Tips for Riding Your Motorcycle Safely in City Traffic

Commuting in the city can be hectic and strenuous. With so many people on the move, safety is your top priority, and our experts at Timms Harley-Davidson® Anderson want to help you enjoy a hassle-free ride. You'll need to stay proactive and assume that other drivers can't see you. That's why we've collected some of our experts' tips for riding your motorcycle safely in city traffic. To learn more, stop by our location in Anderson, South Carolina, serving all of South Carolina. 

Increase Your Awareness

You'll encounter lots of distractions on the road. Whether it's stunning architecture, an attractive pedestrian, or a disruptive fellow motorist, your focus can be easily affected. Every time you plan on riding your motorcycle in an urban area, clear your mind and take deep breaths before making your way into the city.

You can improve your focus by scanning your surroundings to ensure that all directions are safe for you and your motorcycle, and be on the lookout for any pedestrian crossing the road or walking close to it.

Have an Exit Strategy

City traffic can cause motorists to make bad driving decisions or even fly into a road rage. Motorcyclists need to practice making quick turns and have an exit strategy for dealing with challenging situations created by these drivers. Other vehicles can switch lanes fast, overtake you, or drop loads being carried. A clear exit strategy helps you recover safely in case of sudden obstructions.

Make Sure You're Visible

While on the road, it is safe to assume any driver at any moment can misjudge your movements and cause a collision. To protect yourself as much as possible, you need to stay highly visible. One way to do this is by positioning yourself in the front line of view for drivers behind you. 

Driving side-to-side with another vehicle or in another's drivers blind spot can easily lead to an accident. Create visibility by avoiding traffic-laden areas that can make you feel trapped with no easy exit point.

Pick Your Lane Wisely

Regardless of how good your control is or how fast your motorcycle is, pick one express lane and stay there. We suggest keeping to your far left, especially if traffic is swift or heavy. Avoid lanes that place you right in the middle of traffic.

Check the Road Conditions

The state of the road can have plenty of influence on your motorcycle ride. Steer clear of roads with potholes, gravel, or damaged pavement that could throw you off course and cause an accident. Harsh weather conditions such as snow or floods can also make riding around the city dangerous. Try different routes, and choose the one with the best riding conditions.

Visit us at Timms Harley-Davidson® Anderson in Anderson, South Carolina, to purchase a motorcycle or schedule service. We welcome customers from all over South Carolina.