Living on the edge is part of what makes riding a motorcycle so gratifying and this holds equally true for women bikers. But when your safety is on the line, do you know everything you should about when it’s important to play by the rules?
Here is a compilation of motorcycle safety tips from women bikers who are some of the industry's top professionals or seasoned riders – all regular participants and speakers at the annual women's charity biking event, Biker Belles.
1. Ride with people who know how to ride and whom you trust (Masyn Moyer, veteran rider of more than 25 years)
This may sound like a no-brainer, but ask yourself how often have you ridden with someone who was intoxicated, showing off or didn't know how to handle their bike or the situation they were in? I ride alone a lot because there are only a few people in this world I would share a lane with. No amount of safety will save you from someone else more than this one.
2. Be seen (Diva Amy Skaling, Put 70,000+ miles on her Diva Glide in five years)
Brown and black apparel is not our friend on the road. If you blend in, others cannot see you. Wear something bright, or safety neon apparel that is offered by many motorcycle companies. One of my favorite equipment pieces is a nylon mesh vest with neon reflective taping.
3. Never ride tired (Joan Krenning, Logged over 32,000 miles in the past 10 months)
Never ride tired. And I mean NEVER! Stop every 75-125 miles. Every rider knows their tolerance. And we all seem to like to push it. Set your rule. Stop. Stretch. Refresh yourself and your brain.
4. Alert riders behind you (Tigra Tsujikawa, Powersports Industry Professional and Enthusiast)
When riding in a group and there is oncoming traffic, be sure and let them know how many riders are behind you. If the oncoming rider or vehicle does not signal in kind, assume there are others and proceed with caution.
5. Outside, inside, outside (Christine Paige-Diers, Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame)
When riding in a curve, remember to start at the outside part of your lane, move to the inside part in the curve, then back to the outside. It straightens out the curve.