Motorcycles can be dangerous to ride, especially in the city where they may be overlooked by drivers in larger vehicles. Yet, there is a lot that motorcyclists can do to help them stay safe every time they ride. Both new and more experienced motorcyclists should do the following every time they ride to stay as safe as possible.Â
Choose the Right Bike to Ride
Choosing the right bike is crucial, as being comfortable on your motorcycle can make a difference in how easy it is to control. The more comfortable a person is, the easier it is for them to control the bike and stay safe. If there is an emergency situation on the road, being comfortable and in control can help the rider navigate it without issue and may save them from a crash or a fall.Â
Get Safety Gear and Wear It
All riders should use appropriate safety gear every time they ride. While it may be more comfortable to wear jeans and a shirt, they won’t provide much protection in an accident. A helmet is a must for all motorcyclists, as they do save lives if there is an accident. Other protective gear can help to prevent major injuries if an accident happens, keeping the rider safer every time they ride.Â
Check the Weather Before Leaving
It is a good idea to check the weather before leaving. Some weather can be incredibly dangerous for motorcycles, and even a little bit of rain can make the roads too slick to navigate easily in an emergency. It is best to avoid riding when the weather is poor or to have alternative options if needed. If the weather changes during the ride, it’s a good idea to pull over and wait for it to clear.Â
Ride Defensively
Motorcyclists will want to ride defensively whenever they’re on the road. This means paying attention to the vehicles around them and acting as if every situation is a potential accident. By paying close attention to what is going on, it’s possible to get out of situations that can be dangerous, such as moving the bike to the side if the person behind them doesn’t appear to be stopping in time for a red light.Â
Keep an Eye on Escape Routes
Motorcyclists should always look for escape routes if they’re needed. If a driver starts to act aggressively, acts like they’re under the influence, or makes poor decisions that put the motorcyclist at risk, they can take the escape route and stay as safe as possible. Taking the escape route and turning around to continue once it’s safe can help prevent accidents.Â
Practice Evasive Maneuvers
Motorcyclists who are aware of the drivers around them may notice a vehicle coming up behind them too fast, switching lanes without looking, or otherwise causing an accident. Motorcyclists should be comfortable with evasive maneuvers and practice them regularly so they can use them on the road to stay out of harm’s way.
These tips can help anyone stay safe when riding. Be sure to look into training lessons and other assistance available to learn more about riding defensively, performing evasive maneuvers if needed, and staying safe on the road.Â