Motorcycle Etiquette
Updated January 1, 1 . AmFam Team
For motorcyclists, good manners are not only appreciated, they’re crucial to maintaining order on the road. It’s all about creating a better, safer experience for all. Here are some basics to keep in mind.
Basic rules to follow
Lend a hand when needed. Motorcyclists are part of one big club, and helping a fellow rider in need is part of being in the club. That includes stopping to help or lending a hand when you can.
Approach with respect. When approaching another rider from behind, don’t honk or overtake them too quickly. Make sure they see you so you don’t startle them. Once they see you, proceed to pass them safely.
Pass with care. Wait for a passing lane to overtake a slower rider, unless they signal you to pass and there’s enough space in the same lane. Wait for their go-ahead, then use your hand signal to complete the pass.
Motorcycle family. While riding, it’s customary to give your two-wheeled brethren a simple wave or a nod. As always, watch where you’re going, but don’t overreact if someone doesn’t respond. Eyes on the road are priority.
We’re all in this together. The road is not the place to ride competitively. No matter how big, fast or special you think your bike is, everyone has earned their place on the road.
One bike per parking space, please. Parking spaces are big enough for two bikes, but never assume you can share one. If you’re riding in a group, and permission is implied or stated, it’s accepted, but otherwise, a parked bike means the spot is taken.
Etiquette and Communication for the Group Ride
When you’re riding with a group, the group moves as one, which means you must know how to communicate with your fellow motorcyclists. Understanding standard hand signals and following basic etiquette is key to having a good, stress-free trip.
Show up prepared. A pre-ride meeting is a good idea to avoid doubling up on tools, first-aid items and the like. When it’s ride time, arrive early with a full tank, a charged cell phone and other essentials. Most importantly, bring along a helpful, patient, courteous attitude.
Position yourself in the group. If this is your first time riding with a group, there are a few unwritten rules to follow. The lead rider in the front tells the group what’s coming. A sweep rider in back sets the pace. The least experienced rider should be behind the leader. Depending on your level of comfort and the power of your bike, figure out where you’ll be in the order.
Group formation. Leave plenty of room between you and the other bikes. On narrow, twisting roads it’s best to ride single file. When the road opens up, keep a staggered formation to give you the best view of the group. The leader rides on the left side of the lane, the second rider stays one second back and on the right side. The third rider stays one second behind the second rider and on the left side, and so on. You don't want to ride side-by-side since this will limit your maneuvering space.
Pass cautiously, then regroup. While your group rides as one, passing is a different story. Each rider should pass a vehicle individually and with caution then regroup in the same formation. The leader is in charge of starting the passing process.
Take care of new riders. Riders who are familiar with long road trips can lay down serious miles each day. But, when deciding to stop, look to the new riders who may be ready for a break. Their riding confidence is important to the group, so be courteous of their skill level and offer advice and encouragement along the way.
Hand signals in the group. Whether you’re leading the pack or part of the group, it’s important to know all the hand signals so you can react quickly during the ride.
- Back off — Palm of the left hand shown to the group means the lead biker is signaling you to back off
- Time to go — Thumbs up high enough to be visible to everyone to show it’s time to go
- Single file — One finger pointing towards the sky on top of the helmet refers to single-file formation
- Slow down — Waving your left arm up and down in a straight position is the universal signal to slow down
- Speed up — Raising your left arm up and down with your index finger extended upward means the leader wants you to speed up
- Emergency vehicles — Little hand taps on the helmet means there are police or emergency vehicles nearby
- Staggered formation — First finger and the little finger pointing to the sky on top of the helmet means staggered formation
- Stop — Extend your left arm at a 45-degree angle with the palm facing the group – this signals the group to stop
These are just some of the unwritten rules of the motorcycle road. Knowing basic etiquette makes you a better rider and a respected member of the motorcycle community, and on group rides, you’ll have the skills to enjoy the camaraderie, gain valuable riding experience and build memories.
Related Articles
- What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents can be sudden, swift and severe. If you can get through the immediate shock, though, you can do much to protect yourself and others in the aftermath. That’s why we wrote this 9-step guide on what to do after a motorcycle accident. Read on to learn how you can stay safe, document the incident, and more.
Quick Checklist: 9 Steps to Take After a Motorcycle Accident
Before we go over each step in detail, here’s the full list for your convenience:
- Get Out of Harm’s Way: If you’re physically able, pull yourself out of the road.
- Get Help: Call 911 and receive medical care, even if you don’t think anything’s wrong.
