Stopping to help other motorcyclists
Harry Schaaf - Nov 3, 2009

Stopping to render aid to another biker deserves some consideration. We have all heard that we should always stop to help a stranded biker, but is that an absolute, non-negotiable rule?Friends tell me the first thing to do, when you see a biker stopped on the side of the road, is to assess the situation and be aware of your surroundings.

• Is the biker alone or with someone else? 
• Have you seen anyone nearby sitting in an automobile?
• Are you alone or with other riders? (The advantage to stopping with a group of riders is obvious.)
• Is the biker in a public/lighted place or an isolated/dark place?
• Does the biker appear to have a cell phone?
• Does the biker appear injured, and is the bike on its side or on its kickstand?
• Is the biker looking toward the road and signaling for help or is he turned away from the road?

Your answers to these questions should help you determine your decision. This is a situation where you should definitely follow your gut instinct.

If you are determined to be a Good Samaritan, there are options other than stopping:

• Notify authorities in the next town.
• Telephone highway authorities, if you feel urgency.
• Wait to see if someone else stops before making a decision.

If you do decide to stop there are a few basic items which will improve your chance to help:

• Cell phone
• A few basic tools including a flash light
• A road map
• A basic first-aid kit
• A gas siphon kit

Even without these things, you may still be able to help.

If you are broken down and need assistance. Tie a bandana to your left rearview mirror/handgrip to alert passing bikers to your plight. This is fine, in my opinion, as long as you, as a passing biker, consider the things discussed above.

We all learned in our basic motorcycling course to be alert and be aware of our surroundings, and most of all, to always use good judgment. Of course, this is absolutely true when riding, but is also applies to a decision about stopping to render aid.