Experience Oregon’s awesome roads safely
It’s a no-brainer: experience makes you a better motorcycle rider. So, first things first — we suggest you take a class! In fact, if you don’t already have a motorcycle endorsement, you are required to take a class to get one. Check out Oregon’s
motorcycle and moped handbook for more information.
Either way, take a course!
Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination and good judgment. Complet-ing a motorcycle rider education course (like those offered by
Team Oregon) is a good way to ensure you have the correct instruction and experience it takes to ride a motorcycle safely.
Wear a helmet
Helmets are required in Oregon. Make sure
it is DOT-certified. For the best protection, wear a full face helmet with a face shield. You’ll want to replace your helmet every 3 – 5 years (follow manufacturer’s direction), and if you can’t find a comfortable fit, get professionally fitted.
Reduce your chances of getting hit
Motorcyclists are often hit when a vehicle turns left across traffic in front of them or pulls out from the right in front of them. In both cases, drivers will often say they didn’t see the bike. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are some key things riders can do to reduce the chances of getting hit:
• Follow the posted speeds to ensure drivers’ expectations are accurate and to ensure you can stop if necessary.
• Maintain a lane position and following distance (at least 4 seconds) that ensures visibility to all drivers.
• Wear protective clothing that contrasts with your background, and ensure your headlight is on.
• Practice your emergency stops and ride within your own abilities.
Also, take special care to navigate intersections safely. Check for traffic on all sides and only move forward on green after you deem it’s safe.
Other tips to enjoy the ride
• Get to know your motorcycle by practicing. That way you can handle changing road conditions, weather and traffic.
• Have a procedure you follow before every ride: check tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, lights; secure your cargo; wear proper gear; etc.
• Ride responsibly — obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits. Ride your best — sober, well-rested and focused on the task of expertly operat-ing your motorcycle. Enjoy!