Travel Tips & Trends

Look out for motorcycles

You're about to pull out after stopping at an intersection, when you slam on the brakes. You didn't see that motorcycle coming!

Even with 5.7 million motorcycles on America's highways, car drivers tend to see other cars but not cycles. There were 4,810 motorcycle fatalities in 2006, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Summer is a great time to ride in Colorado and brings large numbers of motorcycles to share the road with other traffic. Here are some tips for both motorists and motorcyclists.

For motorists:

Be extra cautious on weekends, when more motorcycles tend to be on the road.
Give motorcycles room. Never attempt to share a lane with one.
Consciously check for motorcycles in your blind spot before changing lanes—they are not as easily seen as a car.
Always stay at least three to four seconds behind a motorcycle. They accelerate, stop and maneuver more quickly than a car, and are also far more sensitive to road surface changes, debris and other factors motorists may not notice. These can cause a motorcyclist to slow down or adjust lane position suddenly.

For motorcyclists:

Regardless of state laws, wearing a properly fitting helmet is crucial for self-protection. In about half of all motorcycle fatalities, the rider was not wearing a helmet.
Eye protection is essential. Other protective gear should include gloves, jacket and proper footwear. Bright clothing will increase your visibility to motorists.
Maintain your motorcycle regularly—check tires for pressure and wear, replace worn foot pegs and handlebar grips, and ensure all lights and indicators work correctly.
No matter how long you have been riding, consider taking a motorcycle safety course or refresher to increase your skills as a safe rider. It could keep you from becoming a statistic.