7 Motorcycle riding tips

A few tips I’ve learned along the way:

1. Ride like you’re invisible – no matter how bright or reflective your clothing is, you can (and likely will) be in the blind spot of cars. Be prepared!
2. Stay away from cars – yes, it’s much easier said than done, but it’s the truth. If you aren’t following too closely, or being followed too closely, your chances of getting into an accident decrease greatly. Keep your distance from other vehicles to allow yourself time to brake and stop appropriately.
3. Have a plan – when you are in the blind spot of cars / trucks (see #1) you need to know how to maneuver quickly to get out of their way if they start merging into you. Keep your eyes open and always have a plan in the event a car / truck (or even bus) begins to merge into you.
4. Don’t look down – this is probably one of the most basic tips, but one of the most important. When you’re riding keep your eyes up and focused on where you want to be – even if you think you’re going to go down. You and your bike are going to go where your eyes are looking, and if that’s the ground, then that’s where you’ll end up.
5. Be courteous to drivers – I know, I know…why should I be? you ask. Well, because there are still a lot of drivers out there who don’t like motorcyclists and the nicer you are to them (i.e. waving when you split lanes and get in front of them), the more likely they will be to get out of your way and not run you over.
6. Wear proper riding gear – not all states have the DOT approved helmet law, but I think they should. Wearing a helmet that is DOT approved can increase your survival chances when in an accident. Don’t forget proper jacket and foot attire as well. The more protected your body is, the better you’ll be protected if you go down.
7. Only take passengers when you’re comfortable doing so – if you’re a new rider or if you have a bike that isn’t really meant for passengers, work your way up to taking someone with you on the back of your bike. My bike, for example, has a passenger seat. But, it’s far too small to carry me and another adult (hence, one of the reasons I really do need a new bike). And remember – when you take a passenger on your bike you are taking their life in your hands. 

Riding gear – what’s your style?

The gear available for purchase for motorcycle riding is endless these days! From jackets to boots to jeans to helmets…and even t-shirts! You can be extremely stylish these days with all matching gear. Personally, I like the steel toed boots, jeans, and a t-shirt or tank top to ride in (when it’s warm). A nice fitting leather jacket is always nice, too. I have a leather vest I wear during the summer, but a regular riding jacket for when it gets cold. I’m looking for that ‘perfect’ leather jacket…haven’t found it yet, though.

Then there are helmets…an endless assortment of helmets in all shapes, sizes, designs, and colors. Right now I prefer a full helmet (a little safer to ride in), but I’m sure I’ll eventually end up in a half helmet of some kind. I’ve seen all kinds of designs, too. From dragons to skulls to flowers! The one’s that get me are the big, bulky, shiny ones (no offense to anyone who owns one of these – it’s just not something I could ever sport). I’ve seen guys wearing flip flops and shorts. Okay, okay, I admit it…I’ve ridden in shorts before, but never flip flops. Some guys like wearing just tennis shoes, and I’ve seen plenty of chicks wearing the high-heeled boots (ouch!).

Whatever your riding gear style, please make sure you’re safe out there!