We all love to ride out in the street, but we shouldn’t forget about how to ride safely. Here, we are going to discuss how to ride safely.
Investing in a Motorcycle Within Your Riding Ability
When you first start riding, a big decision is identifying what kind of motorcycle fits your needs and experience level. A great first step is to identify your reason for riding. If you plan to commute to work, ride on the weekends, or race on a closed track, having a big touring motorcycle may not be your best bet.
Before you make the investment on a motorcycle, whether new or used, you’ll want to decide on the type of motorcycle you want. There are many options out there and a beginner motorcycle will be where you want to start. Once you’ve identified the type of motorcycle fit for your lifestyle, you’ll want to size yourself and find a motorcycle for your height and size. Your height and body size will determine the safest motorcycle option for you as a new rider getting accustomed to being on two motorized wheels. With your approximate size established, the choices narrow down quickly. Within each type available, some will be a better option for a new rider. Take a look at the safest motorcycle available on the market and learn about what makes them safe.
ATGATT
ATGATT stands for All The Gear, All The Time. As a new rider, ATGATT should be more than a catchy acronym – it needs to be your new mindset. Where motorcycle safety gear is arguably an option to some, as a new rider, it should be a requirement. You’re still new to riding and you need to stay safe as you establish your riding skills. There are a lot of options available for motorcycle-specific safety equipment, and choosing the best gear for you isn’t always an easy task. Some safety staples include:
Riding Defensively
Riding defensively on a motorcycle is a little bit of a game where everyone is out to get you. You need to continually adjust your position within the lane to offer an escape path and keep distance between you and other riders and vehicles. Constantly scan for road debris to maneuver around, and be prepared to take evasive action when the time comes.
Riding According to Your Skills and Ability
Riding a motorcycle is exciting, but don’t allow yourself to go above your ability and current skill level. It’s pretty common to find a good group of riders to join, but sometimes they are far more experienced than a new rider. You don’t have to ride at their level, nor at their speed. They want you to arrive at the checkpoint and final destination safe and sound. Get there at your own speed, even if that means you let them ride ahead while you stay comfortable in your current riding zone.
Maintaining Safe Speed
Finding a safe speed to ride at will take an evaluation of the environment and how quickly you can react. If you’re riding alone on a stretch of the open road, you can probably ride a higher speed. You should have fewer obstacles to worry about, and you have more ability to maneuver and stop if the situation calls for it. If you’re in heavy traffic, you’re probably not able to ride at a high rate of speed. Traffic with other motorists will most likely cause you to slow down and be ready to avoid other vehicles with defensive riding.
