SMIDSY
The Phrase Every Motorcyclist Should Know
If you've spent any time riding, you've probably heard the phrase SMIDSY. It stands for:
"Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You."
For motorcyclists, these five words are all too familiar. They're often spoken after a driver has pulled out from a side street, turned across a rider's path, or changed lanes without noticing a motorcycle. While the apology may be genuine, it doesn't undo the consequences of a crash.
At 1st Gear Motorcycle Training, we teach riders that expecting to be seen isn't enough. The safest riders assume they may not be seen and ride accordingly.
Why Drivers Miss Motorcycles
Most drivers aren't deliberately ignoring motorcycles. Instead, several factors make bikes harder to detect:
Motorcycles have a much smaller profile than cars.
Drivers often look for larger vehicles and can overlook motorcycles.
Speed and distance can be difficult to judge because of a motorcycle's size.
Distractions, poor weather, or low light reduce a driver's awareness even further.
Understanding this helps riders develop a defensive mindset rather than relying on other road users to notice them.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Although you can't control other drivers, you can greatly improve your chances of staying safe.
Be Visible
Wear bright or high-visibility riding gear and use your headlights. Position yourself where you are most likely to be seen, avoiding lingering in blind spots.
Create a Safety Buffer
Good road positioning gives you more time and space to react. Maintain a safe following distance and avoid riding directly alongside other vehicles.
Read the Road
Watch for signs that a vehicle may pull out or turn:
Wheels beginning to roll.
Drivers looking in the wrong direction.
Vehicles edging forward at intersections.
Cars indicating late or drifting in their lane.
Treat these as warning signs and prepare to respond.
Manage Your Speed
Approaching intersections at a speed that allows you to stop safely can make all the difference. Covering your brakes and easing off the throttle gives you valuable reaction time.
Have an Escape Plan
Always ask yourself, "Where will I go if that driver pulls out now?" Looking ahead and identifying an escape route can prevent a close call from becoming a crash.
Training Builds Better Habits
Defensive riding isn't about riding slowly—it's about riding smart. Developing the habit of scanning, anticipating hazards, and maintaining the right road position soon becomes second nature.
At 1st Gear Motorcycle Training, our one-on-one coaching helps riders build these skills from their first lesson through to their Basic Handling Skills Test, CBTA Restricted, and CBTA Full Licence Assessments. Every ride is an opportunity to improve your awareness and confidence.
The Bottom Line
The best riders don't rely on being seen—they ride as though they might not be.
If you adopt the SMIDSY mindset, you'll be more alert, better prepared, and far more likely to avoid becoming another statistic.
Ready to become a safer, more confident rider? Contact 1st Gear Motorcycle Training and let us help you build the skills that could one day save your life.
