PROPER ATTIRE FOR RIDING
- HELMETS ARE THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDER SAFETY.
- GLOVES ARE GREAT RIDER GEAR. IT’S NECESSARY FOR THEM TO FIT CORRECTLY.
- WEAR BOOTS TO SUPPORT MOTORCYCLE WHEN STOPPED AND TO PROTECT YOUR FEET. NEVER WEAR OPEN-TOED SHOES WHILE RIDING.
- CLOTHING SHOULD FIT PROPERLY AND BE CONSTRUCTED OF DURABLE MATERIALS LIKE LEATHER OR DENIM.
- PASSENGERS NEED TO WEAR PROPER GEAR TOO, ESPECIALLY A HELMET.
- SUNGLASSES ARE NOT A REQUIREMENT, BUT SOME FORM OF PROTECTION FROM SUN GLARE IS RECOMMENDED.
PRE-RIDE MOTORCYCLE
INSPECTION
INSPECTION
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Check gas and oil levels. -
Inspect all lights, including turn indicator lights and brake light. -
Make sure brakes and tire pressure are safe. -
Clean mirrors and adjust them properly.
ROUTINE MOTORCYCLE MAINTENANCE
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Regular, routine inspection by a professional is necessary. -
Change oil as recommended by the manufacturer. -
Replace brakes and tires when they become worn and unsafe. -
Verify that the frame is in good shape.
HOW TO RIDE AROUND CARS
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STAY OUT OF DRIVERS’ BLIND SPOTS. -
DRIVE DEFENSIVELY AND ASSUME YOU ARE NOT VISIBLE TO THE DRIVERS OF NEARBY CARS. -
RIDE WITH VIGILANCE AND PREPARE TO STOP AT ANY TIME.
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NEVER RIDE NEXT TO A TRUCK. -
DO NOT FOLLOW TOO CLOSELY. -
PERIODICALLY TAKE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSES (AVAILABLE ONLINE) TO UPDATE YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF THE SAFEST RIDING PRACTICES.
USING PROPER SIGNALS
Using hand signals in addition to signal lights and brake lights can improve visibility.
Palm up perpendicular to the road, elbow bent in a 90° = a right turn.
Palm and arm extending in a straight line to the left = a left turn.
Palm down perpendicular to the road, elbow bent in a 90° = a stop.
