Safety tips - General Guidelines for Riding a Motorcycle Safely

General Guidelines for Riding a Motorcycle Safely
June 2010 by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Be visible:

• Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.
• Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.
• Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have.
• Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.
• If a motorist doesn't see you, don't be afraid to use your horn.

Dress for safety:

• Wear a quality helmet and eye protection.
• Wear bright clothing and a light-colored helmet.
• Wear leather or other thick, protective clothing.
• Choose long sleeves and pants, over-the-ankle boots, and gloves.
• Remember - the only thing between you and the road is your protective gear.

Apply effective mental strategies:

• Constantly search the road for changing conditions.  Use MSF's Search, Evaluate, Execute strategy (SEE) to increase time and space safety margins.
• Give yourself space and time to respond to other motorists' actions.
• Give other motorists time and space to respond to you.
• Use lane positioning to be seen; ride in the part of a lane where you are most visible.
• Watch for turning vehicles.
• Signal your next move in advance.
• Avoid weaving between lanes.
• Pretend you're invisible, and ride extra defensively.
• Don't ride when you are tired or under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
• Know and follow the rules of the road, and stick to the speed limit.

Know your bike and how to use it:

• Get formal training and take refresher courses.
• Practice.  Develop your riding techniques before going into heavy traffic.  Know how to handle your bike in conditions such as wet or sandy roads, high winds, and uneven surfaces.

Remember:  Give yourself space.  People driving cars often just don't see motorcycles.  Even when drivers do see you, chances are they've never been on a motorcycle and can't properly judge your speed.