Motorbikes are a great mode of transport, and they’re easy to store inside motorcycle sheds. They’re simple to use, easy to navigate, and cheaper than Jeeps, Ford, Toyota, or any other kind of car.
However, as with any type of road vehicle, riding a motorbike comes with risks. There’s no denying that bikes can be less safe than cars, but being sensible on the roads will reduce your risk of accidents and injuries as much as possible.
Below, we’ve got some top tips that will help you to ride your motorbike safely on the roads.
How to Safely Ride a Motorcycle
Unlike when you’re driving a car, you don’t have a protective metal exterior surrounding you when you’re on a motorbike. Because there are just two wheels and they’re harder to spot than cars, motorbikes carry a higher risk of road traffic accidents and collisions.
So, riding your bike with extra caution and skill is vital for keeping you safe on the roads. Follow these important steps to keep you and your bike damage-free.
Wear a helmet
This might sound obvious but you should always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. A sturdy, well-fitted helmet will protect your brain and skull from damage in the event of a collision. In fact, wearing a helmet could be the difference between life and death.
Your helmet shouldn’t obstruct your view but it should cover all of your head. You should get a full-face helmet with a windshield that protects your eyes and face from wind, rain, and dirt.
Leave space between your bike and the vehicle ahead
It’s important for any car or truck driver to leave enough space in between their vehicle and the vehicle in front, and motorcyclists are no different. If the driver ahead needs to rapidly apply their brakes, you’re less likely to crash if you’re not riding close behind them.
Plus, many older motorcycles don’t have the same anti-lock brakes as newer models, so they take a lot longer to stop. No matter how safe the roads seem, avoid tailgating and leave a sensible distance between you and the vehicle in front.
Check the weather before heading out on your bike
Weather conditions can seriously impact your ability to safely ride a motorcycle. Icy roads, torrential rainfall, or heavy snowfall can make it much more difficult to control your bike properly, increasing the risk of road traffic accidents.
Although you can’t always predict the weather conditions 100%, it’s still a good idea to check the weather forecast before you take your bike out for a ride. If the weather suggests sloppy roads, heavy winds, or torrential rain or snow, it’s best to take another mode of transport to get to your destination.
As inconvenient as this might be, it’s much better to be safe than sorry. The last thing you want is to lose control of your bike and cause serious injuries and damage.