I recently came across a very well written article by Staff Sergeant Andy Norrie of the Toronto Police. Sgt. Norrie’s article gave me the “plan talk” I needed to write what I consider a long overdue article about NIHL, and something I have been an advocate on for some time. His article is called “Can You Hear Me?”

Before I get into things, a brief history:

 Sgt. Norrie has been a member of the Department for the past 27 years and has over 25 years of experience as a Police Motor Officer. He is also an Instructor for the Canadian Harley-Davidson Police Motorcycle Training Program and is one of the founders of the Great Lakes Police Motorcycle Training Seminar based in and around the province of Ontario, Canada.

 I want to personally thank Sgt. Norrie for granting me permission to use several excerpts from his remarkable article on NIHL. These excerpts will be in “bold italics.”

So what exactly is “NIHL” anyway…another hockey league? No…the acronym stands for “Noise Induced Hearing Loss,” and it is a very serious and very real disability that can come from riding motorcycles for a prolonged time.

“Fact: NIHL is the number one occupational disability. It is painless, progressive over time, and it is permanent and irreversible.

We are all exposed to sources of noise everyday in our lives: television, radio, household appliances and even traffic. Most of the noise we hear everyday are at a safe level, however, when we are exposed to loud sounds that last a long time sensitive structures in our inner ear can be damaged, causing NIHL.

Noise is measured in decibels. On the decibel scale, an increase of 10 means that a sound is ten times more intense, or powerful. A humming refrigerator emits 45 decibels and normal conversation is around 60 decibels. Extended or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause NIHL.”

Note: Sgt. Norrie’s “fact” regarding “the number one occupational disability” relates to police motor officers…but how does that actually relate to riding a motorcycle? Is the sound from the pipes or engines damaging? Read on…

“In general, the noise from motorcycle engines is not any louder than other automobiles and is not the culprit that will slowly attack our auditory sense. No, the perpetrator is exposure to excessive wind noise caused by turbulent airflow around the helmet, commonly referred to as “wind noise.”

All the studies undertaken on this subject (and there have been several) show that the wind noise around a helmet of a rider traveling at 37 mph (60 km/h) creates 90 decibels of noise and goes up when plotted against increasing speed. Remember, 85 decibels is the damage threshold for NIHL!  

So everyday we ride our motors (motorcycles) without defending against wind noise we are damaging our hearing."

I trust by now I have your attention because this is something that affects both operator and passenger as well, and if you plan to ride for a long time you really do have to take this advice seriously. So now what…how do we defend against wind noise? Do we have to start wearing a full cover helmet? Certainly not (but they do offer the best protection in a crash)…no, the answer is simpler and easier than you may think…

“Fighting back: NIHL is preventable! Different helmets and fairing designs, handlebar positioning and modified riding posture / positions have all been tested to see if they can reduce wind noise, unfortunately none have any substantial effect. The most successful method of reducing wind noise is also the cheapest. A simple pair of earplugs can prevent wind noise from reaching damaging levels.”

By now you may be thinking; “I need to be able to hear things like horns, squealing tires, my passenger…my “tunes!” Well, here’s another fact:

“Once your speed is over 30 mph (50 km/h) wind noise dominates your hearing completely, so we need to block out the wind noise above this speed but be able to hear at lower speeds.

The solution to this problem is filtered earplugs. They allow you to hear outside sounds but still maintain a safe level of protection. There are several different options of this solution available. Acoustic Filtered Earplugs can filter out noise above 80 decibels but allow safe sounds like normal conversation to pass virtually unattenuated. These are used in industrial settings and for shotgun (firearm) sports. Sonic Valve Earplugs are designed to allow low level sounds to pass through but offer protection against high level, high impulse noise. These are generally used in aviation and sound engineering environments. Also available are Musician Filtered Earplugs that filter out high levels of sound.”

So…to each and every one of you that rides or is a passenger, I implore you to take seriously this message about NIHL. It is a real threat, it is serious and it is also preventable!

As Sgt. Norrie so eloquently states…”So when we are old, retired, and lazing on the front porch, watching the young dogs chase cars, dreaming of the old days when we could run with the best of them, we will be able to hear the distant rumble of a police motor and let out a howl…”

I don’t know about you, but when that time comes for me to laze on the front porch, I want to be able to do exactly that – sit back, remember when “back in the day,” and still be able to hear that beautiful sound of a finely tuned Harley, running up through the gears…and say to myself; “thank God I headed the advice!”

