1.) Know the weather
forecast for that day. If there is a high chance of thunderstorm
activity, you may want to curtail your riding activities on
this day.
a.) Carry a portable radio with you so you
can receive the latest weather forecast:
i.) Portable NOAA Weather radios broadcast
weather information 24 hours a day. These radios are available
anywhere you can purchase portable electronics.
b.) If you see threatening skies in the distance
and you are passing a safe
location, you may want to stop at this safe location
and wait the storm out. This is especially true for bicyclists
who are in remote areas and safe locations are few and far
between. Remember, lightning can strike many
miles away from the rain area of a thunderstorm.
i.) If you can turn around and get away
from the storm, then do it! (This is especially true for
motorcyclists).
ii.) DO NOT ride into a lighting storm!
Do not ride near a thunderstorm!
2.) The lightning safety community reminds you
that if you are caught outside during lightning activity, then
you are NOT safe from a lightning strike!! However, if you
cannot find a safe
location, some areas outside may be somewhat
safer than others:
a.) If an overpass is available, seek shelter
under the overpass. DO NOT go near steel girders. Move away
from your bike. Remain on the dry surfaces if possible. Overpasses
are engineered structures and are likely to be properly grounded.
Although an overpass is likely to be higher than the surrounding
landscape, if it is struck by lightning, the electrical current
will likely be channelled safely into the earths surface.
b.) Look for a bridge over a stream, culvert,
railroad crossing or any other type of bridge. Stay away
from water, Stay away from any metal surfaces (However, be
alert for rapidly rising water if under a bridge which crosses
a stream).
c.) High tension wires: If high voltage electrical
tension wires cross the road, you may want to seek shelter
directly underneath these wires. Do not get too close to
the large metal towers which hold up these wires (stay away
at least 50 feet). Electric companies design these high tension
wires for lightning strikes. If lighting should strike the
wires or towers, the current is designed to safely go deep
into the ground.
IMPORTANT: None of the above recommendations
(overpasses, bridges, high tension wires) guarentee safety
from being struck by lightning. However, it is likely that
these recommendations are more safer than being caught "out
in the open". Of course, the best thing to do is to
find a safe location before
lightning threatens.
d.) REMEMBER -
Do NOT seek shelter in an UNSAFE
BUILDING. Picnic shelters or other open roadside shelters
are NOT safe during lightning activity.
3.) If you find yourself caught completely
in the open and lightning is occurring within 5 miles of your
location, it is strongly suggested that the best thing for
you to do is STOP riding, get off of your motorcycle/bicycle,
find the lowest area possible (small ditch/culvert, etc), and
get into the Lightning Desperation Position (see figure below).
a.) Motorcyclist should move at least 50
feet away from their bike. Bicyclist should lay their bikes
on the ground.
b.) DO NOT CONTINUE TO RIDE if lightning
is occurring! Once lightning is within 5 miles of your location,
it is suggested you should stop your ride. Motorcyclist and
Bicyclist have been struck and killed by lightning while
riding in lightning storms. Click
here to read a story about a motorcyclist killed while riding
in lightning.
