Motorcycles are one of the coolest rides you can find, though they are not the safest. For many riders, that’s part of the bargain that makes the ride exciting—taking risks and surpassing them makes every riding experience ultimately rewarding.
Motorcycle touring is a popular hobby for motorcycle enthusiasts. Unlike any regular motorcycle, touring motorcycles are optimized for longer travel, and riders practice special techniques that will make them survive when stranded in unfamiliar areas. Like backpackers, they do travel planning, learn finding food, camping, and finding fuel in remote areas.
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If you are a newbie in motorcycle riding, you might are excited to join rallies and tour with your bike. However, before learning touring, you have to start with the basic—and that is to master safety when you are riding in public roads.
Here are some tips to keep a safe and more enjoyable riding experience:
Safety Tip #1: Take a motorcycle safety course.
In most states in the US, if you are going to get a motorcycle license, you have to take the skills test first. Though there are countries that do not require riders to do that, or even your state does not require you to take a motorcycle safety course, you should. The class will teach you about standard safety practices, motorcycle maintenance tips, the traffic laws that apply in your state, how to respond in emergency situations with your bike, and gives you a chance to practice your skills in a controlled environment.
Safety Tip #2: Wear motorcycle gears.
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Wearing a protective motorcycle gear is part of the basics in riding. Gears serve as the rider’s primary covering from head to foot that helps reduce the risk of fatality when an accident happens.
Safety Tip #3: Do not be overconfident.
Riding a motorcycle is a skill, and like any other skill, it takes time, practice, and patience to develop. To stay safe especially if you are a newbie, ride within the level of your skills. Being too overconfident and trying to adapt the riding style of your friends who are more experienced can jeopardize your safety.
Safety Tip #4: Avoid road distractions.
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Whether you are driving a car or riding a bike, distracted driving can bring big-time danger. One of the keys to survive in a ride is to be hyper-aware of what is going on around you as you travel. Because bikes are smaller than other vehicles, motorcycles can be a bit difficult for other drivers to see. It is your responsibility to stay visible at all times. To avoid distraction, turn off your phone before riding your bike and better not wear that headphone while you travel. If you have to send an important message or call, make a stop and resume driving once you are done..
Safety Tip #5: Leave enough stopping distances.
One of the biggest mistakes riders commit is not leaving enough distance between vehicles in front. Leaving a generous distance and keeping an escape route open is very essential to prevent accidents, especially when you cannot make a stop in time.
Safety Tip #6: Understand the risk of the ride.
Motorcycles can travel as fast as cars do; however, it lack the safety features that many riders take for granted. A motorcycle does not have an exterior frame to absorb the forces brought by collision or a crash, so it is obvious that the impact can be directed to the bike and the rider.
The good thing is that riding a motorcycle does not require motorcyclists to always cheat on death. Though these two-wheel rides are less safe than cars, there are many ways riders can do to keep their life safe, as well as the people who are using the road.
Whether you are driving a car or a motorcycle, be very particular when it regards to safety. It is also worth noting that when you are traveling in another country, you have to be aware of its traffic rules. Being a foreigner does not excuse you from the law, nor will excuse you from the danger.
Ride safe and travel safe!
