While it may be Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, the MSF has had to modify its messaging in light of COVID-19 keeping riders off the road. "This May, the coronavirus pandemic is forcing many to stay home, and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation urges riders to do the same if they don't have to go out," says MSF VP Robert Gladden. "But there are folks who use motorcycles as a primary means of transportation or in their essential jobs, such as motor officers, so it is still important to mark May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month."
The MSF also urges all car and truck drivers to take an extra moment to look for motorcyclists. Double-check your surroundings, especially before changing lanes or making turns. Some states are easing stay-at-home orders, and more people will likely be out on the road. Additional tips and resources for drivers can be found at ForCarDrivers.com
For your customers who are spending time at home, Gladden points to the MSF T-CLOCS Inspection Checklist and suggests dealers share this with their customers:
T-CLOCS
Inspect, adjust, lubricate and repair as necessary. The MSF T-CLOCS Inspection Checklist is handy to have as a reminder and most parts including oil, filters, levers, etc., can be purchased online and shipped to your customers homes or delivered curbside. For more complicated services, your local service shop may have remained open as an essential business. Otherwise, it's best to wait until local guidelines allow you to take your motorcycle to the service shop.
Accessorize
It's fun to customize your motorcycle the way you want it, with windscreens, luggage, lights, grips, chrome, and more. There are also many online forums dedicated to specific motorcycle brands or models. Now is a great time to put in some research.
Learn
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has a variety of online educational content that can help keep mental strategies sharp. Best of all, much of this content is free. Visit the MSF's online library for downloadable booklets, videos and quick tips, or take the MSF's Rider Perception Challenge. You can also take virtual street rides with the MSF from the MSF's YouTube channel. For a more immersive learning experience, the MSF Basic eCourse is available for purchase.
"While we're all eager to get out there and ride, there is plenty your customers can do #InTheGarage to prep their motorcycle and their minds to #rideitout," Gladden concludes.