to purchase a helmet from an online retailer, without trying on the model in a local store first.  I had decided, after much research, that I would opt for a modular, or flip-up style for this next one.  The fact that they seem to cater a bit more toward people who wear eye glasses (I lost my glasses after riding away with them somewhere on the seat, after removing them to put on my helmet!) made this an appealing choice.  Also, I wanted to make sure that whichever model I chose had a built in sun visor, so that at a moments notice I could shade my eyes from summer sun.

I read a ton of reviews, from a variety of sources.  The website Web Bike World has a very extensive collection of real world reviews, and they in no small part aided in my decision.  I finally settled on the EGV Miglia II, an Italian made modular helmet, which scored very high on comfort, weight, noise and price factors.  The problem is, there are no local shops that carry it, so I would be basing the purchase solely off reviews, and the hope that comfort would be adequate, based on what I read.  I can now say emphatically, I should have listened to my gut, and insisted on buying something I had tried on.  I know, I know,  but it’s hard to pass up the online discount of about 25%.  I ordered it from Motorcycle Superstore, a company I had dealt with before.  They got it to me quick, and it arrived safely packed away in protective double boxes.

I anxiously removed the helmet from the packaging, to find a very space age looking design.  Very different from my current, typical full-faced helmet.  Not exactly my speed, but I hoped the advantages would outweigh the style.  I immediately read all the instructions, quickly attaching the included sun visor, which if preferred, remains on the helmet at all times instead of having to swap your clear visor for a tinted one on sunny days.  Install complete, I was ready for a test fit.  Man, it felt weird!  First, you need to open the chin bar (the part that raises to make this a “modular” unit) before putting the helmet on.  The part of the helmet below your ears curves in toward your neck tightly, which makes me feel as if it is a bit safer, but there is no way to put it on without opening the chin bar.  Once on, lowering the chin bar is a snap, and I sat in my apartment, full space suit vibe, trying to get a feel for the thing.  It felt a little strange, but I tried to keep in mind that my other helmet felt strange too, when I first donned it in the store.  I needed some real world tests, so off on the scooter I went…

The good: I really have to say that the modular helmet style is a blessing.  Although flip-ups are said to be heavier, due to the added mechanism that allows the movement of the front panel, this helmet doesn’t feels heavy to me.  Barely heavier than my cheaply constructed, full-faced helmet, it is completely manageable.  The ability to flip up the face, while waiting at a light or getting gas, is heaven.  So much more air flow.  The helmet feels very secure on my head, and I feel as if the fit, although still new, is going to be fine.

The sun visor is where this choice really shines.  I have been able to utilize it several times now, and being able to quickly pull the visor down to avoid “the sun’s harmful rays” is amazing.  This helmet offers the sun visor on the outside, which is not the type I preferred (many more expensive brands offer it internally inside the clear visor, with a switch mechanism that drops it), but this one works well.

The liner is removable, which my current helmet doesn’t have, hopefully improving the “freshness” level and longevity.  There is also an area outside the ear position that is hollow, which seems like it could make installing communication speakers or an earpiece very easy and comfortable.

The last feature I will point out is the chin strap.  It is a quick release buckle type, instead of the classic D ring attachment, which makes getting it off with one hand possible.  It also has a nice padding under the strap (supposedly) for comfort.

The bad: The first thing I need to mention is this quick release buckle.  Although considered a bonus, and many people pay more for it, it sits uncomfortably under my chin, hitting my adam’s apple.  It may be able to be moved around, but currently it bothers me tremendously (should have tried it on in a store!!!!).  Pulling the strap forward a little offers a fix to this – and it’s something I think I can monkey with and get used to.

It’s DOT approved, which is required to sell in the United States, but like all modular helmets, it is not Snell approved.  Currently no flip-up helmets have been submitted to Snell for testing, so it’s not that it failed, it’s just has never been tested.   There are independent organizations that have put quite a few of these style helmets through the Snell type testing, and they seem to pass with adequate safety numbers.

The instructions emphatically insist you not put any stickers on the helmet.  I would have liked to put a few reflective stickers on it for night riding.  The manufacturer claims this will compromise the integrity of the shell.

