Tips for Safe Motorcycle City Rides
Motorcycles offer a great way to get around the city. But they also bring safety risks, from the lack of a protective enclosure to the high amount of distracted drivers on the road. Use the following tips to help ensure a safe and successful city ride. For more safety advice or to shop motorcycles for sale, visit BMW Motorrad of Santa Maria. Our dealership is located in Santa Maria, California, and we also serve those throughout Santa Maria, California.
Be Visible
Make sure other motorists can see you, especially when changing speed or direction. This will help cut down on the risk of an accident.
It starts with the proper lighting. Check that your motorcycle's lights are all bright and clearly visible. Replace any bulbs that burnt out.
Next, dress yourself in bright colors. Wear brightly colored clothing, such as a neon orange safety vest. The dark leather aesthetic looks great, but it makes motorcycle riders harder to spot. Wear eye-catching colors to help ensure you are seen.
Finally, consider supplementing with reflective material. This can involve purchasing riding apparel with reflective elements or adding reflective material to your motorcycle gear, such as your helmet.
Always Be Scanning
Keep your eyes peeled for what's coming next. Watch the road ahead and the lanes to your sides. Be on the lookout for suddenly stopped vehicles, an animal darting into the road, and other hazards. The sooner you spot the obstacle, the more time you will have to make an action plan and try to avoid a collision.
Be Aware of Surface Conditions
The road's surface can change with every motorcycle ride. Pay attention to your surroundings and scope out the road conditions. If it recently rained, for example, there could be slick spots on the road or puddles that are deeper than they seem. When the weather has affected road conditions, reduce your speed accordingly.
Stay In the Open
Avoid crowing among fellow motorcycle riders or other vehicles. As much as possible, stay away from other motorists. The more space you have between yourself and others, the more time you will have to react to a sudden hazard and help avoid an accident.
Make Your Moves Clear Far In Advance
Try to avoid short-notice lane changes, turns, and stops as much as possible. Remember that many of the drivers on the road are unfortunately driving distracted. Signal your next maneuver in advance and make sure you are seen before moving.
Want more safety advice? Looking to shop motorcycles for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at BMW Motorrad of Santa Maria are here for you. Our staff has over 270 combined years of experience and are happy to help. Contact us or stop by our dealership in Santa Maria, California. We proudly serve those in Santa Maria county as well.