Riding Safely on New Zealand's Glass Roads: Tips for All-Year Riders

The Dangers of Glass Roads

On a recent trip from Auckland to New Plymouth, I was surprised by the smooth glass-like roads along the West Coast. Thankfully, I enjoyed sunny weather for the entire three days. However, the condition of the roads made me reconsider traveling this way until summer returns. When the road surface deteriorates, it creates a smooth and shiny layer that makes it hard for your tires to find traction. Riding on such roads is not much better than riding on actual glass.

Glass roads, often referred to as "tar-bleed" roads, combined with wet weather, pose significant threats to riders trying to get home safely. Sadly, these conditions are becoming more common in New Zealand. I've noticed increased neglect on provincial roads from Rawene to Wellington, which is concerning. When these roads get wet, they become slippery for all drivers, especially for motorcyclists. Riders risk fish-tailing as their rear wheel loses traction in corners or during acceleration, and may even experience aquaplaning. This can lead to unresponsive steering and braking, resulting in serious injury or worse.

Riding Year-Round: Adjusting to Weather Conditions

For many of us, the riding season ends with the arrival of rain. We typically set aside our bikes until drier days return. But for those of us who ride year-round, it’s essential to adjust our riding style according to the weather and road conditions. This year, I've noticed a spike in new riders joining the ranks—some have never experienced off-season riding. Now is a great time to share tips on staying safe in deteriorating weather and on neglected roads.

Experienced riders will tell you that they change their riding style based on weather conditions. Here are some recommendations for making winter rides safer and more enjoyable:

Throttle Control

In summer, we often ride aggressively when roads are dry. Accelerating smoothly out of a corner or overtaking a slow driver feels exhilarating. However, on wet glass roads, this approach can lead to the rear tire losing traction and fish-tailing. This experience can be terrifying, especially for new or inexperienced riders.

To avoid fish-tailing and maintain better control, practice smooth throttle control. Keep a consistent speed through corners or when overtaking to reduce torque on the rear wheel, which will help maintain traction. A gentler throttle application during acceleration is crucial for staying in control until sunny days roll back around.

Tyre Maintenance

Proper tyre maintenance is vital for enjoyable rides in wet conditions. The contact patch—the rubber touching the road—is much smaller on a motorcycle than in a car. Since motorcycles only have two wheels, ensuring that this contact patch provides optimal support will significantly impact tyre performance.

A tyre that performed well in dry conditions may fail in the rain. As water inundates the roads, the tread will work hard to disperse water and maintain traction. Ensure your tyres have more than the legally required tread depth before the seasons change.

Also, monitor your tyre pressure closely. Under-inflated tyres will struggle to create a reliable contact patch, worsening your handling on wet glass roads. While there isn't a universal rule for tyre pressures, adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations is wise. Research suggests that higher pressures are often better for wet conditions.

Choosing the Right Tyres

Selecting the correct tyres for your bike can vastly improve your riding experience in wet conditions. Every tyre manufacturer offers both dry and wet road options that differ in performance. The choice you make will significantly impact your trust in your bike on slick, wet surfaces.

Last winter, I installed Cobra Chromes on my Triumph due to slipping with the previous Michelin tyres. I reasoned that a British tyre would be suitable for New Zealand's road conditions. So far, I haven't been disappointed.

On my Indian Scout, I switched to Meteler Cruistec tyres after I lost traction with the originals. Initially, I considered the Indian as merely a summer ride due to its low seat position and light weight. However, I now have renewed confidence in its performance during wet conditions with better-suited tyres.

For those in need of new tyres, CycleTreads on Barrys Point Road offers a free tyre fitting service, even if you do not purchase the tyres from them. Their knowledgeable team can help you find the most suitable options.

Following Distance and Braking Techniques

Maintaining a safe following distance is essential for riding safely in wet conditions. It takes longer to decelerate on slick roads than on dry ones, so allow more space to slow down or stop. Increased gaps, especially in urban areas, can greatly enhance your safety. Utilize road positioning to gain additional reaction time. Riding on the left or right side of traffic can create escape routes to avoid collisions if necessary.

When it comes to braking, follow the 60/40 rule as a guide. Although relying heavily on the front brake is common on dry roads, this can lead to loss of control in wet conditions. Utilizing the rear brake more can prevent the front wheel from locking or slipping. Effective braking relies on using both brakes together, but be cautious—front-end slips are typically harder to control than rear slides. Apply near-equal pressure to both brakes to ensure effective and safe stopping.

Conclusion: Stay Safe on the Roads

These tips aren’t a 'gold standard' for wet weather riding; they are more like guidelines to improve your chances of enjoying a safer ride. Ideally, we wouldn't face the poor conditions of "Glass Roads," nor would we have to battle rain during our rides. Unfortunately, these realities persist.

Finding a little extra knowledge and discussion either online or at local riding clubs can enhance your understanding further. Ride safe and grow old—we need more veterans on the road.