Whether you’re on the road alone or riding in a group, proper motorcycle road etiquette is always a good idea. It reduces stress and creates a safer environment for you and other motorists on the road around you. Respect for other riders is key and will help create a pleasant ride for everyone. Here are a few tips to make riding a pleasant experience for everyone.
- Ride respectfully and wisely in urban areas. Noise pollution is a hot topic in some areas, but by riding wisely, going slower and using the clutch, riders can avoid complaints.
- If you are a driver, stay alert for motorcycles and share the road with riders.
- Drivers should look twice at any intersection or stop sign before going to look out for motorcyclists.
- If another rider comes up behind you and wants to pass, make room and let them pass as soon as it is safe. The road is no place for ego, and the consequences of a bad attitude could be extremely dangerous.
- Quickly swerving through slow traffic is very poor motorcycle etiquette and could result in road rage or other very undesirable consequences.
- A hand wave or nod is perfectly acceptable and respectable, if you wish to acknowledge a fellow rider.
- If you are riding with a passenger and need to back up, have the passenger dismount or get the bike into position before the passenger mounts the bike. Limited visibility and stability issues make backing up with a passenger a bad idea.
- Never touch or get on someone’s motorcycle that hasn’t given you permission.
- If you smoke cigarettes while riding, be aware of your surroundings and don’t flick hot ashes on riders behind you, and don’t litter. Keep a baggie handy for extinguished cigarette butts.
- Don’t tailgate other riders or other vehicles. Leave yourself plenty of braking distance for unforeseen emergencies.
- Stay out of a rider’s or vehicle’s blind spot. Make sure that they can always see you and your motorcycle.
- If you are a passenger, be sure that the passenger footpegs are down before you attempt to mount the motorcycle.
- Beware of the hot exhaust pipes. Make sure you know where they are and don’t let any part of your body touch them when you mount or dismount the motorcycle.
- If you are a passenger, always wait for the rider to tell you it’s okay to mount or dismount. If you do not, the sudden and unexpected weight change on the motorcycle could be dangerous.
- Most importantly, ride your own ride. Don’t let others push you into going too fast or doing something you are not comfortable with.
When riders follow a few simple guidelines, rides are safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
For more information on motorcycle safety or if you have a concern regarding riding, call Hancock Injury Attorneys at 813-915-1110 or chat live online with us. Phones and live online chat answered 24/7.
