City Motorcycle Riding Safety

While motorcycles have become pretty common on urban roads, avenues and streets, they can still catch car and truck drivers by surprise and motorcyclists are often injured while riding in the city. In addition to the threat posed by other motorists, motorcycle riders also need to contend with the high pedestrian and bicycle traffic in cities, along with public transportation. That’s why it’s so important for motorcycle riders to be responsible when they venture into downtown areas.

Cowboy Powersports in Beaumont, serving Pasadena and Lake Charles, is your Texas motorcycle dealer. Below, you’ll find our top tips for riding in the city safely.

1. Keep Yourself Visible

Staying visible is the best way to keep yourself safe and ensure other motorists don’t hit you. Bright neon riding gear and reflective tape can both help you to be seen more easily. If your riding apparel is dark-colored, throw on an orange safety vest.

2. Scan the Road Ahead

Keeping tabs on what to expect will help you stay safe. Make sure that you’re not only keeping an eye on the lanes ahead of you, but watch for traffic turning in from side streets and make sure you’re aware of what’s going on behind you, too. Sudden lane demarcation changes and one-way streets can make this more difficult.

3. Look For Escape Routes

It’s not fun to think about, but because your motorcycle can move in a more agile manner to a car, you can often maneuver faster than a driver can. You may have to ride onto a grass median or swerve into an open lane at the drop of a hat. Always keep your eye out for ways to escape a collision so you don’t have to slam the brakes, which can hurl you off the bike. 

4. Watch for Changing Road Conditions

Road conditions in cities can be especially challenging, especially during poor weather. Slick spots created by rain or oil will make you lose traction. Public-transport rails can also cause your wheels to swerve if you ride over them at the wrong angle. Potholes are another major issue on urban streets, so you'll need to keep an eye out for these, since they’re more dangerous to you than a car. 

5. Avoid Aggressive Behavior

Even if the behavior of a careless pedestrian or driver is frustrating to you, it’s better to take the high road and avoid raging out or riding in a passive-aggressive manner. This includes weaving in and out of traffic, swerving across lanes without using turn signals and coasting along the shoulder. Always ride with care, remaining vigilant and using hand signals to communicate your movements. Yes, other people using the roads may not be as aware or responsible, but this is the way to keep yourself safe.

In search of motorcycles for sale in Beaumont, Texas? Come on down to our dealership to check out our selection of new and used motorcycles for sale. We can even provide you with financing if you chat with our friendly sales team. Cowboy Powersports proudly serves the cities of Lake Charles and Pasadena, TX.