safe riding

Hit the road, just not literally

Riding a motorcycle comes with thrills and challenges of its own. Knowing the right way to ride can save your hide in a hairy situation.

Two motorcyclists riding Boots, gloves and helmet

35% of bikers involved in fatal crashes in 2022 were riding withOUT a valid motorcycle license.

Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles

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Three motorcyclists riding

Defensive riding

  • Give yourself extra distance and time to react.


  • Signal in advance, and incorporate arm turn signals.


  • Avoid speeding, weaving between lanes or making sudden maneuvers motorists can’t predict.


  • Don’t pass on blind corners or where visibility is limited.


  • If you’re new to an area, review riding maps before you do.


  • Constantly scan the road for wildlife and other hazards — deer come out of nowhere.


  • Know how to handle you bike in varying conditions including wind, rain, snow, fog, gravel/sand, work zones or other uneven surfaces.

Other Motorists

  • Remember that motorists have trouble seeing motorcycles; always assume you’re invisibly on the road.


  • Be award of car and truck blind spots, and don’t ride in them.

  • If you think a motorist might not see you, beep up and use your horn.

  • Ride in the part of the lane where you’re the most visible. Avoid the center of the lane.

  • Make sure your headlight is on day and night, and use reflective strips on clothing.

  • Flashing your brake light to warn motorists before slowing down and stopping.

  • A large percentage of motorcycle crashes happen at interchanges. Watch for turning vehicles, especially those turning left.

Sturgis SD Street mural

With Passengers

  • Make sure passengers are educated on riding and wearing the right safety gear.


  • A passenger’s extra weight changes how your bike reacts. Adjust for extra stopping time, avoid excessive speed and use more finesse when accelerating.


  • Passengers should hold on tight and avoid making any sudden movements.


  • Ask your passenger to stay sitting straight when turning, simply look over your shoulder in the direction of the turn instead of leaning.


  • If you’re riding in a group, avoid lane sharing and use a staggered formation to give your bike space.

Drunk Riding

  • Know that drugs and alcohol affect more than your judgement; they also skew your balance and coordination, which are essential on a bike.


  • A crash due to impaired riding doesn’t just hurt you. It takes a life-changing toll on family, friends, employers and more.


  • Even if you don’t crash, the costs of impaired riding are serious, including jail time, arrest, losing your license and/or motorcycle and other large expenses.

Safety Gear

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Motorcycle Training

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