7 Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips
Whether you're a seasoned motorcycle rider or new to the biker world, safety is of utmost importance when you hit the road. While cars and trucks need to be aware of their surroundings and watch out for motorcycles, there are some things motorcyclists can do to stay safe on the road themselves. Here are a few safety tips from Lake Bikefest for you to think about next time you jump on your bike:
No matter how short your trip may be. It's always important to wear a helmet. According to government studies, riders without a helmet are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash and are 3 times more likely to suffer brain injuries than those with helmets. Don't risk it - just put it on.
In addition to a helmet, you want to make sure you're wearing proper clothing for a bike ride. A t-shirt and sandals are just a recipe for disaster when it comes to riding a motorcycle. Instead, choose clothing that will protect you from wind chill, flying bugs and debris, and even road rash if you should slide out. For the best protection, go for a leather or reinforced jacket, gloves, full pants and over-the-ankle footwear, such as a good pair of boots. You should also consider gear with bright colors to make sure other people on the road can see you.
In collisions involving a motorcycle and a car, car drivers are at fault 60% of the time. For this reason, it's important that motorcyclists drive defensively. Keep an eye out for cars suddenly changing lanes or pulling out from side streets. Don't tailgate; keeping a safe following distance is critical, both to ensure you have enough stopping distance and so you have time to react to obstacles on the road. An object that's easily straddled by a car could be extremely dangerous to someone on a motorcycle.
Not only does rain cut your visibility, but it reduces your tire traction, which can make cornering tricky. If you must ride in the rain, avoid making sudden maneuvers. Be especially gentle with the brakes, throttle and steering to avoid sliding. When riding in strong winds, be proactive in anticipating the potential push from the side by moving to the side of the lane the wind is coming from. This will give you some leeway in the lane should a gust of wind nudge you.
Just like with your car, motorcycles should be checked over before you head out on a trip. Before you hit the road, do a quick walk-around to make sure your lights, horn and directional signals are all working properly. You should also check the chain, belt, or shaft and the brakes. Inspect your tires for wear and make sure they're properly inflated. Worn-out brakes and improperly inflated tires are among the most common safety risks to motorcyclists.
Motorcycles have less contact with the ground than other vehicles, making it a lot easier to slide or lose traction. If you're on a motorcycle, avoid sand, wet leaves or pebbles to prevent your bike from sliding unexpectedly. Bumps and potholes that are barely noticeable in a car are a lot different when on a bike, and can be very dangerous. If you can't avoid them, be sure to slow down as much as possible. Railroad tracks and other hazards should be approached as close to a right angle as possible to reduce the chances of skidding.
While drinking and driving is obviously not a good idea, driving when tired can be just as dangerous. Fatigue and drowsiness can impair your ability to react, so make sure that you are well rested when you hit the road. In addition, it's a good idea to stoop every 75-125 miles to walk around, stretch and refresh yourself and your brain.
By following these tips, you're sure to experience a safer trip. Whether you're driving across town to meet a friend or venturing out on a long trip, Lake Bikefest wants to help you make sure to arrive safely. We'll see you here at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks this September 15-18 for one of the best biker rallies in Missouri! Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest 2016 is one event you won't want to miss!
1. Wear a Helmet.
No matter how short your trip may be. It's always important to wear a helmet. According to government studies, riders without a helmet are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash and are 3 times more likely to suffer brain injuries than those with helmets. Don't risk it - just put it on.
2. Choose the Right Gear.
In addition to a helmet, you want to make sure you're wearing proper clothing for a bike ride. A t-shirt and sandals are just a recipe for disaster when it comes to riding a motorcycle. Instead, choose clothing that will protect you from wind chill, flying bugs and debris, and even road rash if you should slide out. For the best protection, go for a leather or reinforced jacket, gloves, full pants and over-the-ankle footwear, such as a good pair of boots. You should also consider gear with bright colors to make sure other people on the road can see you.
3. Drive Defensively.
In collisions involving a motorcycle and a car, car drivers are at fault 60% of the time. For this reason, it's important that motorcyclists drive defensively. Keep an eye out for cars suddenly changing lanes or pulling out from side streets. Don't tailgate; keeping a safe following distance is critical, both to ensure you have enough stopping distance and so you have time to react to obstacles on the road. An object that's easily straddled by a car could be extremely dangerous to someone on a motorcycle.
4. Avoid Bad Weather.
Not only does rain cut your visibility, but it reduces your tire traction, which can make cornering tricky. If you must ride in the rain, avoid making sudden maneuvers. Be especially gentle with the brakes, throttle and steering to avoid sliding. When riding in strong winds, be proactive in anticipating the potential push from the side by moving to the side of the lane the wind is coming from. This will give you some leeway in the lane should a gust of wind nudge you.
5. Do Routine Maintenance Checks.
Just like with your car, motorcycles should be checked over before you head out on a trip. Before you hit the road, do a quick walk-around to make sure your lights, horn and directional signals are all working properly. You should also check the chain, belt, or shaft and the brakes. Inspect your tires for wear and make sure they're properly inflated. Worn-out brakes and improperly inflated tires are among the most common safety risks to motorcyclists.
6. Watch for Road Hazards.
Motorcycles have less contact with the ground than other vehicles, making it a lot easier to slide or lose traction. If you're on a motorcycle, avoid sand, wet leaves or pebbles to prevent your bike from sliding unexpectedly. Bumps and potholes that are barely noticeable in a car are a lot different when on a bike, and can be very dangerous. If you can't avoid them, be sure to slow down as much as possible. Railroad tracks and other hazards should be approached as close to a right angle as possible to reduce the chances of skidding.
7. Don't Drive Tired or Intoxicated.
While drinking and driving is obviously not a good idea, driving when tired can be just as dangerous. Fatigue and drowsiness can impair your ability to react, so make sure that you are well rested when you hit the road. In addition, it's a good idea to stoop every 75-125 miles to walk around, stretch and refresh yourself and your brain.
By following these tips, you're sure to experience a safer trip. Whether you're driving across town to meet a friend or venturing out on a long trip, Lake Bikefest wants to help you make sure to arrive safely. We'll see you here at the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks this September 15-18 for one of the best biker rallies in Missouri! Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest 2016 is one event you won't want to miss!
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