For every biking enthusiast, their first solo trip promises exhilarating and unforgettable adventures. Combine the freedom of open roads with the joy of endless riding, and you’ll get why it brings them such a rush.
However, with this newfound independence comes a paramount responsibility: ensuring your safety and well-being on the open road. Since motorcyclists are less protected than other motorists, driving safely is all the more crucial for them. They stand to lose more from it, after all.
According to Forbes Advisor, motorcyclists are 48 times more likely to die in an accident as compared to car passengers. Their fatality likelihood is 4 times more than the latter as well. In 2021 alone, 83,000 motorcyclists in the US faced accident-related injuries. The numbers have only gone up in the years that followed.
Today, we’re here with some road safety essentials to arm you with on your first solo trip as a motorcyclist.
Mapping Out The Route
First things first, choosing the right route can make or break your adventure. For your first solo trip, it’s wise to stick to familiar roads. This lets you focus more on your riding rather than constantly checking the GPS.
In case you plan on venturing into new territory, make sure to study the route beforehand. Alongside maps and GPS, there are many apps to assist with mapping out your journey. Don’t forget to mark key landmarks, fuel stops, and rest areas along the way.
The next thing to consider is the time of day and weather conditions. Early morning rides can be less crowded and offer cooler temperatures, but you might also encounter more wildlife on rural roads.
Checking the weather forecast is crucial; you don’t want to be caught in a downpour or worse, on a slick, icy road. And remember, it’s okay to have a flexible plan. If the weather turns or you start feeling tired, know where to take breaks or adjust your route.
Pack Smart
Now that you’ve mapped out your route, it’s time to start packing. The key to a stress-free solo trip is packing light and smart. You don’t want to worry about what you left behind after every stop you make.
The first rule for packing is sticking to a strict “essentials only” policy.
Documents:
Bring your driver’s license, motorcycle registration, insurance papers, and any necessary permits. Having a copy of your route and emergency contacts is also a good idea.
Clothing:
Pack layers. Weather can change quickly, especially if you’re traveling through different elevations. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing works great as a base layer. Don’t forget extra socks and underwear. A compact rain suit can be a lifesaver if you hit unexpected showers.
Toiletries:
tick to the basics and look for travel-sized items to save space. A toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and a small first-aid kit should cover most needs. If you wear contacts or glasses, pack an extra pair just in case.
Tool Kit:
Minor repairs and adjustments are part of any motorcycle trip; a basic toolkit can assist you with it. Include items like wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and a tire repair kit.
Beyond these, you can also pack snacks and water for the road; but don’t over-indulge. It’s better to prefer to buy and eat food on the pit stops you make rather than carrying a lot of it.
Since this is your first solo biking trip, you’ll also need motorcycle luggage to carry all the items we’ve discussed so far. Soft panniers are an ideal choice for the same.
They do just as well on the road as on off-road trails and are built for smaller, lighter bikes. Even if yours is a large one, it’d be more sensible not to burden it further with hard panniers. Lastly, soft panniers are also more affordable than their hard alternatives.
Dress Right For The Ride
This might come as a surprise to new riders, but dressing right is a major factor in motorcycle safety. Wondering how? Well, the right gear can protect you from the elements, enhance your visibility, and most importantly, safeguard you in case of an accident.
Consider your helmet as your primary shield. It’s not just about following the law; it’s about protecting your head and brain from serious injury.
How Do You Find The Right Helmet As a Motorcyclist?
When choosing a helmet, prioritize fit and comfort. Wear it for a while to ensure there are no pressure points.
For maximum protection, opt for a full-face helmet, which offers the best coverage for your face and chin. Choose a helmet with a clear visor for daytime riding, and consider one with an anti-fog coating. Some helmets come with built-in sun visors, which can be very convenient.
A helmet with certified safety standards can keep you safer. Here are some certifications to look for when purchasing yours: DOT (Department of Transportation), ECE (Economic Commission for Europe), or Snell.
Additional Gear
A motorcycle jacket comes next. Start with a high-quality motorcycle jacket that includes armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back. Your riding pants should also be made of durable, abrasion-resistant material and include armor in the knees and hips. Jeans aren’t going to cut it.
Protect your hands with sturdy, full-finger gloves that offer a good grip and have reinforced knuckles and palms. Proper motorcycle boots provide ankle support, have non-slip soles, and protect your feet from impacts.
Being visible to other drivers is key to your safety. Light-colored and reflective clothing can significantly enhance your visibility. Choose gear in bright, light colors like neon yellow, orange, or white, to be easily noticeable to other drivers, especially in low-light conditions. Many motorcycle jackets, pants, and helmets come with built-in reflective strips; pick those.
Stay Alert On The Road
This isn’t anything new, but accidents often happen when drivers and riders are not paying attention. As a motorcyclist, you need to be more vigilant than ever, especially on your first solo trip. If you’re not, the consequences can be life-altering.
Take the case of Dylan Wilson, for instance. Wilson, a 24-year-old resident of Murfreesboro, lost his life in a motorcycle accident two months ago.
He was riding across North West Broad Street in the city when he decided to switch lanes. Due to overspeeding and lack of attention, his bike crashed into a car, and Wilson was thrown off. If only he was more careful, he’d be alive today.
There was another motorcyclist involved in the collision, who was impacted by Wilson’s unattentive lane change and suffered minor injuries. Have you ever been caught in a similar scenario with no fault of your own? Filing for a personal injury lawsuit can get you compensation for your sufferings. Hudson, Reed & Christiansen, PLLC notes that these claims may seem simple, but they usually are not.
If you’re overwhelmed by the legalities involved, it’s a good idea to let the attorneys in Murfreesboro, TN, take care of it.
Follow the Traffic Rules At All Times
When you’re out on the road, following traffic rules is more than just a legal obligation. It’s paramount to your safety, especially as a new motorcyclist.
To ensure you’re predictable to other drivers, obey all the traffic signs, signals, and road markings. This can do wonders in bringing down the chances of an accident.
Using indicators while making turns or changing lanes is another essential step. It gives other drivers time to anticipate your actions and respond accordingly. Sudden movements without signaling can lead to dangerous situations, especially if you’re in a car’s blind spot.
Whether you’re merging onto a highway, entering a roundabout, or navigating a pedestrian crossing, always yield to those who have the right of way. This helps to avoid collisions and ensures a smooth flow of traffic.
Tailgating, or following too closely, reduces your ability to react in time if the vehicle ahead stops suddenly. On a motorcycle, this is particularly dangerous as you don’t have the same protective barriers as car drivers.
Electrical Motorcycles – A Good or A Bad Choice for Road Trips?
Electric motorcycles are gaining popularity for their efficiency, eco-friendliness, and sleek design. But are they a practical choice for road trips? That’s a question preventing many motorcyclists from going green.
If this sounds like you, here’s your sign to ditch your second thoughts and go ahead with it. Take the example of Jackie Rosenstein and Bobbie Long, who rode across the US on the CAKE electric motorcycle in two months in 2023.
Jackie and Bobbie started their ride in New York City and wrapped it up in Marina Del Rey, California 62 days later. It took the riders about 124 charging sessions along the way to complete the journey.
If these ladies can fulfill their lust for adventure while keeping environmental sustainability in mind, so can you.
Bon Voyage!
The thrill of going on your first solo trip is something else. Add to it the exhilarating rush of open winds on a motorcycle, and you’ve got yourself the perfect adventure.
While you revel in the idea of the upcoming adventure, we’ve taken charge to equip you with the road safety essentials on the trip. Bon Voyage!