Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is an effort to ensure drivers are aware of motorcyclists like you, and the vulnerabilities you face on the road. This month, take time to re-familiarize yourself with all aspects of motorcycle safety to help you stay safe and protected!

Be Seen and Stay Safe

While we strive to ensure motorcycle safety awareness for car and truck drivers, as a motorcycle rider, you need to take steps to be seen and stay safe. The first one is understanding the main challenge the average vehicle driver has—seeing you in traffic. Let’s break this down:

• Size: Because of their small size, motorcycles appear to be farther away than they actually are
• Visibility: A motorcyclist can easily be hidden in a driver’s blind spot
• Signaling: Some bikes’ turn signals are not self-canceling, which can send the wrong message to surrounding drivers about changing lanes
• Movement: The ability to avoid surface hazards that car drivers don’t see can make motorcycle movements more erratic
• Confusion: At night, a single headlight looks like a car from a long distance
• Appearance: Black leather riding gear disappears in the dark of night

Perform Regular Motorcycle Maintenance

Keep your bike in ready to ride shape!

• Inspect your battery
• Change your motor oil and filter frequently
• Check the fuel system for signs of swelling or leaks
• Inspect the brake lever, brake pads, and rotors for wear and tear
• Check your tire pressure and inspect tire treads and wheels for damage
• Keep your insurance up to date

Wear Your Protective Gear

What you choose to wear can make a difference in comfort, visibility, and protection from injury. Here’s a list of gear you should never leave home without:

• Helmet: It’s simple: ride with a DOT-approved helmet—every time.
• Eye protection: If your helmet isn’t a full-face helmet, you need eye protection. Shatterproof sunglasses or goggles will help keep your eyes safe from UV rays and provide a clear view of the roadway.
• Gloves: Having the right pair of gloves not only protects you from the elements, but also protects your hands in case of a collision.
• Jacket, pants, and boots: Your outfit should help protect you from the weather, and will provide some protection in case of a collision.

Take a Safety Course

There are numerous courses available to help make you a safer and smarter motorcycle rider. Read our motorcycle training course blog to find the best course for you.

Follow Washington State COVID-19 Guidelines

A critical part of safety today is paying attention to Washington State COVID-19 guidelines, and that includes when you’re on your bike. A few things you should keep in mind when riding:

• Maintain a safe distance with other riders
• Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face
• If you stop to fuel up or grab some food, mask up