Easing Safety Worries for Non-Riders

From the extra effort it takes to ride a motorcycle safely around cars and trucks, to the enhanced danger of road hazards like potholes and slick ice, it’s hard out there for riders. And with everything riders have to face, the most worrisome is sometimes the concern or disapproval from family and friends who don’t share in the Harley lifestyle. 

Here at Texas Harley, we believe motorcycle riding is just about the most fun you can have on the road, but it can be hard to deal with those who look at riding with fear or disdain. That’s not healthy for anyone, so we’ve written this short article with a few tips for addressing these concerns and what you can do to show others that you take riding and safety seriously. 

Read on for more information or head into our showroom in Bedford, Texas, serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area. 

Be Honest

Motorcycles are dangerous. There, we said it. And being honest about this fact is an important first step in disarming the arguments against riding. Of course it’s dangerous, and that’s why we take so many of the precautions we do, like safety gear, training courses, and the wide variety of little things riders have to consider when negotiating busy streets. 

Riding motorcycles takes extra agility, focus, and mental acumen that aren’t as necessary in other motor vehicles. Trying to distort the truth to make riding sound like a harmless hobby won’t do you any good. The takeaway here is understanding these risks so you can work to lower your chances of being involved in an accident.

Do the Research

The best way to combat the misinformation and assumptions of those opposed to motorcycles is with a well-informed position and a few facts to back it up. When you know all there is to know about motorcycle riding and safety, it’s easier to ease the worries of others. For example, they might not be aware that safety technology has come a long way in just the past decade, with riding aids, standard ABS, and other improvements.

Research is also helpful for dispelling some of the worry when it comes to financials. Show your significant other that you’re thinking pragmatically by doing all the necessary research when it comes to budgeting the cost of your bike, gear, and upkeep. Make sure to include the great fuel-efficiency of motorcycles in your discussion!

Focus on Safety

Staying focused on safety can help to show others that you take motorcycle riding seriously. If you show real concern for safety, it might make others feel like they don’t have to worry for you. Show you know what you’re doing by having the right gear, like a proper helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, riding pants, etc. With the right gear and taking the time to research safety ratings, you can show that you’re more than just big talk when it comes to riding safely.

Another way to show you’re thinking about safety is to enroll in a riding course. This is a great option for prospective or newer riders, since you’ll get to educate yourself while also learning some practice experience. You might even convince a worried partner or friend to take a class with you so you can share in the educating experience. 

Starting with a smaller, less powerful motorcycle can be another way to calm the nerves of worried family. You can still ramp up to a more powerful bike eventually, but easing into the hobby with a small bike or scooter is a great way to get used to riding. While this might not be ideal for a veteran rider who knows exactly what it takes to satisfy their needs, it’s a perfect first step for aspiring riders. 

Perform the necessary research, listen to their concerns, and show that you care about motorcycle safety to ease their worries. There’s no guarantee of success, so understand that these things can take time. Don’t expect everything to work out just because you took a responsible path. Stick with it, and trust that anyone who cares about you will be able to eventually see your side of the conversation. For more tips and a great selection of new and used motorcycles, head into Texas Harley in Bedford, Texas. We serve Arlington, Irving, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Come in today and let our team of Harley fanatics answer all your questions and help you find what you’re looking for.