Street Riding 101

I find myself wondering why motorcyclist like  to put themselves in danger by riding the way they do? Then I realize they aren't doing it on purpose, they just don't know any better.

Driving (not riding) to work the other day the traffic starts backing up, as I join the other drivers on the road maneuvering around the obstacle which turns out to be a motorcyclist riding just below the speed limit in the left hand lane. As I pass I notice the newness of the bike a Harley Sportster with paper license tags. I think to myself no one has every told him that riding slower than traffic is not a wise idea.

To get to the point, if you ride on the street, do yourself and your family a favor and ride faster than traffic. Now I'm not saying 20 mph faster than traffic but a few won't hurt. Riding faster allows the rider to control his/her path by being the aggressor (so to speak) choosing which lane to take and so on. Riding slower than traffic makes you a target. Faster moving traffic will cut you off, plus you have to worry about the car traveling mere feet from your rear tire. If you must ride slow for what ever reason, do it in the slow lane, or on lightly traveled roads.

I know, listening to the sound of that big V twin is awesome, but so is getting home safe after every ride. So, do everyone a favor and pick up the pace!