Tips for Riding Your Cruiser Motorcycle in the City

Regardless of whether you use your cruiser motorcycle to run errands or commute to work, you’ll want to follow these safety tips while you’re riding in the city. The experts at Hideout Harley-Davidson® have created this guide to help you stay safe and keep others on the road secure, too. If you have any questions or want to check out our selection of cruiser motorcycles for sale, visit us in Joplin, MO, today!

Be Visible

The first safety tip that you’ll want to follow is to wear bright-colored clothes to boost your visibility on the road. Consider wearing a reflective vest over your riding jacket or a bright-colored helmet that's visible during dim light conditions, such as during fog or nighttime.

Stay Out in the Open

Avoid crowding with fellow bikers or riding on the tails of a car; instead, stay out in the open zone when you’re riding your cruiser motorcycle in the city. Doing this will make you visible to other motorists, and you will have a better chance to work your way through gaps.

Scan Ahead

Obstacles, like pedestrians and animals on the road, and sudden changes in the traffic can be risky. So, you'll want to watch the road ahead of you and the lanes on either side besides signaling your maneuvers well in advance. Also, use your bike’s mirrors, check blind spots, and be extra cautious about traffic on your left side.

Find a Way Out

While riding your cruiser motorcycle, you’ll want to look for escape routes to move out of risky spots. This can include instances when a car ahead of you suddenly pulls out or if the traffic comes to a halt. Hard braking on your bike can be dangerous and throw you off gear. To stay safe and quickly move out, make use of the compact size and agility of your motorcycle to your maximum benefit.

Be Aware of Surface Conditions

Another safety tip that you’ll want to follow is keeping an eye out for road irregularities, such as potholes and loose gravel. These conditions are enough to make you lose traction on the road, and there is always the risk of other vehicles kicking up debris and dirt, which can put you at risk unless you’re mindful.

We hope these tips will help you stay safe while you’re riding your motorcycle in the city. If you’re still in the market for a new bike, visit Hideout Harley-Davidson® in Joplin, MO, where we have an impressive inventory of cruiser motorcycles for sale. Our team can show you our latest selection and suggest models for your budget. We proudly serve all those in Springfield, MO, and Rogers, AR.