In the know: What not to do when riding a motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle is indeed the ultimate expression of freedom — whether cruising on paved asphalt or working your way off the beaten path on rough terrains. In fact, the experience is so empowering that those sitting atop a saddle might feel invincible enough to not wear protective gear and even nonchalantly cut through lanes.

So, we’re going to take a look at what not to do when riding a motorcycle, to save you from being apprehended by a traffic enforcer or worse, end up in the hospital.

Not wearing a helmet

Riding a motorcycle is like joining Fight Club: there are rules. The first rule for this one though, is to wear your helmet.

Your helmet will protect your head from bruises, gashes, and trauma. Plus, it will stop bugs or other projectile from hitting your face during a ride.  Moreover, wearing a helmet can protect you from getting that expensive ticket, should you be stopped by deputized enforcers.

Of course, you also have to wear proper riding gear, which includes a jacket, pants, a pair of good riding shoes, and gloves. Putting these on before you hop on top of your bike might induce sweating (given the Philippines’ tropical climate) — but in case you slide — will lessen the chances of being seriously injured.

Not being attentive

It takes some level of skill to ride a motorcycle. Not only should you have some sort of mastery in balancing , but you also have to take full control of the machine. To add to that, you also need to pay attention to the road ahead.

Presence of mind is imperative during rides  as larger vehicles, especially trucks and buses, might not see you if you’re coming from behind. Also having your head cooped up in your helmet might slightly impede your vision, so you will have to pay attention to what’s happening around you by looking at the two small side mirrors propped close to your handlebar.

Do note that unlike cars and other four-wheeled automobiles, motorcycles often lack some state-of-the-art safety features we might have gotten used to in sedans or sport utility vehicles.

Not bringing your license

While it does happen, even to the best of us, riding a motorcycle without a license is a big no-no. Sometimes we switch bags and we leave our identifications on one or the other.

What’s an even bigger no-no is riding a motorcycle if you have no actual license. That means you do not have the privilege of using public roads. So, make sure to secure your license and always keep it handy whenever you head out. Also, make sure to bring your motorcycle’s registration papers when you’re heading out.

Race other riders

Alright, so you threw your ride some upgrades. Your pipe goes brap-brap, the engine is now more responsive as you twist the throttle, and you even slapped a few stickers on your motorcycle, but that doesn’t mean you get to treat the street like a race track.

Sure, you find another rider waiting for the stop light to go green who is as eager to prove whose bike is better, but that’s just not right.

Make sure to always be cautious when riding your motorbike and be courteous to other road users. Treating the streets like a circuit means you are part of the problem and not the solution. You endanger not only yourself but also other motorists as well.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Some of the things you shouldn’t do when riding a motorcycle. Remember that riding your motorbike on the road is a privilege and not a right, and that privilege can be taken from you if you violate or break the laws.

Photos from Juan Paulo Papa and Ruben Manahan IV

Also read: 

In the know: Things you need before you get a motorcycle

In the know: Hazards of drunk driving

In the know: Pros and cons of joining social media car and motorcycle clubs