- Check Yourself Out: Carefully feel around for any injuries or sources of pain.
- Don’t Remove Your Gear: Your helmet and other safety accessories might be helping you even now.
- Scan Your Surroundings: Take in the details at the scene of the accident to avoid danger, then remember them for later.
- Get Pictures of the Scene: Any shots you snap may be useful as visual evidence.
- Talk with Anyone Involved or Present: Record insurance info and eyewitness accounts.
- Get a Copy of the Motorcycle Accident Report: The info in the police report can come in handy when talking with insurance agents.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: File a claim right away!
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Get Out of Harm’s Way
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Get Help
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Check Yourself Out
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Don’t Remove Your Gear
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Scan Your Surroundings
-
Get Pictures of the Scene
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Talk with Anyone Involved or Present
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Get a Copy of the Motorcycle Accident Report
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Contact Your Insurance Company
If possible, move to the side of the road. Some motorcyclists’ first instinct after an accident is to worry about their bike. For now, though, leave it as it is. You just got into a motorcycle accident — put yourself before your ride and reach a safe location.
Whether you feel perfectly awful or perfectly fine, you or an able bystander must call for emergency services. If it seems unnecessary, just say this aloud: “I was in a motorcycle accident.” . Trained medical professionals may notice what you can’t, so call 911 right away.
Emergency services will appreciate any info you can provide on how you’re feeling. Get in a position that causes the least strain on your body. Once you’re as comfortable as you can get, try to perform a careful and basic medical check on yourself. Slowly test which limbs you can move. Assess where you feel pain. Consider if you’re nauseous or dizzy.
Motorcyclists wear safety gear to minimize injuries and reduce risk . Your jacket and helmet might be protecting you from problems you don’t even notice in the post-accident rush of adrenaline. Leave your gear on until a medical professional says otherwise. They can help you safely remove it if needed.
If possible, look around at the scene of the accident. Do you see anyone else with an injury? Are the motorcycle and its parts in the way of traffic? How are the weather, conditions of the road, lighting in the area? Use this information to avoid any further threats. Try remembering it afterward for a more accurate motorcycle accident report.
Law enforcement agents will be among the emergency services to arrive at the scene. As you wait for everyone to arrive, take pictures of everything. Don't touch the motorcycle or any parts, though — their placement is evidence of what happened, and the effort might worsen your injuries. Shoot the photos from as many angles as you can while staying safe, and show the weather conditions as well. The visual evidence may come in handy.
Sometimes, motorcycle accidents only involve the motorcyclist. Other times, it may involve another driver, or someone whose property was damaged in the incident. Everyone involved should be aware of everyone else’s insurance situation. It may also help your case to get quotes and contact info from eyewitnesses who are otherwise uninvolved. Ask anyone else present for their account and record it with their permission.
When the police investigate accidents, they compile their findings into a document. As someone involved in the incident, you can request a copy for yourself. The motorcycle accident report includes statements from involved parties and witnesses, recorded observations of the scene, and more. All this information is essential when filing an insurance claim.
Motorcycle insurance is a must-have, and not just because most states legally require it for riders. It can help cover hospital bills, which can mean paying less or even paying nothing for treatment. Once you’re out of danger with everything else taken care of, contact an insurance agent while you’re recovering. File an insurance claim as soon as you can. As with everyone else, be completely honest about the details of the accident.
Request a Motorcycle Insurance Quote Today
We hope that you never have reason to need the information in this guide. With that said, knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident might make a huge difference someday. So can having motorcycle insurance with American Family Insurance. Speak with an agent today about our coverages, including collision coverage, and get a quote.
- Electric Motorcycles
Electric motorcycles are becoming more popular every day. And like electric vehicles, they’re disrupting the industry and challenging traditional manufacturers to produce a better bike. With more electric sport bikes entering the market annually, newcomers are starting to draw serious attention.
And conventional bikers are taking notice. From saving on gas bills to riding a smarter bike, old-school motorcyclists find dependability and decreased maintenance costs a major driver as well. A few manufacturers have electric bikes that have been on the market for about a decade. And others are following this trend — with the new rides rolling off the production line soon. Take a look where the market is at, and where it’s headed, with our primer on electric motorcycles.
Extended Riding-range for Battery Powered Motorcycles
Manufacturers are plugging new tech into their electric bikes, scooters and motorcycles. Lithium ion battery R & D continues to produce more energy efficient ways to ride. Here are a few ways these powerful batteries are charging the industry.