I do and I know I will…so what about you? 

Thanks again to Sgt. Norrie for a great article, and for some very sound advice for ALL motorcycle riders, but most importantly…for YOU!

 Ride safe - as if your life depends on it!

Gary Lewandowski

Ride Like A Pro – Great Lakes

Have you ever wanted to go for a ride on a motorcycle? I’ll bet somewhere in time you have. What about giving someone a ride on your motorcycle? Have you ever been asked; “hey, can I have a ride?” This is a very common question for those of us who ride our own motorcycles. But what can we do as not only motorcycle riders, but also as passengers to assure a safer and more enjoyable ride?

Here are some tips and techniques that will apply to both the passenger as well as the operator, who we will call the “pilot” for the balance of this article. Remember, these tips and techniques should be used not only by passengers and pilots who are new to the experience of riding “two up,” but also by seasoned, experienced riders.

• First and foremost, answer this question honestly; “Do I trust the individual who is going to be my “pilot”? If not, then don’t get on the motorcycle for any reason.
• Ask how he/she learned to ride (self-taught or formal).
• Ask how long the pilot been riding motorcycles, especially this motorcycle.
• Ask if the motorcycle is insured, and does the pilot have a cycle endorsemen.
• Has the pilot ever had any crashes?
• Has the pilot ever drunk alcohol prior to riding a motorcycle? Do they still?
• Does the pilot have experience riding passengers?
• Check and make sure YOU have all the proper riding gear, including good boots, jeans, jacket, eye protection, gloves and especially a good DOT helmet. Remember - any pilot that would encourage the passenger to just go for a ride “like you are” and not wear the appropriate protective gear does NOT have your best interest in mind. If they tell you; “its okay, we’ll just go for a short ride, you don’t need all that…” Do NOT get on that motorcycle – it’s better to just forget it and RUN! Your body will thank you for it later.

• Before you get on the motorcycle, DO make sure you have ALL you’re riding gear on, and it is zipped, tucked and put on properly.
• DO make sure you communicate with the “pilot” and always ask before you mount the motorcycle. Place your hand on the pilot’s shoulder and ask if the pilot is ready for you to get on. Mount ONLY after the pilot says it’s okay.
• When you do mount, sit down and try to avoid any sudden or harsh movements which may upset the pilot and the operation / balance of the motorcycle.
• Always communicate with the pilot and do so honestly. If something in bothering you, say so.
• If you have to change or move while in your seat, do inform the pilot you are about to re-adjust your seating position (shift in seat), and then do so ONLY when the pilot okay’s the move. Keep in mind this may not happen until the motorcycle has come to a stop, so never assume its okay – wait for the “okay."
• When starting off and stopping, do make sure you do not lean back too far or allow yourself to shift forward into the pilot. Be alert and aware of what it happening at all times.
• The MSF suggests that the passenger become the “second operator and share the responsibility for safety.” This is a very good (and true) statement, but I caution that it is not misunderstood. The passenger always shares in the responsibility of safety by dressing correctly and by how he/she rides. However, the passenger does NOT assist the pilot in the actual maneuvering of the motorcycle. When going through turns or curves, DO NOT “help”! DO NOT lean away from the turn, which is a common impulse new passengers have. DO NOT attempt to lean into the turn either. Simply look over the pilot’s left or right shoulder, depending on which way you are turning, relax and allow your body to move or lean with the natural lean of the motorcycle.
• When cruising at speed, the passenger should try to become “neutral”, producing no abrupt movements or sudden adjustments that may surprise the pilot or the operation of the motorcycle.
• If you don’t have a backrest and are going to hold onto the pilot or another position on the motorcycle, establish this position early on before you set out on your ride. Do so in a manner where you will not interfere with the operation of the motorcycle or the concentration of the pilot.
• NEVER put your feet down while moving or while coming to a stop. This could cause severe injuries to yourself and result in a crash that would put both of you in jeopardy. Remember, once you mount the motorcycle, place your feet on the pegs / boards and leave them there at all times until the pilot directs you to dismount.
• Know where the hot pipes and other parts are located so you can keep your feet (boots / shoes) away from these areas, thereby preventing damage to either. This should have been reviewed with the pilot prior to mounting the motorcycle.
• Know the basic hand signals so you can relay them.
• Know how far the ride will be and where you are going.
• If possible, wear reflective clothing or minimally a vest and gloves if possible.
• When the motorcycle has stopped, and before dismounting, always wait for the pilot to instruct you when he/she is ready for you to dismount. Then do so smoothly and without dragging your feet across the motorcycle’s seat.
• Another good suggestion is the passenger dismounts before the pilot, giving the pilot the opportunity to control the motorcycle completely through the end of the dismounting process.

