7 Hidden Dangers to Your Motorcycle in The City – Insurance is important
Riding a motorcycle in the city can be exhilarating, but it’s not without its challenges. While you can zip through traffic, see over cars, and often get to your destination faster than with other modes of transportation, there are risks unique to urban environments. To protect yourself and your bike, carrying insurance is as important as wearing a helmet.
City riding presents hazards that aren’t common elsewhere. These risks can appear from anywhere, often when you least expect them. Today, we’ll explore seven distinct dangers you might face while riding in urban areas. While there are several small steps you can take to mitigate these risks, having proper insurance coverage is the best protection you can have.
Your motorcycle is your pride and joy—though you may tell others that your kids come first, deep down, you know your bike holds a special place in your heart. You take meticulous care of it, maintaining the chain, changing the oil, and admiring its sleek appearance.
However, your bike’s appeal can attract unwanted attention. Parking downtown, especially on weekends, exposes your motorcycle to various strangers. Some might just admire it, but others might be tempted to touch or even sit on it without your permission. The problem is that they often don’t realize how fragile a motorcycle can be. One wrong move, like forgetting which side the kickstand is on, could lead to significant damage.
To reduce the risk of mishaps, always park your bike in a well-lit area, preferably near other motorcycles. Parking under a security camera is even better. While these precautions won’t prevent all accidents, they can deter people from tampering with your ride.
It’s not just people you need to worry about—cars pose a threat to your motorcycle too. Parking on the side of the road, especially in parallel parking spaces, can leave your bike vulnerable to being hit by a car. If you’re lucky, the driver will leave a note with their contact information. However, many drivers might not even realize they’ve hit your bike. Remember, cars are designed to be quiet and smooth, making it easy for drivers to overlook minor collisions.
To protect your bike, follow the same rules: park near other motorcycles, find a well-lit spot, and avoid parking behind large vehicles like trucks or SUVs, as these vehicles have larger blind spots. Most importantly, make sure you have the right insurance. Whether your bike gets knocked over by someone taking a selfie or hit by a car, insurance will cover the damage.
Motorcycle theft is another serious concern. Even if you park in a secure area, your bike isn’t completely safe. Imagine parking in your apartment’s garage, locking your forks, and feeling secure behind a locked gate, only to find your bike gone the next morning. Unfortunately, motorcycle theft is common, and police response times can be slow. In some cases, it’s your fellow riders, not the authorities, who are more likely to help you recover your stolen bike.
To prevent theft, always lock your forks, even though it’s not foolproof. Invest in an immobilizing device, such as a brake lock or chain, and consider installing a tracker. Most importantly, ensure your insurance policy covers theft. Liability insurance won’t help you here—you need comprehensive coverage.
Road hazards are another danger in urban areas. Potholes, gravel, sand, and construction debris can all pose a threat to your safety. While most potholes won’t cause you to lose control, it’s important to know how to avoid them. Always scan the road ahead and try to steer clear of obstacles. If you can’t avoid them, stand up slightly on your bike to allow your suspension to absorb the impact and keep your grip light on the handlebars.
Another common urban hazard is pedestrians. Many pedestrians jaywalk, stepping out in front of your motorcycle without warning. While a loud exhaust might alert them to your presence, it’s not always practical to ride a bike that makes excessive noise. Instead, ride on the left side of your lane to give yourself more space and cover your front brake so you’re ready to stop quickly if necessary.
Intersections are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, especially when dealing with left-turning cars. In busy downtown areas, cars may suddenly turn in front of you, creating a split-second wall of danger. To protect yourself, cover your front brake as you approach intersections, look ahead to anticipate potential threats, and slow down when crossing intersections. If an accident does occur, focus on getting out of the road as quickly as possible. Don’t worry about your bike—let insurance handle that.
Finally, running red lights poses a significant risk. You might be tempted to speed through a yellow light, but this can result in a serious accident. To avoid being T-boned by a car running a red light, always watch for crossing traffic before entering an intersection, even when you have the right of way.
In conclusion, city riding requires constant vigilance and defensive riding. While you can take steps to reduce the risks, the most important thing you can do is ensure you have proper insurance coverage. Riding a motorcycle is about freedom, but it’s also about responsibility—protect yourself and your bike by being prepared for whatever the city throws at you.
