Risk Awareness/Acceptance

Safe riding is more of a skill of the eyes and mind than of the hands and feet. You need to develop a set of street riding strategies that allows you to gather critical information to make good decisions and avoid problems.

Almost all activities people engage in have some level of risk. Operating a motorcycle requires your constant and full attention to reduce risk. Consider the following steps to manage risk and be a responsible rider:

Rider Responsibilities

Accept the responsibilities associated with operating a motorcycle:

• You must have a motorcycle license or permit.
• You will be expected to follow the laws and rules of the road.
• You must share the road with other users (i.e. pedestrians, bicyclists, large vehicles, etc.)
• Ride alcohol and drug-free.
• Always wear protective gear.

Risk Awareness

Riding a motorcycle involves some risks not encountered when driving other types of vehicles. Some of these risks include:

• Vulnerability – motorcycles provide less protection in a crash and do not have the stability of cars. This is why you should always wear protective gear.
• Visibility – motorcycles are not as visible as other types of vehicles because of their size. Other motorists may not be looking for motorcycles in traffic. This places you at risk.

Risk Acceptance

Once you become aware of the risks associated with motorcycling, it is time to accept those risks. Choosing to accept the challenges of being a responsible motorcyclist means to think about the consequences of your riding behavior in traffic. It also means accepting personal responsibility for the results of your decisions and actions, as well as developing good skills and judgment.