Whether you are a seasoned or a new rider, you should know and understand that there are some road rules to follow.
As a refresher, read this article. It will provide you with all the motorcycle riders etiquette that you should know about.
Respect the code of the road
While riding a motorcycle is fun and exciting, be aware that there are unspoken rules which every responsible individual is expected to adhere.
Things like hand signals as well as paying respect to other riders are expected of you. It is important that you are considerate of all riders in the road.
Know the importance of lane placement
Granted, there are lots of benefits in riding motorcycles. However, it is still dangerous when done precariously.
There are many riders who do not bother to give active attention to maximized safety on the road.
Luckily, there are available placement options which provide proactive steps for riders to observe safety all the time.
Your choice of lane placement can affect two significant things, your speed and your visibility.
When you come up with a protective bubble of space, you will be able to have ample time to change lanes, especially in the case of a reckless driver claiming more than his fair share in the lane.
Say for instance, you are riding on the left lane and you overtake a car on your right.
You will be less susceptible if you prefer to change lanes and drive towards the third lane on your left.
Even if you pass through the blind spot of the car, you will be safe.
Conversely, if you are being overtaken by a car, it is recommended that you proceed to the third lane opposite to the car.
The second benefit of lane placement is that you become more visible to other drivers.
For example, if you are following a car, you can stay in the center lane.
This way, you can make sure that the headlight of your motorcycle will not be missed in the rear view mirror of any car.
This is also applicable when you are riding in front of a car, though you have to keep in mind that a tail light may not catch the attention of the driver.
To remedy this, you have to integrate combined space cushioning with lane placement for additional layer of visibility.
Meanwhile, as you are approaching a car, you have to make sure that you are riding on the third lane on your right.
This way, you would be able to keep your headlight in the side mirror of a passing car.
Prior to entering into the blind spot of the car, it is also advisable that you proceed to the third lane.
This way, even if you are not on the driver’s sight, you can maintain a considerable safe distance from the car.
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Lane splitting
When you’re in a place which enables lane splitting, prevent yourself from racing your motorcycle through the lane.
If possible, ride at reasonable pace without taking off your eyes from the rearview mirror.
When you see other bikers come up quicker than you, don’t mind them. Instead, allow them to pass.
Once you move over, don’t forget to signal the other driver that they can already pass, eliminating misunderstanding and confusion.
For novice riders, you can do the trick by means of looking for a red light in your town where vehicles tend to back up into two lanes.
After the light just turns red, try to approach it. You have to pick your way carefully to the queue’s front while you quickly calculate the remaining time on the red light.
Always stay on the right lane according to your speed
As general rule, the right lane is where motorcycles on lower speed are and the left lane is for speeding motorcycles.
Make sure that you are on the right lane from the get go so as not to disrupt the traffic or cause trouble to other motorists.
Overtake on the left side
Good drivers do not overtake on the right side although this may not be the case when the vehicle in front is turning to the left.
Other than that, it is always safer to overtake on the left side.
Besides, in most transportation rules and regulations, overtaking on the left side is considered part of driving and road safety.
Stay alert in all driving conditions
The rain can be dangerous when hitting the road. The situation gets worse when the weather becomes more extreme.
At times like this, it is very important to stay alert and ride at a safe speed.
Doing so will help keep the traction of the vehicle as the roads can get slippery and it is difficult to assume the direction of other vehicles.
Always abide by the rules even if others do not
You cannot expect everyone to be as careful as you or as yielding as you are when on the road.
This mindset will help you be more patient and careful when hitting the road.
Don’t let them get to you and make sure that you still follow the rules even when everyone else seems like they cannot.
Be kind even when driving
You have all you need to be courteous on the road, use them to your advantage. When turning, use your blinkers.
Do that within seconds before the actual turn.
If you are in a blind spot and want to make sure that you won’t obstruct or pose danger to others, use your horn to signal your arrival.
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Conclusion
Not everyone on the road is going to be as careful as you are so be careful and always look out for yourself.
After reading motorcycle riders etiquette that you should know about, do not forget to apply them.
Always be aware of what’s happening and keep your senses alert because you never know what surprises are waiting for you out there in the middle of the road.
Motorcycle driving can be a daunting and dangerous activity, but it can also be fun and exhilarating.
Whatever you do, have fun without forgetting to be cautious. Always remember that you don’t own the road, and there are others that you can pose danger to.
David Williams is an author with a passion for motorcycles and all things related to the world of two-wheeled vehicles. His expertise is evident on his website, The Moto Expert, where he shares his knowledge and insights with fellow enthusiasts. Follow him on social media to stay up-to-date on the latest motorcycle news, reviews, and trends. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, David’s content is sure to inform and entertain. Join his community and become a part of the conversation today.