Stay Safe in 2020 by Staying Visible on Your Motorcycle

Let's be perfectly honest. Staying visible on a motorcycle means staying alive, plain and simple. The number one cause of bike crashes today is due to a lack of visibility. While it is important for other drivers to be mindful of motorcycles on the road, there are a variety of factors at play that contribute to bikers being 'invisible'. Let's look at a few ways that you can ensure you are seen and, more importantly, remain safe.

Dress the Part - Wear clothes that make you visible, no matter the time or weather. Fluorescent colors, bright and flagrant, do wonders to maintain attention and ensure you aren't missed. A brightly colored helmet is a great way to achieve this, ensuring you remain noticed on the road but can be removed after you park. Studies suggest bikers that wear white helmets over black are 24% less likely to get into a crash.

Bike Flair - A motorcycle that is unusual or colorful stands out and draws attention. Traditional black and brown bikes just blend in and can be missed.

Strategic Placement - Don't ride to the right side of the right-hand lane or to the left of the left-hand lane. Place yourself smack in the middle of the lane where you can easily be seen by drivers. Try to maintain an open space between you and the closest driver, this will not only help you to be noticed but also give you time to react to changing conditions.

Pass with Purpose- When passing another vehicle, stay in the right third of your lane until you are just about to pass a car, then move to the left-third of the lane. Once you have passed successfully, move back to the right-third of the lane. While it seems complicated, this will help you remain visible and out of the vehicle's blind-spot.

Be Bright - If you are riding in the dark, ensure you are reflective. Fix reflectors on your bike and consider reflective tape on your helmet as well. Auxiliary lights are a great addition as well, ensuring you are difficult to miss in the dark.

Tap the Brakes - Suddenly slowing or braking can get you rear-ended, no matter the vehicle you are driving. On a motorcycle, however, the consequences could be fatal. Make it a point to tap your brakes a few times before slowing down, just to give the drivers behind you a heads-up.

Don't Forget your Horn - If you are traveling through a vehicle's blind spot and you are concerned they may not see you, honk your horn. It’s better to cause unnecessary alarm than it is to be driven off the road.

If you are able to follow some or all of the tips listed above, you will improve your chances of remaining visible to other drivers. Motorcycles may have to work a little bit harder to earn their space on the road, but most bikers will tell you it is well worth the trouble.

Hap's Cycle Sales is an old school shop that has been family owned and operated since 1948. Our employees ride motorcycles, ATVs, and scooters and the owners actually work at the dealership. At Hap's, you know you are getting the real deal. Come on by if you have any questions, we'll be here! Find us at 2530 17th Street in Sarasota.