Motorcyclists’ fatalities in the UK decreased by 51 percent between 2004 and 2020.
However, this doesn’t mean that riding a motorcycle is 100 percent safe. You still need to adhere to different safety guidelines as motorcycle accidents are fatal. And that most people are reluctant to buy a motorcycle despite having a deep desire.
So, how can you overcome this fear?
To help you out, here are eight important safety tips for riding a motorcycle.
1. Enrol For A Motorcycle Safety Course
After buying a new motorcycle, you’re eager to get it out to the road as soon as possible. However, it’s wise first to take a motorcycle safety course. You want to learn the key things to observe when riding a motorcycle from the experts.
Taking this course will help you build good judgment and the right motorcycle riding skills. You’ll learn how to control the impulse to over speed when riding a motorbike. Also, this course will help you know the common causes of motorcycle accidents and how to prevent them.
2. Invest In The Right Protective Motorcycle Gear
You need to buy the right motorcycle gear to enhance safety when riding. On top of getting a helmet, buy a leather jacket and non-slip gloves. Also, over the ankle boots and leather pants.
These items will enhance your comfort when riding a motorbike and shield you from adverse weather conditions. Also, items such as the leather jacket will help you minimize injuries in case of an accident. That’s why you need to look for resources that guide you on the best leather jacket to purchase for motorcycle riding.
3. Regularly Inspect Your Motorbike
Although it sounds obvious, many motorcyclists often forget to inspect their motorbikes. And that’s why they ride motorcycles with defective parts, which magnifies the risk of accidents. You need to inspect and maintain your motorcycle to curb this danger regularly.
The idea is to repair and replace worn-out parts such as motorcycle tyres. You want to ensure your motorbike is in good condition before taking it out for a ride. If you’re not sure the best way to repair or replace damaged motorcycle parts yourself, consider professional help.
4. Never Ride Drunk Or When Tired
Despite numerous campaigns against drunk driving, many people still do it. These motorists are often in denial about their intoxication levels. And that’s why despite feeling a bit tipsy, they still decide to ride a motorbike.
Others decide to go on a motorbike road tour and keep riding all night and day without taking enough breaks. Fatigue and intoxication affect these motorcyclists’ judgment and reaction times. And that’s why these motorcyclists, in many instances, end up crashing.
You should avoid riding a motorcycle when drunk or feeling tired to mitigate these risks.
5. Always Observe Traffic Rules
Most movies and TV shows portray bikers are rebels who ignore all traffic rules. Some people assume all bikers behave like this in real life. So, when these people buy a motorcycle, they assume they don’t need to follow traffic rules.
Sadly ignoring traffic rules only magnifies the risk of an accident. You become a menace on the road, posing a risk to yourself and other road users. Preventing accidents requires learning the traffic rules and observing them.
6. Join A Motorcycle Riding Group
Although you know how to ride a motorcycle, this doesn’t make you a biker. You need the experience to become a great biker and learn how to prevent accidents. However, it’s an uphill task learning all these things alone.
That’s why you should consider becoming part of a reputable bikers group. The idea is to ride together with these bikers learning from them practical safety tips. Also, riding motorcycles as a group increase your command on the road minimizing the risk of an accident.
So, as you plan to buy a motorcycle, start searching for a bikers club in your local area.
7. Consider An Advanced Motorcycle Riding Class
If you’re planning to take long motorcycle trips, then you need to consider an advanced motorcycle riding class. You want to get training on how to bike on different types of roads. Also, you’re seeking collision avoidance and motorcycle maneuvering training.
The goal is to know the best ways to respond in various situations, thereby preventing accidents. Also, you’re seeking tips on the safe distance to maintain between yourself and other vehicles on the road.
8. Always Check The Weather And Weather Forecast
Before taking out your motorcycle for a ride, you need to check the weather. You want to be sure the weather is conducive enough for safe motorcycle riding. Also, check the weather forecasts before taking a long motorcycle tour.
Look for reliable channels that share accurate weather forecasts. You want to get insights on the best times to go out biking.
Have A Great Experience Riding A Motorcycle By Observing The Right Safety Tips
To have fun riding a motorcycle, you need to observe the above safety tips. Consider taking an advanced motorcycle riding class to enrich your skills. Also, always remember to check weather forecasts and inspect your motorcycle before a ride.
The idea is to ensure your motorbike is in good condition and take it out for a ride when the weather is conducive. The other thing is to consider joining a bikers club to have got safety tips from experienced motorcyclists.
Please check out our other articles for more motorcycle repairs and maintenance tips.