The most disappointing feature is that I have not figured out a way to put on or remove the helmet with my glasses on.  Not sure if this is common for all modular helmets, but for all the reviews I read mentioning glasses, I am REALLY disappointed.  Maybe I just haven’t figured out the trick?

The other thing that is quite annoying is the internal noise.  Although this helmet was rated as one of the most quiet, of all the modular type reviewed, this thing is LOUD!  I would hate to hear what the noisier ones sound like.

Lastly, did I mention I look like an alien?  Well, I do!  And although I always tout function over fashion, this may be taking it a little too far….

Related posts:

1. NYCS review: Scorpion EXO-700 Helmet Ladies, thinking of finally ditching that half-helmet and buying a...
2. Revised Snell helmet safety standards on the way This past weekend, the New York Times joined the debate...
3. Taking care of your helmet We spend a lot of time talking about scooters here...

Burnt Vespa. Photograph courtesy of Igor Clark, Flickr.

Back in October of last year, I wrote a review of a jacket I purchased, a nice leather job, found at a very affordable price.  It was high time I got a warmer, winter jacket, and the one I found has come in quite handy.  It handled the cold weather admirably, and at only $100, I feel it was one of the best purchases I have made for my scooter adventures.  With the weather the way it was this year, it seemed the winter would never end, and I kept wearing that winter jacket, right up until last week, when the weather suddenly decided to become Summer.  It took all of what seemed like 30 minutes for the season to change from Winter to Summer, and I was caught unawares, wearing my heavy, padded, sweat inducing leather, on a ride in the sweltering heat.

I found myself out on a fairly long ride, heading down to south Brooklyn, from my home up in the north tip of the borough.  Caught in the heat, when the clouds finally parted that day, I found myself in a leather jacket, sweating and very uncomfortable.  The problem this created, was that I found myself thinking WAY too much about my discomfort, and WAY too little about the road.  At each light, I was concentrating on complaining to myself, instead of keeping an eye on the traffic around me.  I found myself thinking about being home, rid of this heavy layer, and not about the errant driving of the livery cars.

These choices are not to be taken lightly.  This overheated ride pointed out to me that our comfort level, on our scooters, is paramount.  We ride this type of bike for several reasons: cool factor, convenience, easy to park, great getting in and out of traffic, and last, but not least, because they are far more comfortable than riding the typical motorcycle.  The sitting position that we have on a scooter is a great advantage over the hunched stance of a sport bike or cafe racer, and what’s not to love about comfort.  But that day in the sun, I threw that advantage out the window, when I failed to recognize that what I was wearing was discounting all the advantages of comfort that a scooter can offer.

So, obviously it was time for the switch back to the lighter, vented jacket I had originally purchased, when I first got my scooter.  It’s not pretty, and it makes me look like I should be riding a crotch rocket, but the difference in comfort level, in the heat, is immense.  Function over fashion, right?  Upon returning home that day, I hung the leather in the closet, and retrieved the summer jacket from the basement storage.  Man, what a difference.  I hopped on the Vespa, and off for a ride, to feel the new found freedom of the lighter, more comfortable apparel.  What a difference!  I was back to concentrating on the road, on the traffic around me, and enjoying the ride.  I felt downright lighter!  Ready to take an adventure again, now that the discomfort was gone.

I know I have preached the function over fashion line before, but this time, once again, it really just comes down to safety.  Why risk the distraction?  Enjoy the sun!

Related posts:

1. First colder rides On a ride a few nights ago, the weather turned...
2. Winter…for real this time! When the weather first started to change, I was excited...
3. Fashion or Function…or both? One of the first things we discussed during the Motorcycle...

Important to note, there is a difference between downshifting (or engine braking) on a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke bike.  While it is always helpful to follow some of the basic rules, doing so on a 2-stroke is much more important.  Failure to do so, may result in damage to your engine.  There is the possibility to seize your engine, if downshifting is employed incorrectly.  The way the internals of the 2-stroke engine operate, the oil which lubricates the engine is mixed in with the gas, as opposed to being mixed from a reservoir, such as in a car, or more modern 4-stroke engine.  Because 4-stroke vehicles provide oil at a rate not dependent on the amount of gas you provide, the dangers are lessened with this type of engine.

