City Riding Tips for Motorcyclists

Riding your motorcycle through the city can be fun and exciting. But you’ll need to take some extra precautions to stay safe on those city streets. Read on to see how you can have a successful motorcycle ride through the city. If you have any questions or you want to buy a new bike, contact Lawton Motorsports. We are located in Lawton, Oklahoma and are proud to serve those in Edmond too!

Be Visible

Black leather may look cool, but it’s not a high-visibility material — which is exactly what you need when riding your motorcycle. Being seen is especially important during dim or dark conditions. Wearing bright, neon colors or white is the best way to ensure other motorists will see you. If you only have black apparel, consider throwing on an orange safety vest or apply some reflective tape to your helmet and bike.

Stay in the Open

Another important tip for city riding is to stay out in the open. You don’t want to crowd in with other bikes or ride on the tails of a car. Keeping yourself in an open area with space around you will keep you safe and allow you to see and be seen.

Scan Ahead

Whenever you’re on the road, you need to watch the road ahead and the lanes to either side of you. This is especially important when riding your motorcycle through the city. Always signal in advance and use your mirrors to check your blind spots when changing lanes or turning. Downtown areas can be crowded, so it’s critical that you stay vigilant. You may also need to be aware of obstacles like animals or pedestrians.

Find a Way Out

Your bike has the agility that a car doesn’t. Use this to your advantage! While riding through the city, watch for any opportunities to escape when a car suddenly pulls out or traffic comes to a halting stop. Hard braking on your motorcycle is dangerous and could throw you off your bike, so try your best to weave your way to safety.

Beware of Surface Conditions

Any time you’re on the road, you need to be aware of the surface conditions. Rain can create slippery spots and snow can create patches of black ice. Slow down when riding in bad weather through the city and steer as straight as possible. Don’t forget to watch for oil puddles, loose gravel, and potholes.

Are you ready to enjoy a motorcycle ride through the city? We hope this guide helps you stay safe on the road! If you still have questions or you’re in the market for a new bike, reach out to our friendly team at Lawton Motorsports located in Lawton, Oklahoma near Edmond. We look forward to helping you with all of your motorsport needs!