Of all the drivers on the road, a motorcycle rider realizes the importance of dressing and driving safely. More than any other vehicle on the road, a motorcyclist's life depends on how well their equipment will withstand an accident and how well they and their fellow motorist follow driving regulations. Here are some safety tips essential to cyclists:

Safety Equipment

The safety of the equipment you use should be pre-tested to meet certain safety standards. By knowing these safety ratings you will be an informed purchaser and the life you save may be your own.

The best way to see that the helmet you use is sturdy enough to protect you, is to look for the Department of Transportation sticker or notice. The sticker is a small, round white sticker with the word DOT (Department of Transportation) printed in black and can usually be found on the back of the helmet either adhered to or printed directly on the helmet.

The DOT notice tells you the item you are about to purchase has met the standards set by the Department of Transportation for minimum safety standards set by the US government. You should also look for this sticker with any riding jackets, boots, goggles or glasses and gloves you purchase.

Safety standards are essential. A faulty helmet or other safety gear could mean death in the case of an accident. You can also look for helmets which are rated to provide a greater level of protection by the Snell Memorial Foundation which tests by a more vigorous standard. This foundation was named for a gentleman killed due to substandard equipment and provides the highest standard of testing.

Be Prepared

Pilots do it and you should do it to . . . check your bike and equipment before you embark on your next ride. Before you head out on that long ride check your bikes tires, brakes, oil, engine and anything else on your bike - especially if you've ever had any problems with that particular system. If you are going on a particularly long trip and are not a mechanic yourself, have your bike checked by a reputable.

Drive Defensively

Unlike other vehicles on the road, there are few safety devices available for a biker and the cycle itself is a rather low profile vehicle. For this reason you'll want to drive defensively while sharing the road with your counterparts - partially because they will have more difficulty seeing you, and partially because other drivers often tend to bully the motorcyclist simply because of their size. Be especially conscious of your speed because you are able to accelerate much more quickly than other vehicles and they may not expect you to have moved so quickly.

Mind the Weather

Be mindful of any weather extremes. Though ice, sleet and snow covered streets are conditions no biker wants to face, most cyclist find alternate transportation when the driving conditions are compromised. But a biker is often caught in rainy conditions and you should be extremely vigilant when riding in the rain. The streets may be slick and as you grow more uncomfortable and wet you become more distracted. The grips, clutch and brakes are wet and are harder to grasp. A rain slicker that doesn't compromise your safety is often helpful.

Also don't overlook simple temperature extremes. If the weather is biting cold, even with protective gear your fingers can grow numb, making the controls difficult to use. And if you grow cold enough to begin shivering, your ability to safely operate your bike is compromised, not to mention the risk to your health. Likewise, extreme heat will cause you to dehydrate quickly and you can become dizzy or disoriented and are danger to yourself and others on the road.

Driven safely, a motorcycle can be a fun, enjoyable means of transportation. Take the time to equip yourself thoughtfully and share the road safely.

If you're looking for a used motorcycle for sale, visit, The Motorcycle Mart.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harley_James