When downshifting, the engine typically revs higher, requiring more oil to keep the engine lubed, which can be troublesome with a 2-stroke, unless you provide more gas.  Remember, the oil is in the gas, therefore a “blip” or twist of the throttle is necessary to provide more gas into the engine, which in turn, increases the oil.

The key to keep in mind, if you want to practice the “art” of downshifting, is that you need to be sure that you are “rev matching,” or engine speed matching.  The damage that may occur in the engine results from the quick increase in engine rev, without the proper increase in lubrication.  Downshifting is typically done instinctively while entering a corner, when you choose to select the lower gear, so that the speed of the engine matches the speed at which you wish to travel.  We probably all do this on a daily basis, but the same rules apply to decreasing gears, while heading in a straight line, to help with your braking power.

The other thing to keep in mind is that, if not done properly, the decrease in speed caused by the engine braking can be too much, causing your rear tire to lock, which is too much braking power!  This technique needs to be used within reason.

I must apologize.  I have taken for granted that I naturally rev match, so I failed to mention this necessity, in the first post.  It is something that I have done since I first rode off-road motorcycles in the woods, as a kid.  The very real possibility of hitting a tree, makes this decision to downshift, or not to downshift, a no-brainer.  So once I began riding my scoot on the roads of NYC, it was an obvious choice, to help with the decreased response of my drum brakes.  It’s something that should certainly be practiced before working it into your daily riding routine, and not in the heavy traffic that caused me to begin utilizing this technique to begin with.

I certainly would not want anyone to try this, and end up with a trashed bike, like the one in the photo…  OK, so that won’t happen, but the engine could be feeling like the bike above, if not done correctly.  Good luck.

Related posts:

1. The Downside Of Downshifting Scott muses over the realities of a 6 volt brake...
2. My First Accident Well, it finally happened. Yesterday afternoon, while on my way...
3. Modern Vespa Drum Brake Adjustment Maureen's back with a simple but important maintenance consideration for...

I was like a little kid on xmas, so glad to have the bike nearer the street, closer to being road ready, and a moments notice from a brisk ride through the neighborhood.  I am going to be taking some time in the next few days to clean her up, and rub the stink of winter from her body.

First things first: I need to get some fresh gas (and oil mix) in her.  The old gas, that sat inside throughout the winter, has most likely gone bad.  I mixed a little Sta-Bil in, late in the winter season, but undoubtedly too late to do much good.  Toward the end of the riding season last year, I ordered a carb rebuild kit (complete with gaskets etc), so that I could get in there and clean up the internals before this new riding season.  That will be done second, and along with the fresh gas, should make for a happy  fuel system.

Next up will be getting her looking like she should.  Like a 1960′s movie star.  I have prepared for this ritual by going to the auto parts store and searching for the best wax and polish gear I could find.  Sadly, our local store carries only Turtle Wax.  I have never heard anyone ‘rave’ about Turtle Wax, but it was the best I could do, so for the time being, it will have to suffice.  I look forward to the physical work that will bring her back to full glory.

When I first got the bike, I relished the idea of working on it.  I was warned that owning a vintage bike came with it’s own set of challenges, and wrenching was the primary one.  No matter how good the condition, these old dames need some care, and that was what I signed up for.  In fact, it is one of the things I like most about owning this scooter.  The challenge of getting in there, and making sure it runs, just like it was intended, is a satisfaction I don’t think I would achieve with a more modern scoot.  Sometimes these chores can seem tedious, but it puts me in touch with the bike, in a way that offers me a certain sense of calm.  I like knowing that the way it performs, in some small part, is because of me.

These tedious acts will get me back in touch with this beauty, and I look forward to the “getting to know you” stage, all over again….

Related posts:

1. How ’bout we call it a winter storage fee? Unwrapping the Vespa PX after three long months of winter,...
2. The winter that wouldn’t quit Sadly, I must admit that I allowed myself to go...
3. Winter Neglect: A Costly Proposition Yes, it's nice outside. But will it last? It's time...

Photograph courtesy of ShelterLogic.

OK.  I feel that I have been pretty patient with this dreaded, winter weather.  I know, I know, I did a fair amount of bitching, but come on!  I had to let off a little steam now and again.  I made it through the snow storms, the freezing winds, the days on end when riding was simply out of the question.  But then finally, the weather seemed to turn for the better, and my hopes rose to new heights again.  I am ready to ride, ready to get out on the road, and start my new adventures atop my beloved Vintage Vespa.

