QUICK TIPS: General Guidelines For Riding A Motorcycle Safely

 



1. • Remember that motorists often have trouble seeing motorcycles and reacting in time.
   

   Dress for safety:

   
   
   
   
   

    

   
   
   
   
   • • Wear a quality helmet and eye protection.
     

     Apply effective mental strategies:

     
     
     
     
     

      

     
     
     
     
     • • Constantly search the road for changing conditions. Use MSF’s Search, Evaluate, Execute strategy (SEESM) to increase time and space safety margins.
       

       Know your bike and how to use it:

       
       
       
       

        

       
       
       

        

       
       
       
       
       • • Get formal training and take refresher courses. RiderCourseSM nearest you.
         

         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.

         
         
         

         www.msf-usa.org 10/06

         
         
       
       
       
       

        

       
       

        

       
       
       
       
       • • Call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org to locate the Motorcycle Safety Foundation hands-on
       
       
       
       

        

       
       

        

       
       
       
       
       • • 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.
       
       
       
       

        

       
       
     
     
     
     

      

     
     

      

     
     
     
     
     • • 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.
     
     
     
     

      

     
     
   
   
   
   

    

   
   

    

   
   
   
   
   • • 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.
   
   
   
   

    

   
   



 




 



2. • Make sure your headlight works and is on day and night.



 




 



3. • Use reflective strips or decals on your clothing and on your motorcycle.



 




 



4. • Be aware of the blind spots cars and trucks have.



 




 



5. • Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.



 




 



6. • If a motorist doesn’t see you, don’t be afraid to use your horn.



 

Motorcycle Safety Foundation