Riding season is finally here! Around this time of year, we get the itch to ride and start thinking about taking our motorcycles out for the weekend. But, before the rubber hits the road, I want to suggest thinking about safety first. My office handles a lot of motorcycle accident cases; many of the injuries my clients received could have been less severe or even avoided entirely if they had heeded the suggestions below. INVEST IN A MOTORCYCLE WITHIN YOUR RIDING ABILITY When you first start riding, you’ll need a motorcycle that fits your needs and experience level. What’s your reason for riding? If you plan to commute to work, ride on the weekends, or race in a closed track, a big touring motorcycle may not meet your needs. INVEST IN ATGATT ATGATT stands for All The Gear, All The Time . As a new rider, ATGATT should be more than a catchy acronym; it needs to be your new mindset. Your gear won’t help you if you go down while it’s hanging in your closet at home! MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS PROTECTING YOURSELF FROM INJURY On June 16, 1884, the first roller coaster in the nation opened to eager and brave participants at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York. In the years since the first riders climbed aboard the Switchback Railway 135 years ago, roller coasters and the amusement parks that house them have changed dramatically. But the thrill that attracted all those first participants still remains. Celebrate the nation’s love of heart-stopping adventure by visiting an amusement park this summer. Follow these tips to make the most out of your trip. I’M LOST! Before you head out, review park maps and ride descriptions. Create a list of the attractions everyone in your group wants to see and plan out your route ahead of time. While some spontaneity can be fun — it’s a vacation, after all — the sheer size of many parks coupled with high anticipation can be overwhelming if you aren’t prepared. Planning ahead will save you a few headaches and disappointed family members. HOLD ON TIGHT! PREPARE FOR FAMILY FUN AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK THIS SUMMER
PACK THE ESSENTIALS Find an over-the-shoulder bag or strap on a fanny pack to carry your cash, keys, snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses. You’re spending the whole day outside, so make sure you’re considering the weather when you head out and always slather on a generous amount of sunscreen. Lastly, wear comfortable walking shoes to prevent blisters and aching heels. You’ll have more fun if you know you’ll be prepared for anything. WATER COSTS HOW MUCH!? Amusement parks are expensive, and when you spend a whole day seeking thrills, you’re eventually going to need sustenance. Check the park’s rules before you leave, but most will allow your family to bring in a few snacks, like fruits or granola bars, and a reusable, empty water bottle. Many parks will have a drinking fountain near the entrance where you can fill up before exploring. If you plan to eat or drink at one of the establishments in the park, peruse the food options on the park’s website ahead of time to get an idea of what is available and how much money you should bring. Adventure awaits this summer! Don’t let a lack of preparedness keep you from enjoying a 135-year-old tradition.
2,089 motorcyclists lost their lives by not wearing a helmet. Buy the best one you can afford.
Jacket A good motorcycle jacket can offer safety far beyond regular clothing, providing superior protection from the environment and to your person in the event of a fall. Consider it the second most important piece of gear to wear on the road. Gloves Gloves are crucial for protecting your knuckles from pebbles, large bugs, or other debris from the road. Additionally, they provide sunburn and windburn protection, and the added material provides additional grip for safer riding.
Boots Proper motorcycle boots will offer protection, comfort, and excellent tread between you and the road surface.
Pants Motorcycle riding pants offer comfort and protection for your lower body, and they can fit over a regular set of pants or shorts.
TAKE A MOTORCYCLE COURSE When you first start riding, it can be overwhelming to master the controls and the flow of traffic. Rather than try to learn the basics on the fly, we suggest you take a riding course to help perfect your riding skills before you hit the open road. I’m a member of a motorcycle club, and we put on 2–3 motorcycle riding classes a year for our members. Even our most veteran riders benefit from safety riding courses; it’s amazing how much better you’ll ride when you routinely take these courses and practice what you’ve learned.
Helmet The helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment for riding a motorcycle. According to the NHTSA, in 2016,
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