The problem is: it started all over again.  Just when you thought it was safe to put away the cold weather riding gear, along comes another cold snap.  I am pulling my hair out!  I decided to not allow myself to go negative (like a good political campaign!), pull myself up by the bootstraps, and focus my pent up energy on getting the bike ready for when the REAL riding weather comes…

The next problem is: I don’t have a garage.  I so badly wanted a place to work on my bike this winter.  I even went as far as to visit  a local “bike only” garage that provides 24 hour access and access to some of their tools and equipment, allowing you to wrench inside and away from the frigid cold, to your heart’s content.  They charge a monthly fee, and although I was very tempted, it was just too expensive.  I just couldn’t justify adding that additional cost to my already expensive habit, so I opted to store my baby in the backyard for the remainder of the winter.

But with this false sense of Spring, my drive to find shelter, for tuning up the old Vespa, was reignited.  I’m telling you, I’m really losing it.  I started thinking crazy!  The next thing I know, I’m on the internet, looking for portable, or collapsible garages!  They exist.  In fact, there are MANY models of these little havens, offering protection from the elements.  Maybe this is the route to go?  They come in various sizes, all small enough to put on the curb.  Granted, I would have to break it down every 2-3 days for alternate side of the street parking, but to hell with it, it might be worth it.  Maybe they have models with wheels?  I could roll the damn thing right across the street when the time comes.  I would probably need a generator too – to run a space heater.  It’s New York, after all, I probably would get only a passing glance from the neighbors.

I’m ready to take drastic action, because letting Mother nature dictate my Vespa enjoyment is getting a little old.  I suppose the city might take their own actions, site me for operating an illegal dwelling… Perhaps they will even try to charge me for property taxes?  I think that is assessed based on property value, and this thing only costs $320.  I could handle that.  I could invite other scooter enthusiasts over for wrenching sessions.  Share the wealth.  Will they try to nab me for running a social club?   I don’t care, I’m willing to fight this winter with everything I’ve got!

Related posts:

1. First colder rides On a ride a few nights ago, the weather turned...
2. The winter that wouldn’t quit Sadly, I must admit that I allowed myself to go...
3. Baby, it’s cold outside Folks, you don't need me telling you that it's now...

As I found out at the end of last week, that’s the noise you can hear when your spark plug works it’s way loose.

On a recent trip across Manhattan on my Jet 200 I found the compression of my engine dogging the further I road. Adding more anxiety to the lack of power was a noticeable change in the note coming out of the exhaust, changing from a healthy parap-pap-pap to more of a sput-sput-sput. Almost like water or oil or something making it through the exhaust. Consider this my take on the old Car Talk adage that the sound your engine makes is often the best way to get to the bottom of a problem.

Something was clearly wrong and I wondered if it was the result of water-logged gasoline given I had recently gassed up but ultimately the Lambretta got me where I needed to go. Go that is until following my appointment I needed to start her back up again.

First kick with a little choke? The engine attempts a turn over. Second? It tries again. Third nothing. Fourth? KABLAM!

Scared the living daylights our of me and a number of passers by. Following the bang, nothing at all. No amount of kicking could get the engine to start. Running late I abandoned the bike at the side of the road and jumped in a cab for work.

Arriving back at the bike later in the day it turned out that the problem was a simple one, and had been caused by the scootering equivalent of user error. Taking the side panel off it was immediately apparent that the reason I had had compression issues and ultimately a bang was that the spark plug was clear out of the engine and resting near the spark plug hole. Presumably the plug had gradually worked its way loose during my ride earlier in the day providing less and less of a sealed combustion chamber and hence a drop in compression before finally popping out completely.

A couple of failed kicks of the bike and I had clearly built up a nice vapor of air and gasoline before the spark plug ignited the mix outside of the combustion chamber – BANG. Either that or the plug held on by a thread or half a thread before the final ignition spark blew it clear out of the combustion chamber.

A quick clean of the plug with the rag from my toolbox (a two-stroker’s best friend) and I was able to confirm that I had a clean spark by resting the plug on the edge of the engine casing and kicking her over. Screwed the plug back into place, turned on the gas and two kicks later the bike was back up and running like a charm.

