Safe riding tips

Check out our newest motorcycle safety campaign.

Due to your lack of protection, motorcycle and moped riders have a higher risk of death or injury than drivers of other vehicles but there are simple steps you can take to set yourself up for a safe ride.

Motorcycle rider risks

As a motorcyclist you’re at higher risk of crashing when: 

• you’re riding around a curve 
• you’re at an intersection when you or another vehicle is turning right.

The most common causes of crashes involving motorcycles include:

• swinging wide on bends (leading to a head-on crash)
• pulling out to pass too quickly or cutting in after passing
• losing control of the motorcycle
• collisions at intersections with turning, side-on, merging and in-front traffic
• collisions with objects, such as parked cars.

Steps for safe riding

• Ride your own ride. Don’t feel pressured to keep up with the group or ride beyond your ability – arriving in one piece is more important.   
• Wear all the gear, all the time. Full protective gear including a helmet is your only protection in a crash.
  Learn more about your motorcycle and gear
• Make sure you ride sober and rested.
• Take corners slow and accelerate out when you can see that the exit is clear.
• Ride with your headlight on dip (low beam) during the day to make you and your motorcycle more noticeable.
• Keep your distance. If someone makes a mistake or you spot a hazard, space gives you time to react and somewhere to go.
• Ride defensively.
• Ride to the conditions. 
  Tips for riding in bad weather
  Check the weather forecast(external link)
• Ride within the speed limit.
• Check for any closures, delays or warnings on your route and plan your journey and rest stops to manage fatigue.
  NZTA journey planner(external link)

Improve your skills

Ride Forever offers on-road motorcycle coaching courses suitable for all levels of riders. Analysis has shown that Ride Forever trained riders crash less often than other motorcyclists. 

Ride Forever - your bike and gear(external link)

Safety starts with making sure you’re a fully licenced and legal motorcycle rider.

Learn more about the motorcycle licence process.