Night riding is a very different experience than riding during the day. For some, it’s their favorite way to get around after dark; while others would rather not deal with the perceived risk – even if the roads are quieter! Worried about riding at night? Maybe you’ll change your mind when you experience how much more scenic everything looks after dark when lights barely illuminate anything beyond the shadows. Be prepared though: colder temperatures mean wearing thicker clothes to keep us warm if we end up off track or lost. Consider the following to avoid distracted drivers, hazards on the road and being blinded by the light.

✔︎   1. Traffic

While riding after dark comes with its own set of risks, even fewer vehicles on the road can make it more dangerous. Drunk and impaired drivers are out at night which means you should always be cautious when taking your bike for a spin during these hours – just like in peak rush hour traffic! Keep in mind that oncoming traffic might not have the courtesy to turn their high beams off as they approach you. If you find yourself being blinded by a passing car, try to keep your eyes on the painted white lines along the right side of the road until the car passes. You’ll be able to keep track of your lane without losing your vision.

✔︎   2. Visibility

Day or night, it is your job to make sure other vehicles on the road see you. You should always practice defensive riding and avoid unsafe situations. At night this means putting a big emphasis on high-visibility gear. Invest in reflective gear and always check to make sure your lights are working before starting your ride.

✔︎   3. Speed

From 2012 to 2020, half of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved speed and lane departure. You should only be riding as fast as you can see. Less light on the road means less time to react to what would normally be an easily avoided pothole. While the speed limit might be 60 mph, it doesn’t mean you have to go that fast. Always scan the road ahead for animals or debris that may get in your way, and slow down.

 

It’s A Fine Line is an inclusive community of motorcycle riders advocating one common mission: zero motorcycle deaths by 2030. We want to share videos and stories about motorcycle events, rides, clubs, gear, safety and training because we believe that together we can save the lives of our friends, our families and our communities.