Motorcycle Safety: Essential Tips for a Safer Ride

Looking for motorcycle safety tips? You’re in the right place. I’ve been riding for years, and let me tell you – there’s nothing quite like the freedom of the open road.

But here’s the reality: motorcyclists are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. The stats don’t lie – we’re at higher risk than car drivers. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy motorcycling. It just means we need to be smart about it.

Visibility, proper gear, rider training, and responsible behaviour – these aren’t just suggestions; they’re essential for staying alive on two wheels. Motor vehicle crashes involving motorcycles often result in more severe injuries than other traffic accidents.

Preparing for a Safe Motorcycle Journey

Know Your Motorcycle

First things first – know your bike. Sounds obvious, right? But you’d be surprised how many motorcycle riders don’t fully understand their machine. Read your owner’s manual. All of it. Not just the cool bits.

Take time to feel how your motorcycle handles. How responsive is the throttle? How do the brakes feel? Every bike has its quirks. Get to know yours before you need that knowledge in an emergency.

The Essential Pre-Ride Check

I never skip my pre-ride check. Ever. Here’s my routine:

• Tires: Check pressure and look for adequate tread depth
• Brakes: Test both hand and foot brakes
• Lights: Ensure headlights, indicators, and brake lights work
• Fluids: Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels
• Leaks: Look under the bike for any signs of fluid leaks
• Mirrors: Adjust for maximum visibility

Takes less than 5 minutes and could potentially save lives. Always inspect your bike before every ride – this simple habit dramatically improves motorcycle safety.

Cargo and Passenger Considerations

Carrying stuff? A passenger? Your motorcycle handles differently with extra weight.

For cargo:

• Secure everything properly
• Balance the weight evenly
• Don’t overload your bike

For passengers:

• Adjust the suspension if needed
• Check tire pressure
• Brief your passenger on how to be a good pillion

Proper throttle control becomes even more crucial when carrying additional weight.

Mastering Safe Riding Techniques on the Road

Be Visible

Cars don’t see motorcycles. Accept this harsh truth. So make yourself seen:

• Keep your headlight on – day and night
• Use reflective strips on your bike and gear
• Stay out of blind spots
• Flash your brake light when slowing or stopping
• Wear bright colours and a light-coloured helmet to increase visibility significantly

Yeah, black leather looks cool. But being alive is cooler. Multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes often happen because motorists don’t notice riders until it’s too late.

Dress for Safety: Protective Gear

All The Gear, All The Time (ATGATT). Not just when it’s convenient.

Here’s what you need:

• Helmet: DOT-approved, full-face helmet provides best protection
• Jacket: Leather or textile with armour
• Pants: The Same material as your jacket, not regular jeans
• Boots: Over-the-ankle, sturdy sole
• Gloves: Good grip, protection for palms and knuckles
• Eye protection: Even with a full-face helmet

I’ve seen road rash. Trust me, you don’t want it. Check out some top motorcycle clothing brands for quality protective gear that won’t let you down.

Well-fitted helmets are crucial – they’re the difference between a scary story and a tragic one. DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of fatal injuries significantly.

Apply Effective Mental Strategies: The SEE Method

Riding safely is more mental than physical. I use the SEE method:

• Search: Constantly scan for hazards
• Evaluate: Assess the risk
• Execute: Take action to avoid danger

Give yourself space and time. Give other motorists space and time. Position yourself in the lane to see and be seen. Always use your indicators for turns and lane changes. Ride as if you’re invisible – because to many drivers, you are.

Always have an escape route planned. Motorcyclist safety depends largely on your ability to spot potential dangers before they become actual problems.

Road Awareness and Defensive Riding

Don’t expect others to look out for you. Maintain constant awareness of your surroundings. Scan the road ahead, behind, and to both sides.

At intersections, proceed with extra precautions – that’s where most motorcycle crashes happen. Follow the “two-second rule” for following distance (double it in bad weather). Assume motorcyclists are invisible to car drivers – this mindset can save biker lives.

Obeying Traffic Laws and Riding Responsibly

Know the rules of the road. Follow them. Obey traffic signals, signs, speed limits, and lane markings. Ride with the flow of traffic. Always check blind spots and signals before changing lanes.

Communicate your intentions clearly to other road users. Take extra care when turning left – that’s a high-risk manoeuvre for motorcycle riders. Slow down and maintain control – speed is rarely your friend. Safe behaviors on highways and busy streets require different techniques – master both.

Cornering and Handling Adverse Conditions

Corner within your skill limits. This isn’t MotoGP. Learning proper motorcycle cornering and leaning techniques is crucial for safe riding. Know how to handle:

• Wet roads
• Sandy or gravelly surfaces
• High winds
• Uneven surfaces

Practice these skills in a safe environment before you need them in a real situation. 

