Riding a motorcycle is more than a hobby—it’s a way of life. For many of us, it’s the wind therapy, the thrill of the open road, and the peace of being entirely in the moment. But let’s be real: motorcycles demand respect and care. For new riders, understanding the safety essentials is just as important as picking the right bike. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the early days of your motorcycle journey, with tips that blend practicality and a bit of hard-earned experience.

Start with the Right Gear

Before you even think about starting that engine, let’s talk gear. You wouldn’t jump into a football game without pads, right? The same logic applies here. Your helmet is non-negotiable—it’s your lifeline in a crash. Full-face helmets offer the best protection and keep bugs from becoming an unwelcome snack mid-ride. Pair it with a sturdy jacket, gloves, boots, and pants designed for motorcycling.

When I started riding at 35, I had three boys to come home to, so skimping on safety gear was never an option. Sure, it might be tempting to ride in jeans and sneakers, but your future self will thank you for gearing up.

Practice, Practice, Practice

No one masters riding overnight. Spend time in a safe, open area practicing basic skills like braking, turning, and slow-speed maneuvers. Empty parking lots are a new rider’s best friend—plenty of room to wobble without judgment.

When I first started, my boys thought it was hilarious watching me weave between cones in a parking lot. They called it my "motorcycle ballet," and I called it preparation. Turns out, those hours paid off on busy roads and unexpected detours.

Master the Art of Defensive Riding

Defensive riding is the cornerstone of motorcycle safety. Unlike driving a car, riding a motorcycle requires heightened awareness and a proactive approach to navigating traffic. While motorcycles offer freedom and exhilaration, they also come with increased vulnerability. Learning how to anticipate and respond to potential hazards will not only protect you but also enhance your confidence on the road. Here’s how to master the art of defensive riding.

Assume You’re Invisible

It might sound dramatic, but many drivers fail to notice motorcycles, even when they’re in plain view. This is often referred to as "inattentional blindness," where the brain doesn’t register smaller objects like motorcycles. Always ride as if other drivers can’t see you, and position yourself in a way that makes you as visible as possible.

• Tips for Visibility:
  • Avoid lingering in blind spots. If you can’t see a car’s side mirror, the driver can’t see you.
  • Use your high beam during daylight hours to make yourself more noticeable.
  • Wear brightly colored or reflective gear to stand out, especially at night.

Keep Your Distance

Tailgating is a no-go for motorcyclists. Maintaining a safe following distance gives you more time to react to sudden stops or obstacles in the road. The general rule is to keep at least a two-second gap between you and the vehicle ahead. In bad weather or heavy traffic, extend that to three or four seconds.

I once learned this lesson the hard way. Early in my riding days, I was too close to a car ahead when it braked suddenly. Luckily, I managed to stop in time, but it was a wake-up call about the importance of space.

Scan, Scan, Scan

Your eyes are your greatest tool on a motorcycle. Continuously scanning your surroundings will help you identify potential hazards before they become problems. Train yourself to look far ahead, check your mirrors regularly, and keep an eye on the vehicles around you.

• What to Watch For:
  • Sudden lane changes without signaling.
  • Distracted drivers (you’ll spot them on their phones or not maintaining a steady lane position).
  • Pedestrians, cyclists, and animals near the road.

Stay Out of Blind Spots

Blind spots are a danger zone for motorcyclists. Larger vehicles, like SUVs and trucks, have even bigger blind spots than passenger cars. When passing a vehicle, do so quickly and avoid lingering alongside them. If you find yourself in a driver’s blind spot, adjust your position to either move ahead or drop back where you can be seen.

There was a time when I didn’t realize I’d been riding in a truck’s blind spot for miles. The driver started changing lanes, and I had to swerve to avoid being pushed onto the shoulder. Since then, I’ve been much more mindful of positioning myself where drivers can see me.

Anticipate Left Turns

Left-turning vehicles are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Drivers may misjudge your speed or fail to see you altogether. If you’re approaching an intersection or a car waiting to turn left, slow down and be ready to brake. Look for signs that the driver might turn, like their wheels starting to move or their head turning to check traffic.

