Safety for motorcyclists and moped riders

As a motorcyclist, you are vulnerable. See what you yourself can do to be safe in traffic.

Motorcyclist

You are the maker of your own safety

The risk of accidents and injuries is high for motorcyclists. In the last ten years, around 170 motorcyclists have been seriously injured or killed each year.

In a car, you are protected by a vehicle body. This is not the case when you ride a motorbike. Therefore, it is particularly important for you to be alert and make wise choices so that you avoid accidents.

Use your eyes well

  • Get an overview – avoid surprises.
  • Seek eye contact.
  • Look where you are going.
  • Always look for a way out.
Motorcyclist in a curve
Photo: Pål Andreassen, NMCU

Observation

Get an overview

Avoid surprises by using your eyes systematically to look out for problems with the road surface, gravel, other road users that may become a challenge, and where the road leads ahead.

Seek eye contact

Make eye contact with the driver when a car is waiting at an intersection as you approach. This way you can make sure that the driver has seen you. However, there is no guarantee, so be vigilant as you ride on.

Look where you are going

When you look in the direction where you are going, you will steer your motorcycle with more precision on the road.

 Always look for a way out

You are more likely to get all the way to your destination if you have multiple alternative solutions for situations that arise in traffic. For example, have a plan for what you will do if a car that has given way and has stopped suddenly drives on anyway.

Adjust your speed

  • Slow down before the bend.
  • Will you have time to stop?
  • Choose a speed at which you will be seen.
Motorcyclist in a forrest
Photo: NAF

Speed adjustment

Slow down before the bend

Lower your speed if you cannot see far ahead when looking into the bend. As the bend opens up and you can see further ahead, you can speed up.

Most riders probably think they slow down sufficiently before a bend. This also applies to those who accidentally run off the road.

Will you have time to stop?

Adjust your speed to the conditions. Remember that you must be able to stop if something unforeseen happens. If there is a vehicle blocking the road at a low-visibility bend, you must be able to stop in time.

Choose a speed at which you will be seen

Do not drive too fast. A motorcycle is smaller than most vehicles, so it is harder to see you. When your speed is high, it becomes even harder to see you. In traffic situations where you expect others to give way as required, you must make sure that they have time to see you.

Position yourself wisely

  • Make yourself visible – do not hide.
  • Make sure you have room for manoeuvre – in front, behind you, and sideways.
  • Drive clearly – be predictable.
Motorcyclist at crossroads
Photo: NAF

Positioning

Make yourself visible

Do not position yourself to the side of other vehicles when approaching intersections and roundabouts. It makes you hard to see – and it can reduce your own overview of the traffic situation. Position yourself in your lane so that you see and are visible to other road users.

Make sure you have room for manoeuvre

Keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of you, to the side of you, and, if possible, behind you. This gives you time and space to correct your own or other people´s mistakes. You will also have a better overview and will be seen by others.

Drive clearly

Position your motorcycle so that other road users are in no doubt about what you are going to do next. If you are going to turn, then position yourself clearly in the direction where you are going. If you are going straight ahead, position yourself so that this is obvious.