4 Tips to Overcome the Fear of Motorcycling

Though many people find it relaxing or calming to ride a motorcycle, others may consider it dangerous. In a country where accidents only rise despite safety measures, skepticism often takes the cup. 

In the first quarter of 2024, more than 8,500 people lost their lives in a motorcycle crash. Those on two-wheelers are 28 times more likely to lose their life should they be involved in an accident. 

Let such statistics sober you but do not let them discourage you. A healthy dose of realism helps us become more careful. However, too much of it can lead to melancholy and paralyzing pessimism. 

It’s time to fight against these odds to emerge as a skilled and careful rider. In this article, we will discuss motorcycle riding and offer four tips to overcome your fears of the sport. 

The Case for and Against Motorcycling 

You only need to look around your city to realize that cars dominate American roads. Recently, a growing number of people have reverted to the olden days. No, we’re not referring to days of horseback but good old motorcycle riding. 

Some of the common reasons for this turnaround include a sense of freedom and adventure, better mental health, and a cheaper commute. Those are pretty strong reasons to consider owning a motorbike. 

However, the naysayers are fixated on the safety aspect of a two-wheeler. Lacking a protective enclosure like a four-wheeler, motorbikes are seen as exposing riders to unnecessary vulnerability. They often endure the brunt of accidents, especially when road infrastructure is lacking. 

For instance, one city that is experiencing road safety issues is Atlanta, Georgia. Some of the main issues with its roads include high traffic volume, confusing intersections, and outdated infrastructure. Drivers are constantly at risk of crashing into each other. 

Among its most dangerous roads is the I-285, known as the ‘Circle of Death.’ Atlanta personal injury attorneys have dealt with numerous accident cases involving injuries like whiplash, broken bones, concussions, and internal bleeding. 

On such highways, motorbike riders are the most susceptible to sustaining severe injuries. According to the Atlanta Personal Injury Law Firm, factors like reckless driving, interactions on the way, and negligence of road signs further increase the risk. 

Besides tighter road safety policies, every driver/rider must perform their duty of driving safely. Given such scares, it can seem overwhelming to hit the roads on two wheels. The anxiety only gets worse among those who have suffered from a previous crash. 

4 Ways to Conquer Your Motor Biking Fears 

Given the reality of motorcycling in today’s world, it is normal to feel overwhelmed or scared. If your fear of motorcycling arises from a recent accident, the toll can take quite some time to subside. 

Even when you step forward to ride your motorbike again, the process will require fighting past demons. Fret not! The good news is that you can get back on the road on two wheels. Here are four tips to conquer those deep-seated fears. 

Begin Slowly  

Whether you’re new to the motorbike or trying to familiarize yourself again, take things slow. There is no need to jump onto a heavyweight cruiser right from day one. Even if you’re accustomed to it, it may take some time for your body and mind to adjust. 

Consider commencing with a smaller bike or even a moped/scooter. Take these out for short rides in areas that see less traffic volume. You can cover larger distances gradually as your confidence builds. 

This tip will help you get a good feel of the roads to lower anxiety. Consider it all as a thrilling game where each level brings with it new challenges but also new rewards. The beginning of anything always seems the hardest but the journey gets easier with each step. 

Practice 

In case you are completely new to motorcycling, we would recommend pursuing a safety course first. Such courses are an ideal way to learn the basics of riding. Once you’re confident with the theory, the practical application becomes more manageable. 

While you’re at your course, spend time practicing what you learn. Get to know your two-wheeler, understand its functionalities, and figure out ways to control it. 

The more you practice and dedicate quality time to learning about your vehicle, the better you will get. Let’s see how you can practice to become perfect at your chosen sport – 

• Devote plenty of time just getting acquainted with your bike and its unique features. 
• Get to know how it responds to your inputs, how well it accelerates or stops, etc. 
• Discover an empty parking lot. It will become your ideal spot to refine your riding skills. 
• Let your practice sessions turn into a ritual. Use them to bond with your vehicle and master the skills you learn. 

Visualize Success 

In many cases, riders possess all the necessary motorcycling skills. However, their anxiety keeps them from their vehicle. One way to calm yourself down is to visualize success. 

In other words, get on your bike and picture yourself riding it smoothly and safely. Visualization is a powerful tool even used to picture the life one wants to have. It is used by athletes or stage performers to boost confidence. 

You can be specific with your visualization efforts. Try to see yourself cornering your vehicle with grace and navigating traffic like a pro. Do it each time you get onto your motorbike. 

This mental rehearsal can be a great way to relax your mind and prepare it for future success. Furthermore, learn about defensive riding techniques that will help you deal with unexpected situations. 

The truth is even if you’re careful on the road, others may make mistakes that catch you off guard. Instead of panicking, the proper skills will help you spring into action. It may be a matter of life and death in some cases. What’s more, is that it may help you avoid getting into another accident. 

Ride With a Trusted Friend 

At times, the journey of learning to ride a motorbike, or ride again, can seem too overwhelming. That’s when you must remember that you don’t have to do it alone. 

Ask an experienced and trusted friend to ride along with you. They can act as a moral support and safety net in your learning curve. You can ask them any questions, reach for reassurance, and let them guide you with navigation advice. 

Just ensure that your motorbike is in proper condition before scheduling practice sessions. Have all the proper gear in place, including helmets, boots, or gloves. Arrange for any gear that your friend may also require. 

According to Statista, the motorcycle market is expected to exhibit a moderate growth rate of 2.26% between 2024 and 2029. During this period, the market will gather a value of $7.76 billion. 

This means more and more Americans will be investing in two-wheelers for a convenient commute. Riding a motorbike can be an exhilarating experience. All you need to do is keep certain safety aspects in mind. Start on the right foot and take on the roads with a storm.

To read more content like this, explore The Brand Hopper

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