Riding a motorcycle can be an extremely fun experience. Unfortunately, it is not an activity that is appropriate for everyone. There are several factors that a person needs to think about before riding. There are physical components that need to be considered as well as having the right mental attitude.
Related: Kentucky Roadside Safety Tips
Motorcycle questions
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has developed a list of questions to ask yourself. These questions will help you determine how ready you are to ride. Here are the questions:
- Are you a high risk taker? Consider your tendencies as a driver and in your spare time. Do you need or want a thrill? Are you aggressive? Do you follow too close to other vehicles? If this describes some of your tendencies then motorcycle riding may not be for you.
- Do you have good vision? This seems like an obvious question, but there are some perceptual skills needed when riding that rely on good vision.
- Are you mechanically inclined? These are complicated machines and you need to be able to evaluate them for safety as well as make adjustments to make them safe.
- Can you handle your car in an emergency? When riding a motorcycle, these skills are vitally important. A lot of times cars do not see motorcycles, and it is up to the rider to avoid accidents.
- Can you ride a bicycle? Riding a motorcycle and bicycle both require balance and coordination. If you have trouble with riding a bike, then riding a motorcycle is not a good choice.
- Can you drive a stick-shift? Almost all motorcycles have manual transmissions, so if you know how to drive a stick-shift, it will make learning to ride easier.
- Do you put safety first? When you are working around the house, do you exercise safety precautions? Motorcycle riders control their situation only if they make safety their first priority.
- Do you respect machinery and other equipment that has risks? Successful riders know that safety is really just doing the right thing to lower the risk of an accident.
- Can you stay focused? Safe riding requires paying attention and being aware of everything going on around you.
- Will you commit to taking a rider safety program?
Related: Statute of Limitations for Motorcycle Accidents in Kentucky
Answering all of these questions will help you decide whether you will be a safe rider. This is just the first step. Once you have decided that you are ready to ride a motorcycle, then it’s time to sign up for motorcycle teaching courses. These will teach you how to safely ride your motorcycle and allow you to get your riding license.