How to Safely Ride a Motorcycle in Heavy Traffic

Driving in heavy traffic can be easier for motorcyclists than it is for other motorists, but it can also be more dangerous. Take the following precautions to heart.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Motorcycle Oil Cooler
• Motorcycle Gloves
• Motorcycle Jacket
• Motorcycle Pants
• Motorcycle Insurance
• Roadside Emergency Cards
• Eye Protection For Motorcycle Riders
• Federally Approved Motorcycle Helmets
• Cellular Phones

1. Stay out of other motorists' blind spots. Motorcyclists always need to assume they're invisible to everyone else.

2. Refrain from weaving in and out of traffic, since drivers cannot predict where you're going to be next and might even get nervous and swerve into you.

3. Look through the back windows and windshields of cars in front of you, and double-check the passing lane before you pass. Pass only in instances where it's legal and safe.

4. Remember that "white lining it," or passing other motorists in their own lanes, is not recommended for beginning riders. Indeed, California is the only state where this is even legal.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your distance from the tailpipe of the car in front of you to help prevent an air-cooled bike from overheating in stop-and-go traffic. You might also consider investing in an oil cooler.
• Always carry a cellular telephone and a roadside emergency card in case your cycle breaks down or you get into an accident.
• "Always leave yourself an out in case traffic comes to an abrupt halt," warns Lee Parks, editor of Motorcycle Consumer News. "Don't follow too closely behind large cars or trucks where you can't see road hazards until it's too late."
• Motorcycling is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

on 2/14/2006 An alarming percentage of motorcycle fatalities occur when a driver makes a left into the rider's path. For whatever reason, people tend to look right before making a left into traffic. Never trust anyone making a left across your lane, odds are they don't see you. Also, just because you don't see a turn signal, don't assume they are making a right (I think turn signals and mirrors must be optional equipment on most cars and nearly all SUVs). Don't be somebody that 'someone once knew' who rode a motorcycle. Ride smart.

on 11/22/2005 When riding in heavy traffic on a highway, try to stay toward the center of the lane; this allows other traffic to see you more easily. Remember, riding to close to the edge of the lane may cause motorists to think you may not need the whole lane and try to share it with you.

on 11/22/2005 One way to help yourself react more quickly to heavy and/or unpredictable traffic is to "cover" the clutch and brake levers with the 4 fingers of each hand. This keeps you poised to react and cuts down reaction time. Downshifting can also help.

on 11/22/2005 Stopped cars will tend to try to jump into moving lanes. They may not see you. Try to stay away from them.