The lesson? I’ve only been screwing in the spark plug finger tight since owning the bike because I have been overly cautious not to over-tighten the plug. It would seem I’ve been too cautious. I’m going to get my hands on a plug wrench and give her a full tighten down now (without overdoing it.) Furthermore I’ll be keeping a periodic eye on the tightness of the plug.

File under “Scooter Newbie?” Absolutely.

Related posts:

1. Spark Plug 101 The humble spark plug. A more important beast in your...
2. Today on CraigsList: 1980 Lambretta TS1 225cc If however you're looking for a souped-up scooter, this is...
3. Vespa P series maintenance & repair A number of folks have time-and-time-again pointed me in the...

Every time I looked out the window, the depressing reminder of not being able to ride, overshadowed the notion that I should do the right thing, and at least get out there with some Sta-Bil.  I didn’t even fill up the tank with fresh gas!  My daily view of the poor thing, covered and abandoned, convinced me that I would be dealing with a complete engine and carb overhaul, come Spring.

Yesterday, during a walk with the dog, I recognized that my time was not being monopolized by leaning into 50 MPH winds, or ducking into doorways to avoid snow blindness.  The weather was actually pleasant!  Shocking!!!!  Out to the yard I went, trepidation in my heart.  Honestly, I was nervous to attempt to kick her over.  I really didn’t want to know how bad my misdeeds had affected her.

Took the cover off, looked the neglected bike over, and realized that the winter had done very little harm, visually.  My baby still had a bit of a shine, and although I hadn’t even rested the wheels on wood, to avoid the cold concrete from causing damage, the tires still looked inflated.    Oh, how I was hating myself.  To have such a beautiful looking bike, which would now need a complete engine overhaul…

Pulled the choke out.  Turned on the gas (I couldn’t even bring myself to look at how little I had left in the tank!).  Kicked it once, twice, third time’s a charm.  She kicked right over!  What a thrill folks.  Listening to her kick over and rev, was something i certainly did not expect to happen so easily, if at all.  Honestly, I almost didn’t even bother putting my foot to kicker, for the surety I felt, in the disrepair I had brought upon her.  But I was granted a reprieve.  This 50 year old workhorse decided to give me a break, and not hold me hostage for my actions.

I mention all this because: A) I am extremely excited, and thought I’d share. But also, B) because I urge you NOT to follow my actions.  If we hope to take full advantage of the convenience and fun these older (and newer too) scooters provide, they deserve our care and attention, and not the laziness I exhibited here.  I got lucky this once, but I can assure you, I do not expect this type of luck again.  Prep your bike for winter, take the time to make sure that your prized possession will come alive again in the Spring, and do the right thing…

Related posts:

1. The winter that wouldn’t quit Sadly, I must admit that I allowed myself to go...
2. Winter Neglect: A Costly Proposition Yes, it's nice outside. But will it last? It's time...
3. How ’bout we call it a winter storage fee? Unwrapping the Vespa PX after three long months of winter,...

I have an update: his scooter is on the road, legal and ready to roll. He finally went through the Vermont registration process, and with the help of reader ANDREW, he was able to skip the physical trip up north, and did it all through the internet and United States Postal Service.  Not only was this far less painful than his first experience, but hopefully will prevent others from suffering the same delays.

This is how it all played out.  The following is from an email from my now-relieved, soon to be scooting, pal:

The Vespa was finally registered, inspected and insured last week.  As far as the Vespa registration in VT, I downloaded the VT registration form from their website, filled it out, and mailed it to them with a copy of the bill of sale.  Had to send payment of $85 for Registration & Taxes.

After I got VT plates & registration, I brought them to NYDMV and transferred it to NY registration, but had to pay ANOTHER NY state tax (so tell people to keep the bill of sale) total cost of $165.

All this took about 3 weeks.

Seems the key here is to make sure that if you are purchasing a vehicle without a title, always get a Bill of Sale.  In fact, with every used vehicle I have purchased, I always got a Bill of Sale, as well as any other applicable paperwork.  This is standard procedure, and really only needs to be a document that you type up and print yourself.  For New York State, details can be found here.

Keep in mind, in New York State, there is a clear distinction between the paperwork needed for registering vehicles made prior to 1973, and vehicles made after that date.  If your vehicle was produced prior to 1973, then you only need a Bill of Sale.  I was fortunate to also have the previous owner’s Registration, with a transfer of ownership form on the back.

