I found this on a German website on the Internet, and thought it was worthy of translation and wider publication

 Small mistakes and motorcyclists

Small mistakes can be deadly. That is not meant to be theatrical, but deadly (!) serious. Read on about the things car drivers can easily do wrong...

1. A motorcycle is faster than you think. Because of its narrow outline even another biker can underestimate the speed of a motorcycle. Therefore, when you see a narrow vehicle on a road with priority, look twice before moving off. Programme your subconscious self.

2. This applies particularly to oncoming motorcycles when you want to turn right. This is one of the most dangerous situations.

3. Motorcycles cannot swerve as quickly as cars, and the braking distance is longer. The swerving is slower because a motorcycle always has to be steered in the "wrong" direction first before entering a curve. (This is to do with the gyroscopic forces which stop a two-wheeler from tipping over).

4. Motorcycles accelerate much faster than a car. Don't be provoked by a bike shooting past you. The rider is not intending to put you out; he is simply riding to the capability of his machine.

5. At night the visibility on a motorcycle may be much worse than in a car (weaker lighting and scratches on the visor).

6. Motorcyclists may also be beginners, particularly in spring, if the bikes have been taken off the road for the winter. Be patient with the riders, especially if they themselves seem unaware of this.

If you enjoyed that, you might like some of my other jottings. Click here.