Vital Safety Tips for Every Rider
The riding season is quickly approaching. As we anxiously await its arrival, take a moment to refresh yourself with a few biker safety tips.
Whether it’s before, during, or after your ride, there are several things you can do to help make the road safer for yourself and other motorists.
Before the Ride
Always perform a bike safety check. Check the surfaces of your tires for cuts, foreign objects, and low tread levels.
Monitor your tire pressure with a good gauge to avoid riding on dangerously deflated tires. Maintaining your tires will not only keep you safe on the road, but it will also increase your fuel efficiency while riding.
Next, make sure your lights, turn signals, and horn are in working order, so that others can see and hear you on the road. Monitor your oil, fuel, and coolant levels to prevent your bike from stalling in the middle of your ride.
Before you climb on your bike, put on a helmet, eye protection, a sturdy jacket, and pants made of thick material. And of course, check your brakes to ensure they are functioning properly.
During the Ride
Once you hit the road, be aware of potential hazards, like railroad tracks, road debris, and turning cars. When riding in traffic at speeds lower than 40 mph, keep a two-second gap between you and the car in front you. If riding at a higher speed, you should widen that gap to three or four seconds, depending on your actual speed.
The distance between you and other vehicles becomes even more important as it gets dark. Keep in mind that you can only see what your headlights illuminate, so use extra caution if you have to ride at night.
Drivers opening car doors pose a serious hazard to motorcyclists. Be sure to allow plenty of space between your bike and parked cars.
Even if you only ride during the day, keep your headlights on to make yourself more visible to other motorists. Never position yourself in another vehicle’s blind spot, and check your own blind spot before passing another vehicle.
When carrying a passenger, have them limit their movement and keep conversation to a minimum. If you aren’t used to riding two-up, take into account the extra weight, as it can affect braking, stopping, and turning procedures.
After the Ride
Maintaining your motorcycle will keep your bike in great shape while lowering the chance of safety issues cropping up on future rides. Your owner’s manual should include a regular service schedule—follow it and have check-ups done by an authorized dealer. If you are experiencing problems with your bike, consult your owner’s manual to determine potential causes.
Clean your bike regularly, as dirt and grime can disguise potential hazards. Make sure to check your battery every month. If the battery fluid level is low, you can add distilled water to help maintain its charge.
To help you prepare for your first spring ride, read (and print out) our handy spring ride safety checklist.