Knowing someone who has now been through the process, it makes it a little less intimidating for me to think about purchasing a vehicle, sans paperwork.  There are many deals out there, and preferably they come complete with the official documents you need.  But if you stumble upon that deal of a lifetime, and just don’t want to pass it up, there is hope for us after all.

Related posts:

1. Buying a scooter without a title Have you seen the scooter of your dreams but it...
2. Street Legal 6 weeks or so since taking the MSS 3 day...
3. Titled and plated Just got back from the DMW with plate and registration...

Photo courtesy: cedarposts.blogspot.com

It has been discussed here several times, at least once by me, that some potholes in this city are nothing shy of craters.  I have seen massive holes in the roads during fair weather seasons, but nothing compares to the damage done by a violent winter.  This winter was more violent than most, and we are now seeing the effects of the DOTs harsh treatment of the roads, presumably, in order to make them drivable, after the snow melts.  The irony that the DOT’s actions create more dangerous conditions, in an effort to make us all safer, does not escape me.  Especially as I have approached a pothole at speed, barely escaping it’s depth.

I am not here to b*%ch and moan about the potholes again (although I would love to vent, for the 4537th time).  These road condition have highlighted a safety measure that I am having a hard time adhering to.  When I took the MSS safety course, one of the lessons that stood out to me most, and which I have tried to practice regularly, is the ‘four and two second rule.’  The simple act of picking a stationary point in the distance (parked car, telephone pole), and counting the seconds between you and the car immediately in front of you.  This lesson has stuck with me, above all others, because it seems the easiest way to prevent unforeseen issues, which could lead to horrible, horrible things.  Ideally, you would have four seconds between you and the car ahead.  At worst, you should never get closer than two seconds.  I believe the goal of the MSS instructor was to prevent rear-ending someone. But an added benefit would be to have a clearer view of the road ahead.

So, in my daily riding, I make sure that I (of course) keep an eye on the car in front of me, but also to occasionally count off the distance, adjusting my speed and open space accordingly.  Therein lies the problem.  On the streets of New York, in the type of congested traffic we typically deal with, allowing even two seconds between us and the car ahead, is incredibly difficult.  I think that I give in to the pressure of angry horns, urging me to move before it’s safe, pressuring me to follow closer than I feel comfortable with.  The bottleneck of cars that I encounter, on almost every ride, offers very little in the way of safe space between me and ANY car.  Not behind, parked or at crossings, let alone the one ahead of me.  Often, I find myself instinctively beginning to count…”one Mississippi, two….”  That’s it.  That’s all I get.  Maybe I need to use a different state?

This brings up our old nemesis, the pothole.  I have found that there is very little chance of me spotting these craters, when I am tailing so close behind.  The reaction time is now limited, and I have merely split seconds to react.  Thus far I have avoided these disasters-in-waiting, but I feel my time is coming.  The other day, on an entrance ramp (when most of us would be concentrating on the merging traffic ahead, I realized I had entered a gauntlet of holes, no less than 10″ deep, about the size of a basketball.  There is no way, and I mean NO WAY, my bike would have remained upright, had I hit one of these chasms.  They were spaced perfectly to eat scooter tires, allowing only the slightest room for error.  Fortunately, I barely avoided the tragedy that awaited me, but felt the sting of nerves, for the remainder of the trip home.

Although there is now an easier way to report road condition problems through the 311 service, the rate at which these issues are solved is never going to prevent us having to deal with them.  So, best to take safety measures into our own hands.  The solution: well, I’m not sure there really is one.  If, like me, you cave to the pressure of the traffic surrounding you, there is a very good chance that you will encounter one of these holes.  If, unlike me, you can resist the honking and pressure, you will be safer for it, and have a fighting chance at safely getting through this season of splits in the road.  Keep an eye out, and a safe distance between….it’s about the only thing we can do.

Related posts:

1. My First Accident Well, it finally happened. Yesterday afternoon, while on my way...
2. DOT fixes, blogs 2011 potholes It's pothole season again, but this year amid Bloomberg budget...
3. A long way from ‘Carefree’ I hoped that after a "get-to-know-you" period, my rides would...