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I drove a motorcycle like a paranoid schizophrenic, for more than a year, and lived to tell about it! As a motorcyclist, how to make yourself seen, how to recognize potentially hazardous situations, and how to navigate through those same bad situations are the keys to driving a motorcycle safely.

City driving presents many dangers for the motorcyclist. He or she is small, compared to other vehicles, and clothing and motorcycle paint colors can combine to make a motorcycle all but invisible. Fortunately, most modern motorcycles have the headlight permanently on, as this helps other drivers see the motorcyclist. The Motorcyclist has other tools as well, to help others see him or her. City streets have lanes that are al the least 10 feet wide, and the motorcyclist can use all of the lane to great advantage. Let me explain: even if the motorcycle is traveling at 80 miles per hour, if the car behind it is also doing 80 mph, then the motorcycle appears stationary from the car's perspective. I moved from one side of the lane to the other, frequently, especially in response to new conditions. That movement, it seems, helps others to notice the motorcycle, and there are other benefits to switching from one side of a lane to the other, such as placing more distance between the motorcyclist and a perceived hazard. Keep your headlights on, choose clothing and motorcycle colors that enhance visibility, and move from one side of the lane to the other or change lanes to help other drivers see you.

When I was riding, I paid special attention to side roads, parking lot exits, and intersections, especially the left turn lane for oncoming traffic. These places are potential hazards, where automobile operators may not see the motorcyclist, who is just trying keep from becoming another statistic. At small intersections, The automobile driver may not see the motorcyclist, especially since their attention is divided between the traffic to the left, right, and his own oncoming traffic. Parking lot exits have similar dangers - watch these autos! Cars wanting to make a left turn in front of the motorcycle especially may not see it. Another hazard is 2 lane roads, where oncoming cars may be wanting to pass one another, if you are there - POW!

In all of the above situations, the Motorcyclist can change lanes, or the position within the lane, to place as much distance as possible between him and the perceived hazard. Another solution is to change speed, either slowing down to allow more reaction time, or speed up to place the hazard firmly behind you. Which technique is use depends on the actual situation, and the motorcyclist's preferences. With hazards involving oncoming traffic, shifting position within the lane, or changing lanes is quite effective. With cross traffic, it may be more effective to slow down slightly, or speed up, taking advantage of other cars on the road that are more visible - if other traffic is preventing a car from turning onto your road, it may be effective to speed up, so that by the time the other traffic clears, you are well past the hazard.

My Yamaha 750 Virago was quite responsive to the throttle, I frequently twisted the grip, when I didn't like the situation. "Let them be stupid behind me, I'll be long gone when the dust settles". I also used the entire lane, not just the right or left side of a lane, the lateral movement helps others notice the motorcyclist.

Learn more about this author, Thomas Goodin.
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