One down, five up

Describes the configuration of the gears on a motorcycle in relation to neutral. Can also be 'one down, four up' depending on the number of gears. Neutral is considered to be "half a click" between first and second gear, so shifting directly between the two gears is made in one firm movement. Neutral is not placed "below" first gear to prevent the rider accidentally selecting neutral while attempting to downshift to first gear, possibly leading to an accident.

Two second rule

This rule specifies the distance you should leave between yourself and the vehicle in front. As the vehicle in front (motorcycle, lorry, car etc.) passes a marker on the road (lamp post, traffic light etc) you should be able to count at least two seconds to the time it takes for you to pass the same marker. This allows the minimum safe distance to allow you to emergency stop or react to any hazard developing ahead. The four second rule relates to riding in bad conditions, such as fog and the wet. You should give at least four seconds distance between your bike and the vehicle in front to allow time for evasive manoeuvres.