Wear Protective Riding Gear

A helmet is the most important piece of gear to wear when riding a motorcycle, as it can prevent serious head injuries. Additionally, wearing protective clothing like motorcycle jackets and pants can help prevent road rash in case of an accident. Thanks to advances in impact protection like the new D3O CE Level 2 armor that becomes more dense the harder you hit it, today’s riding gear makes avoiding injury as easy as making sure you wear your riding gear every time you ride…even if it’s just down the street for a quick cup of coffee.

Motorcycle Safety — Photo by Gijs Coolen on Unsplash

Obey Traffic Laws

Motorcycle are supremely manuverable, so sometimes it’s hard to see the problem with taking a few liberties as it relates to traffic laws. But it only takes a small judgement in error to increase the risk of an accident. Following posted signs and signals is a great strategy so you don’t have to figure out if it’s safe to make that U-Turn right now. Following the rules of the road is a simple way to arrive safe and sound every time.

Increase Your Visibility

Drivers of other vehicles often have difficulty seeing motorcycles, so it's important to make yourself as visible as possible. Adding auxiliary brake lights or headlights, like the Denali lights pictured below, can help you see better in low-light conditions and help others see you more easily. Wearing light-colored gear and choosing light-colored accessories like brightly colored soft luggage can also help increase your visibility.

Avoid Blind Spots

Stay out of other drivers' blind spots whenever possible, as they may not see you and can and often do change lanes without warning putting you in harms way if you’re not quick to react. Pass other vehicles quickly and don't linger in their blind spots.

Maintain Your Motorcycle

Regularly check your motorcycle's brakes, tires, lights, and other components to make sure they are in good working order. This can help prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures. And reduce difficulties when you need to react quickly by improving stopping distances and maximizing your available traction and manuverabilty.

Stay Alert

Riding a motorcycle requires focus and concentration, so it's important to stay alert and avoid distractions. And while communicators are great at providing audible GpS guidance when you need it, they also make it possible to listen to your phone. It is always advisable to limit your use of your cell phone while riding and don't listen to music at high volumes, as this can make it difficult to hear traffic noise. It is also a lot easier to stay alert if you are not tired. So, if you’ve been on the road too long, take a break to stretch your legs or grab a snack during a long ride to recharge your focus.

Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

Motorcycle safety courses can teach you valuable skills like how to handle your motorcycle in different weather conditions and how to react in emergency situations. These courses can also help improve your confidence and overall riding ability. Making mistakes during training is much better than making mistakes out on the road. For ADV riders, off road skills courses are widely avaialbe and help you adapt to the unique challenges of off road riding.

Brightly Colored Safety Vest

There is a reason that major manufacturers insist that demonstration rides are lead by group leaders wearing safety vests…They work! A brightly colored safety vest can increase your visibility to other drivers especially in low-light, bad weather, or high-traffic situations. These can be worn over your regular riding gear for added visibility. Thanks to the ever growing popularity of our sport the choices are numerous. There is sure to be a style and color that suits you.

Ride in Blocking Position

Yes, you learned it in basic rider training. Riding in blocking position means positioning yourself in a way that blocks other vehicles from passing you on either side, which can help keep everyone stay safe. Similarly, riding in an alternating staggered position when riding in a group is the safest way to ride. This is particularly useful when riding with inexperienced riders, reducing that someone will run up on your rear wheel. Remember of course that the first and the last bike should always be in blocking postion even if the last bike is not staggered as a result.

Keep Both Hands on Your Bars

Keeping both hands on your handlebars at all times is important for maintaining control of your motorcycle. It allows you to quickly react to unexpected situations, like potholes or sudden stops. As someone who has replace a front wheel thanks to a pothole, I can attest to how quickly you might need both hands to successfully survive the next little surprise unscathed.

Keep Two Fingers on Your Levers

Keeping two fingers on your brake and clutch levers at all times is important for quickly reacting to potential hazards. This allows you to quickly engage your brakes and disengage the motor for the best possible stopping distances. Some riders will tell you to squeeze the brake lever slightly but too much pressure and now you have a different problem. I would error on the side of caution with that advise.

Practice defensive riding

Defensive riding means being aware of potential hazards and anticipating other drivers' actions. Always leave enough space between you and other vehicles, so you’re prepared to react quickly if needed. Commonly referred to as the “two second rule”, choose any spot on the road and count two full seconds between the vehicle ahead and your front wheel. Another key component of defensive driving is give up the right of way. Giving up the right of way whenever possible means allowing other drivers to go first, particularly in situations where it's not clear who should go. This can help prevent accidents caused by confusion or miscommunication. And who knows, you might just give motorcyclist a good name with your politeness.

Avoid wearing laces

Avoiding wearing shoes with laces can help prevent them from getting caught in your motorcycle's gears or controls. Instead, wear shoes with zippers or buckles. The number of dedicated motorcycle boots on the market grows everyday. You should have no problem finding a boot with more protection than your everyday walkers, while still providing you with the style and function you need.

Stay off the center of the lane

Staying off the center of the lane can help you avoid oil drips, which can reduce your bikes traction dramatically, and be hazardous to your safety. Instead, ride on the left or right side of the lane, which tends to be cleaner. This is especially true at intersections and parking spots.

It’s all about choices

Motorcycles are exciting and fun. As riders we get to experience travel in a uniquely satisfying way, full of sites, smells and sounds that are unmatched by any four wheel vehicle. With a little preparation and thoughtful choices, we can be safer while experiencing everything our sport has to offer.

Top Strategies for Safer Riding