How to Incorporate Safety Into Riding a Motorcycle

Motorcycles offer an alternate means of transportation that is heralded for being faster than bicycles, and more economical than cars. But there are important factors to using them effectively and wisely.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. A rider-training course teaches new motorcycle owners safe and skillful operation. Owing to the limited surrounding protection, motorcycle riders need to be more careful, especially at intersections--where the National Highway Traffic Safety Association says most motorcycle/vehicle collisions occur.
   
   The greatest problem riders encounter is lack of visibility in traffic. The best facet for motorcyclists is anticipating other vehicles, and excellent observation skills. That includes potential obstacles in driveways, alleys, limited visibility due to bad weather, slippery surfaces and roadway hindrances.
   
   The helmet needs to be a critically important part of the motorcyclist’s transit experience. Protective clothing--against injury and the elements--can never be underestimated, and it should be reflective and bright for visibility. That includes gloves, shoes and clothes that ably cover the arms and legs--and goggles that protect your vision when the wind causes eyes to tear up and blur.
   
   Even if the bike has a windshield, eye cover is recommended, and should not be tinted--especially due to affecting night vision. Leather boots are best for feet and nothing with dangling laces should be worn.

2. What a car offers in the way of size and weight, security and extra features for stable ease and protection, a motorcycle offers in adeptness, flexibility, and quicker braking and stops.
   
   While half of all fatal motorcycle/vehicle crashes involve alcohol, operating the cycle requires more skill than a car and using any alcohol significantly reduces the driver’s responses. Fully one-third of all accidents reveal that the bikers killed are either unlicensed or not fully licensed.

3. Bikes should be chosen for the following attributes: function and comfort, the ability for the driver to touch both feet to the ground while stopped, a passenger seat and footrests if you will be transporting someone else, and easy accessibility to all controls.
   
   Only the power needed should be selected, as well as the bike that can be handled safely. But, if a smaller bike is opted for, it also may fail to supply the power and speed for some functions, particularly for long distances.
   
   Highway bikes shouldn’t be picked for off-road activity, nor should trail bikes for highway use. Differences in tires and suspensions will affect its subsequent effectiveness, but if dual use is called for, there are combination bikes to meet those.
   
   Bikes require different talents for safe manipulation than cars. Operators should never ride without eye protection and a certified helmet--one that is approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation--and know their owner’s manual through-and-through.
   
   All bikers should attend training classes. They discuss applicable laws as well as insights and knowledge that isn’t attainable if you learn on your own or with a friend. Practice in a vacant parking lot or deserted roads should follow. Avoid carrying passengers until you know the bike well and have good control over it. Concentrate on balance, shifting, stopping and making turns.
   
   Carry the owner’s manual while riding, and provide normal maintenance checks on the bike’s parts as noted by the manufacturer.

Tips & Warnings

• Take refresher courses from time to time on road and bike safety.
• Treat other motorists with courtesy and respect.
• Avoid tailgating.
• Avoid riding between lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic.
• Know and obey traffic laws, including ordinances in your community.
• Avoid excessive noise by leaving the stock muffler in place or using a muffler of equivalent noise reduction.
• Use signals when appropriate.

[Clem-Media]

on 11/16/2008 SO true. And those injuries write an entire new pain chapter, too!

Thanks!

[savemoneycenter]

on 11/16/2008 I have seen some real idiots on bikes as well as in cars also, your tips on wearing the right clothing is essential, it only takes a second to wipe out. A pair of shorts and a t-shirt offers little protection to pavement and curbs, helmets are essential even if they mess up your doo!

[Clem-Media]

on 10/19/2008 Thanks. This can be so dangerous unless people are cautious.

[mojoworkin]

on 10/17/2008 Good information. Making sure your bike and equipment are in good shape is a must..Broke my collar bone because I had bald ties on wet asphalt..ouch! lol

[amylaine]

on 10/17/2008 This is a must. thanks for a great article.