Defensive riding means planning for the worst-case scenario. I’ve made it a habit to ease off the throttle and cover my brakes whenever I see a car in a left-turn lane. That extra caution has saved me more than once.

Use Your Lane Wisely

Motorcycles have the advantage of being able to adjust within a lane, which allows you to maximize your visibility and safety. Position yourself where you have the best view of the road ahead and where you’re most likely to be seen by other drivers.

• Lane Positioning Tips:
  • In light traffic, ride in the left or right third of your lane, depending on visibility and the flow of traffic.
  • Avoid the center of the lane where oil and debris often accumulate.
  • When stopped at a light, position yourself to the side of the car ahead, not directly behind it. This reduces the risk of being rear-ended.

Always Have an Escape Plan

Defensive riding is about being prepared for the unexpected. Always think about what you’ll do if something goes wrong. Where can you go if a car suddenly veers into your lane? What’s your escape route if traffic stops abruptly?

When riding twisty rural roads in Ohio, I learned the value of an escape plan. On one ride, a deer darted out from the woods, and my escape was to the shoulder of the road. Thinking ahead and knowing I had a safe spot to veer into helped me avoid a dangerous collision.

Communicate with Other Drivers

On a motorcycle, you can’t rely on size to make your presence known, so communication becomes crucial. Use hand signals when appropriate, flash your brake lights to indicate slowing down, and make eye contact with drivers at intersections whenever possible. Non-verbal communication can go a long way in preventing accidents.

Slow Down in High-Risk Areas

Intersections, parking lots, and urban areas are breeding grounds for accidents. Reducing your speed in these high-risk zones gives you more time to react to sudden changes. Remember, defensive riding isn’t just about what you’re doing; it’s also about being ready for what others might do.

Defensive riding may feel like a lot of effort, but it becomes second nature over time. More importantly, it keeps you safe and allows you to enjoy the ride without unnecessary worry. Riding defensively doesn’t mean you can’t have fun—it means you get to keep riding for years to come.

Learn to Read the Road

The road is full of surprises—gravel, potholes, slick spots after a rainstorm. Paying attention to the surface ahead can save you from a nasty spill. If you’re riding twisty roads, slow down until you’re confident with your cornering skills.

Moving to rural Ohio introduced me to the joy (and terror) of hilly, winding roads. Let’s just say the Spyder RT was my saving grace. Those three wheels kept me planted when two might have faltered on the gravel-strewn curves.

Know Your Limits

Pushing your limits on a motorcycle can end poorly, especially for new riders. Stick to routes and speeds you’re comfortable with, gradually increasing difficulty as your confidence grows. Riding with experienced friends or joining a beginner-friendly motorcycle group can be a great way to learn.

For years, my husband tried convincing me to take on longer, trickier rides. I resisted until I knew I was ready, and when I finally did, the sense of accomplishment was worth every mile.

Promote Your Safety with Routine Bike Checks

A well-maintained bike is a safe bike. Before every ride, check your tires, brakes, lights, and fluids. It takes five minutes and can prevent a roadside mishap or worse. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than realizing your tire pressure is off halfway through a ride.

When I rode an adventure bike, I learned this the hard way after a flat stranded me in the middle of nowhere. Now, whether I’m hopping on the Spyder or helping my husband prep his two-wheeler, a pre-ride check is part of the routine.

Plan for the Unexpected

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. Carry a basic tool kit, a tire repair kit, and a first-aid kit. Knowing how to handle minor bike issues or injuries can make a big difference when you’re far from help.

One memorable day, my husband and I were hours from home when his bike had a minor issue. Thanks to his trusty tool kit, we were back on the road in no time. Preparation is key when your “scenic detour” turns into an accidental adventure.

Wheels Down Biker Embroidered Champion Jacket

As you build confidence and experience, you’ll want gear that reflects your growing pride as a motorcyclist. The Wheels Down Biker Embroidered Champion Jacket is the perfect addition to your collection. Designed for style and durability, this jacket features a bold biker emblem and premium materials to keep you comfortable on and off the bike. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned rider, this jacket is a must-have for showcasing your love of the open road.