Rider Tips For New Motorcyclist On Kentucky Roads | The Schafer Law Office

Rider Tips For New Motorcyclist On Kentucky Roads

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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Can you stay focused? Safe riding requires paying attention and being aware of everything going on around you. 
  10. 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.