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Superior Chapter Marquette MI #1523

Safe Riding Tips

(Reprinted with copyright permission of the MSF)

Motorcycling is a fun, exciting and practical way to get around. But, like any other activity, it has risks. The reality is that you are exposed and vulnerable; it is up to you to avoid accidents and injury. Risk - and how you treat it - is what safe cycling is all about. To help you reduce and manage risk, use the following tips as a guide:

1. Know your skills. Take a beginning or experienced RiderCourse from a Motorcycle Safety Foundation recognized training center. Call 1-800-446-9227 for the RiderCourse nearest you. The more you know, the better rider you become!

2. Know the rules of the road and respect other road users. Don’t forget, riding is a privilege. Get yourself and your motorcycle properly licensed; get insurance if required. Know the limits of your skills, your motorcycle, and the road conditions so you don’t ride over your head.

3. Ride with the right gear. A helmet, eye protection, sturdy jacket, pants boots, and gloves are your best defense against accident injury. It can happen to you!

4. Ride aware. A car turning left across your path is the most frequent accident. Three-fourths of motorcycle accidents involve collisions with other vehicles, the majority caused by the other driver. Intersections can be bad spots, so slow down and be prepared to react. We repeat: It can happen to you!

5. Ride to survive. Be seen and not hit. You aren’t as big as a Mack truck, but you can attract attention. Wear bright clothing, use your headlight and bright colored fairings, select a lane and a position within a lane to be seen, avoid rapid lane changes, and keep looking around - you don’t need surprises!

6. Ride straight. Alcohol and other drugs do not let you think clearly or make sound judgments. Up to 45% of all fatal motorcycle accidents involve alcohol.

7. Keep a safe bike. Know your owner’s manual, follow recommended service schedules, and have repairs made by an authorized dealer. Always check your bike’s tires, suspension and controls before riding.

8. Share a safe ride. Company is nice. Some company weights 100 pounds; other company weighs more. All weight affects handling. Having someone on the back is a big responsibility. Instruct them on proper riding technique and protective gear.

Now, take responsibility for your riding, learn more ... and go enjoy yourself.

Other Tips for Touring

Always carry your H.O.G.® Touring Handbook

When in a tight curve, the rider on the outside of the curve should give room to the rider on the inside. This prevents excessive crowding if the curve is too tight

Use the buddy system when riding. If your buddy has trouble and must pull out of the group, pull off the road with him or her and offer any assistance you can

Keep a safe distance behind the bike in front of you. Know the stopping distance of your motorcycle

Try to maintain a constant speed. Don’t "rubber band," or speed up and slow down

Be aware of openings as you ride so that you will have some place to maneuver in case of an emergency. Also, be aware of the riders around you, especially the one to your side, and give each other as much room as possible

Always try to keep the pack tight without crowding each other. Stay close through intersections and traffic lights so that the group doesn’t become separated. Remember that some riders in the group may not know where they are going and could end up "leading" the remainder of the pack with no idea how to reach their destination

If there is a vehicle that needs to get onto the freeway, let that vehicle through and close the gap

Never ride in someone’s blind spot

Remember, you’re not safe from lightning on your bike