Two-Wheeled Etiquette

How to Be a Safe, Considerate Motorcyclist

Riding a motorcycle makes you fully responsible for your safety and that of nearby traffic

Regardless of whether a motorcycle is your primary means of transportation or just a weekend or vacation plaything, riding it safely requires adhering to the laws of physics and of good manners.

By Bill Lindsey

1 Go Back to School

Even if you spent a lot of time riding motorcycles or mopeds in the past, taking a course is a good way to learn new skills and “unlearn” bad habits. Riding this “bike” requires much more attention and very different skills than those used to drive a car. In addition to always wearing a helmet, gloves, and eye protection, be aware a motorcycle goes exactly where you are looking, so keep your eyes on the road.

2 Stay in Your Lane

Some states allow “lane splitting,” which is riding a motorcycle between clearly marked lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction, whether in a traffic jam or among vehicles moving at posted speeds, but it’s a dangerous practice. Drivers may be startled to see a motorcycle alongside and may possibly swerve. When arriving at a red light, don’t scoot past cars to be the first to go when it turns green.

4 Do the Wave

It’s simply good manners to toss a friendly wave at approaching motorcycles. Just as Porsche drivers and boaters do it when they see each other, the wave acknowledges a likeminded individual enjoying the day, making you both feel like members of a fun club. A “proper wave” is done by simply fully opening the clutch hand and extending it at a slight angle. If your wave makes you look like Forrest Gump, you’re doing it wrong.

3 You’re Not Ponch 5 Be Helpful

Unless you are a California Highway Patrol motorcycle cop, don’t ride side by side because it limits reaction time if the adjacent rider suddenly swerves to miss a pothole. When entering a road from a parking lot, wait for a sizable gap in traffic instead of suddenly zipping in front of unsuspecting vehicles. Even if your motorcycle is fast enough to merge, it’s an unwelcome surprise to the drivers you just cut off. If you see a motorcyclist on the side of the road, pull over to see if they need a helping hand. They may be out of gas or need directions to their destination. Even if they don’t require assistance, it’s a nice way to connect with another person in a way not readily available to car and truck drivers. Like the old commercial said, “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.”