As the warmer weather enters, so do our two-wheeled riders. Not all riders can be heard or seen so it is important to be more aware of the traffic around you.
safewise.com offers a few tips for riders:
- Gear up – dress for the slide, not the ride.
- Stay in the comfort zone – Know your abilities and make sure that neither your chosen route nor motorcycle is more than you can handle, And if you’re riding with a group, don’t push yourself just to keep up with the pack. Always ride to your comfort level, not theirs.
- Inspect your ride – Give your bike a good once-over before hitting the road. Things you should check out every time you get on your motorcycle include tire pressure, mirrors and lights. Taking a quick walk around your bike will give you an idea if there are any loose bolts, leaks or other potential mechanical hazards.
- Use your head – keep cognizant of your surroundings and your position in relationship to those around you, you need to use your head.
- Watch the road – you need to pay attention to the road you are riding on. Err on the side of caution when going into curves; be vigilant for potential gravel or other unstable road conditions. Be careful when crossing rail road tracks because the paint can be slippery—the same goes for the white lines at stoplights.
- Find your happy place – One of the biggest dangers to a rider is getting on your bike in the wrong state of mind. Riding angry, drowsy or distracted can be a recipe for disaster. Don’t drink and ride.
- Know the forecast – weather affects road conditions and the body. Dress appropriately.
- Make sure isn’t a crowd – ensure your passenger knows how to ride and wears the appropriate safety gear.
- Brake for Motorcycles – Just because you’re on a motorcycle doesn’t make it any easier for you to see other motorcycles. Always double-check when changing lanes or turning. You also need to practice braking in all sorts of conditions.
- Spread the love -There’s no denying that motorcycles are often overlooked or regarded as the second-class citizens of the road. As a rider, you have the chance to help make that different. When you’re on the road, always drive as if you are an ambassador for motorcyclists everywhere.
Ride with courtesy, care and awareness that you are representing motorcycles for those around you. Don’t let an urge to prove a point or retaliate against an inconsiderate driver overwhelm your better judgment – after all, that takes away all the joy, which is why you’re riding in the first place.
When all is said and done it boils down to this: wear your gear, know your bike and know your abilities. You can’t control your environment but you can control how you react to it.
