Staying Visible: How To Increase Your Motorcycle's Visibility On The Road
For motorcyclists, visibility on the road is not just about seeing but being seen. Motorcycle riders face a unique challenge as they are more vulnerable to being overlooked by other drivers due to their smaller profile. Enhancing your motorcycle’s visibility is a critical safety measure that can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. At 2Brothers Powersports, we value the safety of our riders - and this Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month - we're here to share effective strategies to help you stand out on the road.
1. Use High-Visibility Gear
One of the simplest and most effective ways to increase your visibility is by wearing high-visibility gear. Brightly colored and reflective clothing catches the eye, making you more noticeable to other drivers. Consider jackets, helmets, and vests in neon colors like yellow, green, or orange, and make sure they have reflective panels that shine brightly under car headlights.
2. Upgrade Your Lighting
Enhancing your motorcycle's lighting can make a substantial difference in how visible you are on the road. Consider upgrading to LED lights, which are brighter and more noticeable than standard bulbs. Ensure your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are fully functional and consider adding auxiliary lights if needed. Properly angled headlights can also improve your visibility to oncoming traffic without blinding other drivers.
3. Use Reflective Tape and Decals
Reflective tape and decals can be applied to your motorcycle’s body and wheels to increase visibility. These materials reflect light directly back to its source, such as a car’s headlights, making your motorcycle stand out in low-light conditions. You can use reflective tape strategically on the back and sides of your bike, on the rims of your wheels, or any part of the frame where it catches light effectively.
4. Maintain Proper Lane Position
Staying visible isn’t just about what you wear or how you accessorize your bike; it also involves where you position yourself on the road. Ride in a lane position where you are most visible to the drivers around you and can maintain a good sightline. Avoid riding in blind spots of other vehicles, especially large trucks and buses. Make sure you have enough space around your motorcycle so that you have room to maneuver if needed.
5. Use Your Signals Early
Communicate your intentions clearly and early by using your turn signals well before you make a turn or change lanes. This gives other drivers time to notice and react to your actions. Consider using hand signals in addition to your bike’s turn signals to further draw attention to your movements.
6. Ride With Headlights On
Always ride with your headlights on, even during the day. This practice, known as the DRL (Daytime Running Lights) approach, is proven to increase visibility and is now a standard safety recommendation worldwide. It helps your motorcycle stand out from the background, making it easier for other drivers to notice you.
7. Keep Your Motorcycle Clean
A clean motorcycle reflects light better and stands out more than one covered in dirt and grime. Regularly cleaning your bike not only keeps it looking great but enhances its reflective qualities. Pay special attention to keeping lights, reflective tapes, and shiny surfaces clean.
8. Educate Your Fellow Drivers
Part of increasing your visibility also involves educating car drivers about motorcycle safety. Whenever possible, engage in community awareness programs or local safety campaigns to educate others about the importance of watching for motorcycles.
At 2Brothers Powersports, we’re big believers of motorcycle safety and visibility. Implementing these visibility strategies can greatly enhance your safety and ensure a more enjoyable riding experience. Remember, the goal is to make every ride as safe as possible by ensuring you are seen by everyone else on the road. Give us a call at 608-781-3360 or stop into our store located 905 Oak Avenue South in Onalaska, Wisconsin.
