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Motorcycle Safety 101: Must Know Tips and Tricks

Are you new to riding? The motorcycle safety tips gathered in this post by Jim Ackney in Edmonton will help you build confidence and stay safe out on the road. Read on to learn more!

We all know that motorcycles are as fun as dangerous. These machines provide a sense of freedom that other types of riding cannot match. Plus, many riders enjoy the connection with the road that comes with riding. As for the dangers, though, bikes provide very little protection to riders in the event of a crash. Similarly, there is the fact that motorcycles can be difficult for other drivers to see. Considering the above, riders must practice motorcycle safety habits and techniques. If you're new to motorcycling and ready to get your first bike soon, this post is for you.

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How to Be a Safer Motorcycle Rider

Take a Safety Course

The first thing you should do is enroll in amotorcycle safety course. Doing so will help you go from a novice rider to a skilled, confident one. That said, look for courses offered by the Alberta Safety Council or any other riding school in your area. Most training programs combine theoretical instruction and hands-on practice. So, once you understand the basic concepts regarding motorcycle safety, you'll be taken to a closed course to ride. With the help of instructors, you will quickly master body position, defensive riding maneuvers, and other vital skills.

Know Your Motorcycle

How should you operate your motorcycle? What are your maintenance requirements? As a bike owner, you should be able to answer these and other questions. To that end, read the owner's manual carefully. This way, you'll learn about your bike's specific maintenance requirements, features, and functions. Additionally, take some time to identify the different parts of your motorcycle, such as the fuel tank, brakes, and battery. That will help you to understand how the bike works and how to maintain it properly.

Know Your Limits

By this point, you might feel confident enough to try new riding maneuvers and step out of your comfort zone. After all, you know your bike well and have completed your riding safety course. However, you are still a new rider, and gaining experience and skill takes time. With that in mind, avoid riding outside your limits, as it can increase the risk of accidents. Instead, build your skills and confidence gradually and always put safety first.

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Keep Your Bike in Good Shape

Regular maintenance is a must to keep your motorcycle in reliable working condition. That's why you should always be up to date on its upkeep. As mentioned, the owner's manual is the best place to start if you want to learn about the equipment's requirements. Thus, check it out for specific guidelines for service intervals. Also, keep track of maintenance tasks such as oil changes, tire pressure, and brake checks. Don't forget to find a certified, reliable mechanic to entrust your bike's repairs.

Wear Protective Gear

As you know, wearing protective gear is vital when riding a motorcycle. Doing so compensates for the lack of protection bikes offer. Again, while cars have sturdy frames, airbags, and seatbelts, motorcycles have none. That means riders need to take extra precautions to minimize the risk of injury in the event of a fall. To achieve that, gear up from head to toe with the following items:

A snug-fitting and DOT-approvedhelmet.A sturdy, abrasion-resistantmotorcycle jacket.Pantsmade of abrasion-resistant materials like leather or Kevlar.Riding gloves.Sturdy bootswith ankle support and non-slip soles.Protective eyewear, such as goggles or a face shield on the helmet.

Finally, Always Follow Traffic Rules

The traffic signs are in place to keep you and other road users safe, so you must always follow them. There can be various consequences if you don't do so, ranging from minor fender benders to fatal crashes. With that in mind, take note of all traffic signs and lights along the way, and don't exceed local speed limits.