Proper braking techniques are especially crucial in adverse conditions. Be extremely careful of the dreaded motorcycle death wobble – a potentially deadly oscillation that can occur at higher speeds.

Ensuring You’re Fit to Ride Safely

Avoid Riding When Tired or Impaired

Fatigue dulls your reflexes and decision-making. If you’re tired, stop and rest. No destination is worth dying for. And alcohol? Absolutely not. Not even a bit.

Alcohol and drugs destroy judgment, coordination, and reaction time – all critical for motorcycle safety. Motor vehicle crash statistics show a significantly higher risk when riding impaired.

Proper Licensing and Training

Get properly licensed. It’s the law, and for good reason. Valid motorcycle licensing and motorcycle-licensing regulations exist to ensure riders have basic competency.

Take a motorcycle safety course. Then take another one. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers excellent rider education programs. Even experienced riders benefit from refresher courses.

Practice emergency braking and swerving in a controlled environment. On-cycle skills tests are designed to ensure that motorcycle operators can handle safety challenges. I do this in an empty car park every few months. Skills fade if you don’t use them. State motorcycle safety programs can help you develop and maintain these critical skills.

How Car Drivers Can Help Keep Motorcyclists Safe

Watch for Motorcycles

Car drivers: We need your help. Be especially aware during spring and summer when more motorcycles are on the road. Remember that motorcycles are smaller and harder to see than cars. Traffic safety is a shared responsibility between all road users.

Yield to Motorcycles

Don’t make quick turns in front of motorcycles. We’re often closer and moving faster than we appear. A motorist doesn’t always accurately judge a motorcycle’s speed and distance.

Look Twice and Save a Life

Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes. At intersections, look twice for motorcycles. It takes one second and could save a life. Fellow bikers—they appreciate your vigilance too.

Be a Responsible and Focused Driver

Keep your vehicle in safe condition. Obey traffic laws. Put the phone down and drive. Never drive impaired. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards exist to protect all road users, including motorcyclists.

Riding Safely: A Shared Responsibility

Motorcycle safety is everyone’s business. For riders, it means skills, protective gear, and mindset. For drivers, it means awareness and consideration. We all share the same roads, and we all want to get home safely.

Stay vigilant, keep learning, and check out the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for more resources. Traffic-related fatalities involving motorcyclists can be reduced through education and awareness. 

According to NHTSA, in the USA alone, motorcycle fatalities in crashes have increased to around 6,000 in 2021, which was the highest since the 2000s. Does that mean we should stop riding? Of course not.

Following these motorcycle safety tips won’t just make you a better rider – they’ll help you be a rider for many years to come. If you’re passionate about motorcycles, consider joining a motorcycle riding group to share experiences and learn from others.

FAQs About Motorcycle Safety

What’s the most important piece of safety gear for a motorcyclist?

Without question, a DOT-approved helmet. Your brain is kind of important, and road surfaces are unforgivingly hard. Wear a quality helmet and eye protection every time you ride.

How often should I practice emergency braking?

At least every few months, especially at the start of riding season if you don’t ride year-round. On-cycle skills tests often include emergency braking because it’s so critical for avoiding a serious motorcycle crash.

Is lane-splitting safe?

It depends on your location (it’s illegal in many places), traffic conditions, and your skill level. Generally, it’s much riskier than staying in your lane. State motor vehicle regulations vary widely on this practice.

What’s the safest lane position for a motorcycle?

There’s no single “safest” position – it depends on the situation. Generally, you want to be in the position where you can see the most, be seen the most, and have the most escape routes.

How can I improve my visibility to other drivers?

Bright clothing, reflective materials, using your headlight at all times, and proper lane positioning all help. Some riders also use accessories like light modulators or additional lighting (where legal). Check out these 5 essential motorcycle accessories that can improve your visibility and safety.

Should I ride in the rain?

If you’re properly equipped and trained, riding in light rain can be reasonably safe. Heavy rain dramatically increases risks, especially if there’s poor visibility or standing water.

What’s the best way to carry a passenger safely?

Make sure they have proper gear, brief them on how to lean with you in turns, tell them to hold onto you or the grab rails, and adjust your riding style to be smoother and more gradual with all inputs.

How do I know if I’m ready to ride in traffic?

When basic motorcycle control (clutch, throttle, brakes, turning) becomes second nature, and you can perform emergency manoeuvres confidently in a controlled environment. An unfamiliar motorcycle requires additional practice before taking it into heavy traffic.

What maintenance should I regularly perform on my motorcycle?

Regular motorcycle maintenance is crucial for safety. This includes checking and changing your engine oil, inspecting spark plugs, and ensuring all components are in good working order.

What safety standard should I look for when buying a motorcycle helmet?

At minimum, ensure it meets the DOT (Department of Transportation) standard. Additional certifications like ECE or Snell provide even more assurance of quality and protection.