Many of us yearn to ride solo on two wheels distancing long stretches of asphalt just to feel the high-powered adrenaline rush. Knowing that motorbikes are inherently more treacherous than cars doesn’t stop you from jumping on the back of the motorcycle. It can easily get you dancing with trouble if carelessly ridden. Safety should be your foremost priority even before getting on any bike. Here are a few tips that will help you up your ante against the odds of bike-riding.

1. Self Defense is Key – Being defensive while riding can help you foil any chances of getting in life-threatening situations. As soon as the bike starts moving, all your senses and cognition should be on alert. Keenly observe obstacles like pedestrians, trash, gravel, reckless drivers and the likes on the road. Keeping safe distances from the vehicles in the front and sides of your ride can improve your reaction and response in the event of an impending disaster.
2. Get into the Right Gear – A proper safety gear is life-saving and can get you harmlessly out of danger. Try to choose brighter and glossier gear to enhance your visibility on the road. A helmet and protective eyewear can improve your vision and focus. Remember to get a pair of good motorcycle riding jackets for everyday riding. They will help you keep warm and protect your skin from sun and dust. In the event of an accident, the safety gear is your safest bet.
3. Know Your Bike – Skill and expertise in riding vary from person to person. Getting a bike that you cannot handle can certainly put you in danger. I have noticed many beginners hopping on to slick rides when their feet don’t even contact the ground. That signals immaturity which can unknowingly lead to misadventure. Knowing what to ride and where to ride are important considerations when choosing a bike. A dirt bike may just be the right fit if you are an off-roader but it will be a blunder to take it out on a speeding highway. Heavy bikes ride differently than traditional motorcycles. Elevated maneuvering can be trickier to handle. Knowing a few facts about your motorbike will help you keep it under control.
4. Quick Decision Making – Always remember to be responsible for your own life. How you react and think during hard situations can determine your safety to a great extent. I always prepare myself for the unexpected in order to make the smartest choice. Think of other riders and drivers as novices and imagine none of them is experienced and careful. That keeps me on high alert! It’s a great preventive technique. One more way to dodge a situation could be distancing yourself enough to leave you with space to maneuver swiftly. Leave two escape points – on the right and left so that you merge elsewhere without hurting yourself or anyone else.
5. Keep your Eyes on the Road – Strictly avoid any distraction in your clear vision. Sometimes, the beauty of the road or the country can fetch your attention and in those moments you can push yourself toward tragedy. Beware of sharp turns and speed limits, follow signals and move with the traffic – not before or after it. Always do a quick inspection to check the condition of your motorcycle. It can help you address any issues that could bother you later on the road.

Now you know what you should look out when you are going for your next ride. Stay safe and be careful – the thrill is good only until it kills. So, be responsible with your wheels.