Ahhh, spring is finally here and that faint scent of summer is in the air! More than likely you're a bit rusty on your riding skills and taking a refresher course wouldn't do any harm for all riders, new and elite. According to Transport Canada, an eye opening 234 motorcyclists suffered fatalities in Canada in 2005.   Now that safety should be on your mind, hopefully you are considering taking a rider training course. These courses are available on all levels; entry, experienced and even for the "elite" riders that have a considerable amount of riding experience. The primary example is a program called”Gearing Up”. Insurers, private organizations, federal and provincial governments, and the motorcycle industry recognize this rider program across Canada.  Follow these tips below to be sure to help you prepare for the nice weather and ultimately your safety.     Safe riding tips for everyday motorcycle riders.   1: Motorcycle Pre-ride Inspection:   Before you start your ride, be sure to inspect your bike to ensure it is in optimal riding condition. Do you know how to perform a T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection? If not, follow these Simple steps   T ires and Wheels- Check your tire's air pressure, spokes, tread, brakes and bearings. Ensure that you don't find any damage or cracks of any sort.   C ontrols- Inspect the throttle, levers, switches, hoses and cables.   Lights and Electrical - Test your lights and electrical switches to make sure that they are in optimal working condition.   O il and Critical Fluids- Look for leaks in all probable areas. Don’t forget to check the hydraulic fluid, fuel levels, oil and coolant levels.   C hassis- Prepare for any passenger or load by adjusting your chassis. Inspect your suspension and driving components. Refer to your owner’s manual where it will list the proper suspension setting for your motorcycle.   Stand - Check the tension spring on your kickstand.   2: Wear a helmet and protection gear at all times:   Be smart. Wear a helmet at all times! If you are ever involved in an accident, make sure that you dispose of it immediately. Wearing a helmet that has been involved in an accident increases your risk for head trauma five-fold. Also, of equal importance is the wearing of protective clothing. Wearing protective clothing such as a leather jacket, pants and gloves may protect you from road rash and other several likely problems such as weather and debris. Play it safe: experts all agree that it is highly advised to wear your full motorcycling gear during hot weather.   3:

Be noticeable - Motorcyclists are harder to spot than cars:   The majority motorbike accidents arise because car drivers and other motorists do not see the riders. To be safe, riders should consider wearing light or white colored helmets, bright or fluorescent clothing, and using daytime headlights while riding during the day. Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than vans, trucks and even sports cars, so be sure to take extra measures to make sure that other riders and drivers alike know you’re on the road at all times. Lastly, drive defensively; keep aware of weather conditions and adjust your mirrors for potential blind spots.   4: Keep your eyes on the road - A simple pebble could cause a bailout:   Keep an eye out for upcoming cracks, pebbles, stones, potholes, bumps, traffic, puddles, and spills. Ultimately, keep an eye out for sharp turns in the road that will need to be reacted to in a short amount of time.   5: Road hazards:   Most motorcycle riders can see that roads and bridges can become significantly hazardous when wet and take proper caution, however, it is recommended to note that different road surfaces all have their own types of unique hazards. Keep this list of hazards in mind next time you set out for a nice spring ride:   Asphalt – Cold winters, wet roads, potholes and debris can all have a serious impact on the ability to steer properly while on your bike.   Painted Lines – Stay away from these at all costs. When dry, they still do not offer the same traction as would asphalt. When wet, they are almost impossible to navigate and can cause serious bailouts.   Cement – Cement is usually a little less slippery than asphalt, however, it still has its own challenges. A lot of the time, cement roads are usually manufactured to contain grooves which will aid in draining water. Keep in mind that these groves can be extremely difficult to steer in if they are parallel to your bike. Lastly, cement roads are usually uneven since they are poured in sections so be sure to keep an extra eye out for these potential hazards as well.    6: Ride defensively:   Keep up with a speed that is consistent with your riding skills and weather conditions. Most accidents occur at intersections! Make sure you are highly alert when you pull up to or drive through one. When changing lanes, always check your mirrors, blind spots, signal and follow up with a final visual check. Do not ride on the shoulder or pass on it. Never tailgate and pass other motorists only when it is safe to do so. Paul S. Gregg is part of the online marketing team at Kanetix.ca.Kanetix is Canada's leading insurance marketplace, helping more than 100,000 insurance shoppers a month to save time and money with their insurance needs. Visit Kanetix.ca today to receive your free Motorcycle Insurance quote!