Safe City Riding Tips for Motorcyclists

In many ways, motorcycles are perfect for big cities. Like bicycles, they are slim enough to maneuver around traffic and fit into smaller parking spaces. Like cars, they have motors to allow the rider to get to their destinations faster and with less effort. However, riding a motorcycle in the city can be risky if proper safety precautions are not taken. At Pensacola Motorsports, we want our customers to be safe when they ride, which is why we have put together this information on safe city riding.

1. Be Visible

A leather jacket is standard apparel for most bikers. However, dark clothing can make you less visible to other motorists. This gives them less time to notice and react to your presence, increasing the chances of an accident occurring. If you are riding your motorcycle at night, consider adding some reflective tape or other reflective material to your bike or your gear so that others can see you. You should never ride at night with a broken headlight as this is both illegal and extremely dangerous. 

2. Stay Out in the Open

While sometimes road congestion means it just isn’t possible, try to stay out in the open whenever you can and watch for other motorists making any sudden maneuvers. Giving yourself as much space reduces the chances of a collision, so don’t get boxed in, and always make sure that you are following the vehicle in front of you at a safe distance. 

3. Scan Ahead

Safe driving is all about planning ahead and making your plans clear to others. Make sure that you are watching your sides as well as the road ahead. Use your mirrors to cover for any blindspots and signal before you turn. Make sure to stay aware of the positions of the vehicles around you, paying close attention to their signals as well.

4. Seek a Way Out

If a car suddenly pulls out or makes a sharp stop, you will have to react appropriately. However, hard braking on a motorcycle is dangerous, and can even result in you being thrown from your bike. Instead, use your maneuverability to avoid being hit. Many collisions can be avoided by accelerating or swerving out of the way. However, if an accident is unavoidable it will likely be safer to engage the brakes to reduce your speed as much as possible.

5. Watch the Left

In countries like the US where people drive on the right side of the road, you should pay attention to what is coming at you from the left. That means both watching the left lanes and being especially careful when making left turns. Always do a head check when changing lanes to make sure you don’t miss a vehicle because it was in a blind spot in your mirror!

6. Beware Surface Conditions

There are all kinds of road conditions that can make safe riding more difficult. Weather is a major one, as precipitation makes the road slicker whether it takes the form of rain or snow. You should watch out for loose gravel, oil slicks, or wet leaves as well. These conditions often make stopping more difficult, so you should break earlier to compensate.

7. Don’t Be Aggressive

Road rage is sadly common on our streets and highways. Aggressive riding behavior like sneaking between cars, swerving lanes, and riding the shoulder all show a wilful disregard for safety that will distress and anger others. Follow proper motorist etiquette by using your hand signals, riding with caution, watching the road ahead, and staying out of crowded lanes. 

Safely riding your motorcycle in the city is all about making good behaviors into good habits. For more information or to view our selection of motorcycles for sale, visit Pensacola Motorsports at our dealership in Pensacola, Florida. We are proud to serve Santa Rosa County, Florida as well as Baldwin County, Alabama.