It's getting to be that time of year where it gets warmer out and the roads will be filled with motorcyclists. Did you know Iowa is the third state in the United States for ownership of a motorcycle per capita? This means that one out of every 18 people owns and operates a motorcycle. May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, so let's go over a few tips to keep everyone on the roadway safe this summer.
Bike Safety: Remember the acronym - T-CLOCK. This stands for Tires, Control levers, Lights and batteries, Oil and fluid levels, Chassis (the body of the bike) and the Kickstand. It is important to go through this checklist every time before taking your motorcycle out on the road.
Share the Road: It may seem like motorcyclists just like going really fast, however, it's usually to get out of people's blind spots while passing cars. Blind spots are bigger in larger cars and trucks, sometimes up to 6.2 feet. So, make sure to always use your turning signal and check your blind spots when switching lanes.
Wear Protective Gear: You should always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, whether you are the driver or the passenger. If your helmet does not have eye protection, wear safety glasses to protect you from things like small rocks and bugs. If you are riding at night, wear bright clothing or something reflective to make you easier to see.
Motorcyclists greatly appreciate getting the same care as other motorists on the roads, so let's be sure to be respectful of everyone's space.
