Road and Weather Conditions: Motorcyclists, Watch Out!
Wind, rain, fog, wet pavement, oil patches, gravel... Road and weather conditions considerably affect the operation of a motorcycle.
Check the weather forecast before setting out on a motorcycle
The main weather conditions to which motorcyclists must adapt are rain, fog and wind.
Driving a motorcycle in the rain requires a great deal of attention
The roadway is slippery.
Visibility is reduced.
Braking distance is longer.
Tire traction is reduced.
If you have no other option but to use your motorcycle on a wet roadway, stay away from:
lanes where water accumulates
ruts
As you approach a puddle
Look far ahead.
Release the throttle.
Avoid sudden manoeuvres and keep your arms and hands relaxed.
Do not attempt to turn the handlebars or brake.
Once you have passed the puddle, gradually accelerate to a safe speed.
Driving a motorcycle in fog
Slow down.
Increase the distance between you and other vehicles.
Wear brightly coloured protective gear with reflective strips.
This recommendation should be followed at all times. You can never be too careful!
Drive in the section of the road where you will be best protected from incoming traffic as well as from parked vehicles.
Driving a motorcycle in windy conditions
In strong winds, especially if they blow from the side, it is strongly recommended that you do not use your motorcycle.
In the event of high winds, take cover in a safe place as soon as possible.
If you still have to use your motorcycle, here is what you must do:
slow down
increase the distance between you and other vehicles
firmly grip the handlebars
in the event of crosswinds:
slightly counter steer to fight the crosswinds pushing on your motorcycle
push the left handlebar when the wind is blowing from the left and the right handlebar when the wind is blowing from the right
stay in the middle third of the lane so you have room to move to the left or right if your motorcycle is moved by the wind.
Between December 1 and March 15
The Regulation respecting the use of tires specifically designed for winter driving also applies to motorcycles. Therefore, from December 1 to March 15, you must have your motorcycle equipped with winter tires that meet established standards and are in good condition in order to drive it on the road network.
However, even if your motorcycle is equipped with winter tires, if it is snowing or if the road is covered with snow or ice, do not take any chances: do not use your motorcycle.
Road conditions: be cautious!
Be aware of road conditions and watch out, in particular, for:
potholes and cracks
pavement markings: if wet, they are very slippery
fallen leaves and frost in the fall
oil patches: whether or not mixed with dust, oil patches very quickly and considerably reduce tire traction, especially when it has just begun to rain or on a very hot day
sand and gravel, especially when riding uphill, downhill or in a curve
Sunshine and motorcycles: watch out for sun glare
Early morning and late afternoon sunlight can sometimes be blinding, which affects your vision.
Be careful with tinted visors: they may reduce sun glare, but they can also interfere with sharpness of vision!
