I love motorcycles. I realize they are dangerous, but for me, certain things in life are worth a little extra risk. Call me crazy, but in my personal opinion, one of those things happens to be riding down the road on two wheels, the wind on my face and the whole world laid out before me.
But let there be no illusions—when you wreck on a motorcycle, you are exposed to the harsh teeth of the world. There is little to protect you when you expose yourself like that out on America’s volatile roads. Here are some basic tips for decreasing your vulnerability on a bike.
1. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
I cannot stress enough how beneficial it can be to take a motorcycle safety course. I personally did this before I got my motorcycle license because I knew about how dangerous it could be, and many experienced riders will tell you that they learned little tricks in a 3 day course that they never learned on their own after years and years of riding.
Even Isaac Newton accomplished his greatest feats by standing on the shoulders of giants, and many great engineers and riders have analyzed the handling of a two-wheeled vehicle to death already. Let them hand you the torch.
2. Invest in Quality Safety Equipment
A lot of new riders kind of scoff at safety equipment for two reasons. For one, they see riding a bike as freedom, and wearing helmets and such seems a little too uncool or conformist for them. Another thought new riders have is that they are going to be seriously injured or killed if they wreck anyways, and they see the safety gear as a bureaucratic illusion.
I understand both of these points but neither is complete. You won’t be very free to enjoy life if you end up a paraplegic, for one, and while it is likely to be injured no matter what you wear on a bike, studies and records both show that motorcycle safety gear far reduces your chances of injury or death. Plenty of people emerge from a motorcycle wreck uninjured, and in most cases, it is thanks to their gear.
3. Be Ultra Ultra Defensive
I always recommend defensive driving no matter what the size or number of your wheels—on a motorcycle it becomes more important than ever. You are extremely vulnerable out there on your bike and many people will not even see you at all—your very best defense on the road is to be exponentially more aware of other drivers than they are of you.
4. Tame Your Adrenaline
Finally, it needs to be said that you must tame your adrenaline on the road. Motorcycles are a rush—I know it and you know it—but it is a rush with no limits in sight, so do not let it get out of hand. If you really do feel the need for speed, go to track or course set up specifically for that purpose so you can unleash your road demons without other drivers and obstacles to worry about.
I love biking just as much as the next guy or gal, but I never take the freedom of the road for granted. Do me a favor—do a favor for yourself and everyone who loves you—take these general tips very seriously and stay safe out there.
Tags: motorcycle license, motorcycle safety course, motorcycle wreck, shoulders of giants, standing on the shoulders of giants