Affiliations

Introduction

This document outlines concepts and principles of riding a motorcycle in the aftermath of a disaster as part of the Motorcycle Emergency Response Team. It is assumed that the rider already knows how to ride a motorcycle: the material covered herein is in addition to advanced motorcycle rider training.

This is intended to be a living document, evolving as new ideas and techniques are developed. If you have comments or suggestions, please email the author, Michael Roeder.

Don’t Become A Victim

MERCury's purpose is to safely move people and materials through the city. As a citizen volunteer, your first responsibility is to your safety and the safety of others. Do not add to the number of injured or dead people.

Wearing full safety gear was important before the disaster; it is especially important now. Consciously follow your gearing-up routine before every ride.

Hazards on the Roadway

Overhead Hazards

• falling objects
• downed power lines
• bridges

Ground-level Hazards

• pedestrians
• emergency and other vehicles
• glass, debris on the road
• fire hoses
• cracked and buckled pavement
• washed-out pavement
• downed power lines

Below-Grade Hazards

• Pavement weakened by water flowing underneath.
• Washed-out bridges - Particularly on freeways, watch for bridges. They may be out or weakened.

Ride Within Your Limits

• Ride only as fast as you can see, especially at night.
• If you get tired, rest and eat.
• Don't become a victim; don't create new victims.

Riding With a Passenger

You should only take a passenger under disaster conditions if you are confident in your skills and have routinely ridden with a passenger before. Not all our passengers will know how to ride. Here's what you should tell your passenger:

• Your helmet chin strap must be fastened.
• Keep your feet on the footpegs at all times. Don't get off until I tell you.
• Hold on to me or put your hands on the fuel tank.
• When going uphill, lean forward; when going down hill, lean back.
• In curves, stick to me like a backpack.
• Pick a shoulder to look over. Don't switch sides.
• Your helmet will bump into mine. Don't worry about it.
• You can put your face shield any way you want it.
• If you're scared, squeeze me and I'll slow down unless someone's shooting at us.

Transporting Cargo

One of MERCury's missions is to transport materials. Our niche is relatively small but important things: a box of handheld radios, some laptop computers, a container of medicine, an ice chest with someone's hand, a surgeon.

There are things we cannot carry: a backboard, a large suitcase.

And there are some things we ought to refuse to carry: munitions, explosives.

Different motorcycles have different carrying capacities. Be aware of what your motorcycle can safely carry. There's no sense in trying to carry something too big or bukly.

Disaster Riding Kit

In addition to your regular riding stuff (helmet, jacket, pants, gloves, boots), you should have...

• NERT or other reflective vest
• First-Aid Kit
• food and water
• Handy-Talkie
• rain gear
• flash light
• tool kit
• bike lock
• flat-repair kit
• topcase, saddlebags, payload straps - if you intend to carry cargo
• spare helmet - if you intend to carry passenger