• Make sure the motorcycle’s suspension is set correctly to handle the extra weight. Check your shocks and your tire pressures. Your owner’s manual will contain the proper specifications for your shocks and tires for riding two-up. A good “T-CLOCK” inspection is the best way to assure a trouble free ride.
• Make sure you know the weight limitations of your motorcycle, and do not exceed them.
• Make sure your passenger is wearing all the proper riding gear before the pilot mounts the motorcycle and double check it is worn properly. Do a “head to toe” inspection to assure the passenger is dressed for the ride.
• Instruct the passenger exactly how and when to mount and dismount the motorcycle. Then, before you actually go out for that ride, practice it several times. This will give your passenger a good understanding of what you want and expect to happen.
• If this is the first time for the pilot to take on a passenger, it is STRONGLY suggested you do so in a parking lot or any safe environment where you can practice getting the “feel” of the motorcycle without the interference of other highway users. You need to know how the machine will start out and stop, as well as turn through sharp corners and curves. Practice this before you head out; you and your passenger will be better off for it.
• Make sure you communicate with your passenger at all time – they need to know what you are doing or are about to do (such as stop, make a turn, etc.). To surprise your passenger could cause a crash and potentially show disrespect for the passenger – and neither of you want that.
• Inform the passenger if there must be any changes in seating position to please inform you (the pilot) first and then do so only after the okay is given back.
• As the pilot, it is your responsibility to make sure the passenger experiences as smooth and safe a ride as possible. So avoid quick starts, hole-shots or anything that may cause the passenger to fall from the motorcycle or become unbalanced.
• Once moving, shift up through the gears smoothly and without abrupt movements.
• When coming to a stop, do so with ease and smoothness. Nothing ruins the fun of a nice ride like jerky motions and abrupt stops.
• Make sure the passenger understands when going through turns or curves they are to relax and maintain an upright position with the motorcycle. The passenger should not try to lean into or away from the turn.
• Once the motorcycle comes to a stop, make sure your passenger understands not to dismount until you give him/her the okay to do so.
• Inform the passenger the ride is for them; period! You owe it to the passenger to make the ride as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. If the passenger is not comfortable with the ride for any reason, the passenger should inform the pilot. The pilot should adjust the ride to the comfort level of the passenger. If this is not possible, it should be agreed to find an acceptable place for the passenger to dismount the motorcycle. The pilot should always keep in mind if the passenger is not comfortable, neither will the pilot. Secondly, the risk of the ride greatly increases if the passenger is not comfortable and relaxed.

• The added weight of the passenger will make a motorcycle more difficult to start out and stop. Make sure you practice starting and stopping in a controlled environment with the passenger before going out on the highways.

• Higher or crosswinds will have a more dramatic effect on a motorcycle with a passenger.

• The added weight will reduce the ground clearance of the motorcycle, so be aware of that when going through curves. Your parts may drag sooner or easier and your lean angle and turning radius will be reduced.

• When going through turns or curves, the added weight will cause your motorcycle to become more “top heavy”. This can cause a more sudden or abrupt lean when you are not expecting it. Again, practice these skills in a controlled environment before going out the first time with a passenger.

• As soon as a passenger gets on your motorcycle, you have their life in your hands. This is a tremendous responsibility – so act like it.

1. Never drink and ride - with or without a passenger.
2. Never ride beyond your personal limitations or the limitations of the motorcycle. Be aware these limitations change when riding with a passenger.
3. Never allow a person who is intoxicated, high or even sick to ride as a passenger…that can be a fatal mistake. Arrange for them to go home via another means of transportation

I am a proponent of motorcycle safety even though that is in itself an oxymoron. How in the world can we ever be safe on a motorcycle? Well, I guess it’s all about risk management and doing the next right thing…and simply by always striving to reduce those “factors” that can come into play when we least expect it.

