When you’re riding a motorcycle, you have to be extra careful, not just with your own actions, but with those of others as well. Since you’re among the fewer categories of vehicles on the road, you’re unfortunately more prone to accidents.
That’s where motorcycle rules of the road step in to guarantee your safety and sound arrival to your destination. We’ll speak about both the literal laws and the unspoken ones passed among riders over time.
Standard Rules
Standard rules are those that any motorbiker must know by heart to get their license in the first place. You can’t get by with knowing only some; they’re all mandatory.
Lane
Staying in your lane is the most important and logical rule that all vehicle drivers must adhere to. Still, as we’ve mentioned before, you have to be extra careful, even when you’re staying in your lane. You have to be vigilant with other cars that might be closing in on you.
Furthermore, there are two lane-related actions discussed differently by the law in different states. The first is lane sharing, and the second is lane splitting.
Lane sharing is when two two-wheeled vehicles come to take the place of a four-wheeled one. It has its pros and cons as it does give a sense of safety when motorbikers are not fully enclosed by four-wheeled vehicles. Having a two-wheeled vehicle on their side removes the damage caused by blind spots as they are in full view of each other.
Nevertheless, they must be fully aware of closing-in on each other, which can cause a major accident as none of them is stronger than the other to take the hit as a four-wheeled vehicle would.
The second is lane splitting, which is when a two-wheeled vehicle maneuvers its way among other cars stuck in traffic. Of course, this gives way for bikers to reach their destination easier and faster. It’s relatively safe, apart from the blind spots and doors that open suddenly. Also, monitor the pedestrians crossing the road in between the cars.
Appropriate Gear
You must always try to fully protect yourself when driving your motorbike; this includes a full, anti-scratch, anti-abrasion suit that comes in two pieces or one piece. After that, protective gloves and protective helmets follow.
Posture
The most important rule regarding your posture has to be that your motorbike will go in the way your face is turned, not your eyes. You assess and scan with your eyes to see what’s around you, an intersection, pedestrians, the weather, etc.
If you go any faster, or if an emergency happens, you’ll find that your motorbike is going wherever your face is pointing as your eyes might go out of focus.
Gestures
Without a doubt, the use of the appropriate signals and lights is mandatory. Sadly, though, the lights on your motorcycle can’t help but be quite small. Hence, using hand gestures is allowed and quite useful if you want to make a turn or stop.
If you want to turn, extend your arm to the side which you intend to turn. If you wish to stop, flex your elbow forming a 90° angle towards the side that you’re going to stop at as well.
Passenger Rules
When deciding to carry a passenger on a motorcycle, you have to make sure they follow the rules as well. You can either bring a passenger astride, only one, or you can utilize a sidecar according to the number of passengers allowed in the manual.
Astride
When a passenger is sitting astride, they must be facing forward, wearing a helmet cut out, and they can’t interfere with your driving or distract you from the road. Moreover, you can’t carry a younger than 8-years-old passenger or one without a helmet. Lastly, just like you, a passenger must keep their feet on the foot-rests at all times to avoid accidents.
Sidecar
The sidecar is slightly different as it can carry more than one passenger, plus children younger than eight years old. They must follow all safety precautions, including fastening all the seatbelts securely, wearing their helmets, and refraining from distracting you.
Unwritten Rules
Unwritten rules are those passed among motorbikers for years. They’re a combination of manners, righteousness, selflessness, and intelligence.
Stop to Help
If you see a fallen motorcycle with a rider who’s trying to fix it, or worse, knocked out or injured, please stop. Offer your help or call 911; you might very well be that person’s saving grace.
Keep Your Hands to Yourself
Don’t ever touch a bike that’s not yours; you have no idea how the owner has customized it, or how they set their controls. Playing with one little switch might easily cost them their life.
Steer Clear From Inattentive Drivers
Whether a driver is in a two-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled one, if they’re inattentive, using their phone, being too emotional, indulging too much in music, or involved in anything that’s taking their focus off the road, steer clear.
Equipment Check
Whenever you’re going out on your motorcycle, especially on a long trip, check your bike and equipment thoroughly. Make sure that everything’s working, there are no leaks, tires are entirely filled, the windshield is on point, and that you have everything you could possibly need. Also, always let someone know your route, just in case of an emergency.
Stay Sober
The rising number of accidents due to drunk drivers is genuinely alarming. If you feel that you’re just a little tipsy, or if you had only a few sips of wine or an entire bottle, don’t ride. Either use your designated driver or call yourself an Uber.
Final Thoughts
The combination of motorcycle rules of the road that we’ve mentioned above will hopefully keep you safe and have you enjoy your motorbike as much as possible while keeping you secure and comfortable. Happy riding!