City traveling in your city and exploring around can be a lot of fun. If you also think like it does seem much fun, then you should try it. Especially during these times when you cannot travel across the cities and cannot do long trips. When you cannot stay inside and want to sit on the bike and enjoy the breeze riding in your neighborhood can be a relief. Plus it will be a lot cheaper than trips and holiday rides.
If you are going to work, going to get groceries, visit some friend or family, taking public transport is not safe. Hence, motorcycle is your go to option. But make sure you wear proper riding gear and a helmet because protection is very important.
We’ve written a few short tips for you to follow on your next city break! From making sure you’ve packed everything to assuring you’ve planned ahead of time, these tips are a good guide to follow the next time you’re venturing the concrete jungle! You don’t need to be a motorcycling expert to make sure of your safety and security. However, the following are some tips for city motorcycle riding.
Get packing
If you think that traveling within the city you don’t need anything to pack then think again. First of all, make a list of things you need. Then pack accordingly. Registration, license, ownership, papers, and money are the obvious ones. But things like tools, tire repair kit and inflator, and first aid kit which you can keep in the tail bag. Other things like clothing, rain cover, toiletries (if needed) and space to put your gear and other things like groceries are also important. For you can either have a saddle bag or trunk bag on your motorcycle. It will help you ride comfortably too.
Being visible
Keeping yourself visible on the road is very important towards your safety. The drivers are focused on the road and what is ahead of them. So they cannot know if you are there if you aren’t visible. The best and easiest way to do that is wear highly reflective clothes or wear a high-visibility vest on top of your clothes. This will alert the drivers of your presence.
On the other hand, avoid being in the blind spot for a long time. Overtake the vehicle or let it pass quickly do this by accelerating or braking. If you can see the driver’s face in their side mirror then they can see you too. If you feel like anything is about to go wrong, honk the horn. Keep a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front. This will give you time to slow down and take the escape route, hence avoiding accidents.
Know the routes
Knowing how to get around in the city comes in handy. There could be a traffic jam or some other reason for a road block, so it will be handy to choose the best possible route which won’t be blocked. This will save you from the hectic traffic jam. If you don’t already know that, take the help from GPS or maps on your phone to get around. Get to another street and route and it will redirect you to your location through there. A little bit of research before going out will also be helpful.
Keep your mind present
Where there is good, there is bad. The chances of thieves and pickpockets around are likely, especially in the metropolitan cities. So you need to be present and take all the precautionary measures. Make sure your belongings are safe, keep the cash, keys, cards etc. in the pocket inside, do not keep on checking it now and then. Lock your bags and motorcycle with two or more locks and keep the locks high from the ground. Park it in a visible spot and never leave your gear and helmet there. Take the bags and other valuables with you if they cannot be locked.
Keeping and changing the lane
Keeping your lane is very important. If you want to change the lane, then turn on the indicator first and change the lane after a few seconds. Look what is behind you, before changing the lane. Look ahead, anticipate, and be ready for what’s to come. If the vehicle in front stops suddenly you need to know your escape path.
The stay focused
Avoid looking at potholes, rocks, or vehicles instead focus on your escape route. Check the road condition and beware of the weather. Your reaction when riding in rain should be different from riding on dry roads. Don’t get distracted by what’s going on around.
Left turns are dangerous, so be cautious. Slow down when riding in traffic, near schools and hospitals, and look around twice before crossing a cross path and traffic signals. Flash high beams to the rider in front of taking them over.