Motorcycle riding is all about choice, but there is much more to it. I have identified several key elements that play hand in hand with riding a motorcycle as a private citizen, whether you ride solo or are involved with a group or organization.

§        SAFETY:

I have yet to have one single person who rides a motorcycle or is a passenger on one look me straight in the eye and tell me honestly that they don’t care about safety, or that the message is “BS,” or that they never give it a thought. If they do, they are flat-out liars or they are living a false bravado – take your pick. We ALL want to be safe…how much simpler can it be said? And safety is all of our responsibilities, not only to ourselves, but to those around us.

§        CHOICE:

Every day life has risks. By the grace of the almighty, we have the ability to make choices, which can be a real challenge in itself. We are the ones who get to choose exactly what risks we want to take, and just how far we want to push our luck. The yardstick by which we individually measure these risks lies within our own mind, and deep down we know our limitations. So we must be honest with ourselves, and be aware of the consequences these risks hold. Always strive to make the right choices that will give you the best chance to come home from every ride safe and unharmed.

§        PEER PRESSURE:

Nowhere in our culture is peer pressure more prevalent or more powerful than within the motorcycling community. Think it isn’t? Just take a look around you and see for yourself. Ever heard the phrase; “you have to go along to get along?” That’s a good example of peer pressure. Don’t get me wrong, some peer pressure is good, so long as it is positive, constructive and not dangerous. It’s the peer pressure that takes you out of your own comfort zone that can be the most dangerous and even life-threatening, but you keep it deep inside. You have to be willing to be completely honest with yourself to see where the dividing line is between fun and dangerous, and be willing to make a CHOICE to accept it and go along, or do the smart thing and walk away from it…the choice is yours.  

§        IMAGE:

There is a persona, a look, a style, that all bikers have, but it doesn’t stop at the black leather clad crowd, it encompasses a variety of groups and styles. I don’t need to go into the various examples of “images” we have in the motorcycling community. Let’s just agree that there are many diversified ones, and let it go at that. All are unique, have a certain flair, meaning and even culture, especially to the individual who is involved in it whatever group he or she wants to embrace. Please remember one thing – never, ever compromise your safety or that of others around you for the sake of image “IF” that image is more about a certain “look” than it is about protection or riding right.

§        GROUPTHINK:

I read an interesting article a few years ago about “Groupthink.” Loosely translated, it is a phenomenon that occurs in a cohesive group when members let their need to agree with each other interfere with their ability to think about a decision critically and rationally.

There are three conditions that may lead to “groupthink:”

#1) - is the overestimation of the group’s ability and power, whereby members tend to ignore specific “warning signals.” This may cause a feeling of complacency which could result from an overreaction to low self-esteem, resulting from recent failures or having been faced with a difficult task.

#2) - is the “we vs. they” attitude, which leads to stereotyping of outsiders and encourages rationalization of decisions.

#3) - is the pressure toward conformity, which results from direct pressure being applied by the group to various members who try to disagree, thus resulting in members censoring themselves in order to maintain their membership in the group. All of this can be detrimental to an organization…that is unless you’re aware of it, identify it and work together instead of in a “groupthink” mindset.

However you choose to ride, dress or act while you ride is up to you as an individual. With all due respect, I also must caution each of you to be aware of the pitfalls out there…they can turn out to be an abyss you don’t want to fall into. If the choices you make are based on conformity, and following along rather than leading the way, then I suggest you please reconsider the risks you are taking, know the consequences, and be willing to deal with them.

Try not to allow yourselves to fall into a “groupthink” mentality. As individuals, let’s be aware that peer pressures exist and recognize how powerful and dangerous it can be. Let’s also make sure we do not allow it to control us as individuals, especially if that control places us in an unsafe environment or puts us in a situation whereby the risks associated with it are more than we are willing to accept.

I sincerely believe that if we all work together on making choices we can live with, and leading by example, then we’ll assure ourselves of the best chance possible to enjoy riding and each other’s company for years to come – and being in step and hand to hand with having fun is safety…and that should be every rider’s #1 priority!

Ride as if your life depends on it – because it does.

Gary