California DMV MC handbook your input

[silversvs]

Budman and I have the ability to make suggestions for the next revision of the DMV Motorcycle Handbook as well as the regular DMV drivers' handbook.

If you could include information in the MC handbook, what would it be?

If you could include information in the regular drivers' handbook, what would it be?

Realizing that this is BARF, I am prepared for all the smart remarks that are likely to follow.

But, this is truly an opportunity for us to have a hand in making the MC handbook relevant and informative.

Thanks in advance for your serious, well thought out, suggestions. :mm4l

 

[Roadstergal]

Clear guidance on the earplug thing, in case one of the cops who doesn't like them pulls us over?

 

[Kornholio]

Clear guidance on the earplug thing, in case one of the cops who doesn't like them pulls us over?

YES!

 

[revnort]

A note to drivers that lane sharing is a legal practice in California.

A note to drivers that left turns in front of a motorcyclist are one of the most common accidents. Ditto about getting rear ended at lights. (perhaps that one tied into the first statement about sharing)

I haven't read the document in awhile, but if there is a section for new riders, perhaps a bit about choosing a smaller displacement bike for a first bike, and how that will allow to learn faster.

Hmm, I will think of more.

 

[silversvs]

Clear guidance on the earplug thing, in case one of the cops who doesn't like them pulls us over?

Already on the list :thumbup

 

[firstbuell]

hey Bud,

did I ever tell ya the story about moving to CA with 7 M/C-riding years under my but & a noob wife?

we went to DMV &......[I'll PM ya]

 

[revnort]

OK this one is a bit of a joke but not. :laughing

A detailed section about how the left lane is a passing lane, and how you should yield to faster cars by moving right regardless of your speed. I know it is in there, but perhaps bolded, and on it's own page, and making up 50% of the questions on the written test.

 

[firstbuell]

srsly,

emphasize Slower Traffic Keep Right

 

[ALANRIDER7]

Here are a few suggestions.

*Make sure the lane sharing deal is clearly articulated and mentioned prominently not only in the motorcycle manual but the car manual as well. What's there now on page 59/60 in the 2012 car book sucks ass.

*Mention that motorcycle tires do not work as well until they come up to proper operating temperature.

*Mention that it's wise to make sure your turn signals are off after you make a turn. Too mnay riders go down the road with signals left on.

*Highbeams during the day work for helping you stand out more.

*The increase in distracted driving these days means riders need to be even more aware.

*The wearing of earplugs needs to really be encouraged. You simply hear better with them.

More later.

 

[Caddywumpus]

Loud pipes save lives

and something that suggests MORE than the bare minimum of gear.

 

[Roadstergal]

Already on the list :thumbup

:banana

Maybe a comment in the driver's handbook to the effect that if you aren't actively looking for motorcycles and bicycles, you won't see them...

And at the front, a list of real drivring schools that might be Highly Recommended to take? Russell, Skippy, etc? Particularly for teenagers?

 

[SFSV650]

I'd like clarification on how to make a right turn at an intersection when there are cyclists present, both with and without a bike lane. No two people seem to have the same understanding of how it's done.

 

[ALANRIDER7]

srsly,

emphasize this:

:laughing:laughing:laughing

 

[bikeama]

Great idea:thumbup. I just looked and you can read the manual on line HERE. I have not read the manual in years so will wait to make any comments until I read it.

 

[SFSV650]

Advice on whether and how to execute a u-turn, both from a parking space and across a multi lane street.

 

[limey]

Already on the list :thumbup

Great!

Thanks Silversvs and budman! I jacked up my ears on my first longish ride with <1000 miles under my belt, not realizing how damaging that helmet wind noise could be.

 

[RaptorFA]

Here are a few suggestions.

*Make sure the lane sharing deal is clearly articulated and mentioned prominently not only in the motorcycle manual but the car manual as well. What's there now on page 59/60 in the 2012 car book sucks ass.

*Mention that motorcycle tires do not work as well until they come up to proper operating temperature.

*Mention that it's wise to make sure your turn signals are off after you make a turn. Too mnay riders go down the road with signals left on.

*Highbeams during the day work for helping you stand out more.

*The increase in distracted driving these days means riders need to be even more aware.

*The wearing of earplugs needs to really be encouraged. You simply hear better with them.

More later.

These for sure. Nice work. Especially the first one. I just read it and it reads almost like an afterthought, not to mention the book keeps throwing the phrase "it's dangerous" in there leading drivers to believe that it's wrong. Take that out of there or re-write to say use caution when a motorcyclist is sharing a lane with you. It's legal, we have the right to be there so acknowledge that.

 

[VicTim]

A note to drivers that lane sharing is a legal practice in California.

A note to drivers that left turns in front of a motorcyclist are one of the most common accidents. Ditto about getting rear ended at lights. (perhaps that one tied into the first statement about sharing)

This plus more driver awareness of motorcyclist on the road.:2cents

 

[Marcoose]

The "SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT" thing for all vehicles INCLUDING MOTORCYCLES helps traffic flow like nothing else. And bicyclists must obey all traffic codes.

 

[High-Side]

Back when I took my motorcycle test they made the correct lane position as "center of lane" - but sometimes that's full of road debris. When it rains I like to ride in the left tire track of the cars I am following not the center of the lane. I think they should change that to “depends on conditions”.