Better mileage
Many manufacturers have pushed the range that their bikes can travel before running out of a charge with their latest offering.
Fast charging
New quick-charging battery systems keep your downtime to a minimum. A few producers are currently promoting a charging pack that’s 50% quicker than previous models. The most aggressive of these charging systems boast a 100% charge in just 60 minutes.
Battery guarantees
Some groups are offering unlimited battery warranties that extend for five years.
Regenerative braking capability
One big benefit of electric motorcycles is their ability to re-capture energy. By converting braking and coasting momentum into a real-time recharge, that energy is used over and over again.
Electric motorcycles vs. gas
When compared to the range that a conventional 1000cc sports bike gets, some e-motorcycles travel just as far on a full charge as they would on a full tank of gas.
E-motorcycles Accelerate Faster
One of the coolest things about electric motorcycles is the immediate torque and acceleration they have. By not depending on a clutch or a multi-speed transmission, these rides really move. There’s an electric motorcycle for every kind of rider. Whatever bike you choose, remember to leverage a motorcycle insurance discount with our suite of motorcycle safety course options.
Motorbikes, race bikes, superbikes — these are the kinds of electric motorcycles you might have already seen on the market. But if you’re more of a cruiser or a tour bike fan, don’t be discouraged. You’ll find there’s perfect ride out there to fit your needs. And best the best part? They’re all lightning fast off the line.
220 mph, zero to 60 in 2.0 seconds
The heavyweights on the market can hit 60 mph in two seconds flat with a top speeds around 220 mph. Now that’s cooking!
Peak performance via onboard energy management
Newer battery-controlling software allows you to ride like you would with a normal bike. And you won’t have to worry about burning through your battery.
Hydraulic brakes helps you stop on a dime
Folding in automatic breaking systems (ABS) technology, these fast bikes come equipped to slow down smartly — and quickly. And American Family’s advanced riding course can help seasoned bikers up their game, which is even smarter.
Electric Bikes Require Less Maintenance
One big win for e-motorcycles is that there are fewer moving parts. And that translates to lighter, less-expensive maintenance schedules. It’s true, some of the electronic motorcycles have a higher initial price tag. But the money saved across the life of the bike can help to offset that up-front investment. Here are a few other important electronic motorcycle maintenance details:
No oil means no oil changing
Owning an electric motorcycle is just plain easier. No checking and changing the oil or filter.
Tune ups are a breeze
No spark plugs, clutch or timing belt to replace. No fuel filter to change. In the long run, less maintenance helps to justify the higher price tag.
Less moving parts
Because e-motorcycles are really just an electric motor and drive train, there’s less worry. You won’t have to keep an internal combustion engine up and running.
Smarter ebike tech
Bluetooth-enabled smart phones can hook into many of the e-motorcycle’s stats. A sampling includes maps to known charging stations, carbon footprint data and financial comparisons of money saved over conventional gas-powered bikes.
Electric Scooters Are Gaining Momentum
With some scooters reaching top speeds around 50 mph, e-scooters are also gaining popularity. The Super Soco is targeting more aggressive riders with their TC MAX, which push above 60 mph. The Vespa Elettrica is made for urban commuting with a more conservative 30 mph limit. Like e-motorcycles, these models also come equipped with an app. You’ll get a wide array of data and stats that inform your ride.
Do You Need Insurance for an Electric Motorcycle?
Yes, you should take a look at your motorcycle coverage options to best protect your ride, and remember to check in with your American Family Insurance agent. Reducing your carbon footprint can help you contribute to a greener world, and getting an electric motorcycle might be the way to go. With it, you’ll enjoy performance, convenience, versatility and all the other cool benefits that are part of being a biker. Ride on!
This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources.
This article does not afford or guarantee coverage.
- Insurance for a Moped or Scooter
Whether cruising to class, work or out for a leisurely ride, a moped or scooter is a convenient way to get from point A to point B — plus, they’re great on gas!
When you hit the road, you have your helmet and other riding gear ready to go, but you’ll want to make sure you have that extra layer of protection in place — motorcycle insurance.
Is it required to have insurance for a moped or scooter? Let’s find out.
- Top 10 Tips for Buying a Used Motorcycle
So, you’ve decided to buy a used motorcycle. Good for you! You’ll probably save money on the bike itself, and you can reap additional savings by avoiding setup, delivery and dealer fees if you’re buying from a private seller. The last thing you want though is for your used bike to break down or have surprise damage and problems.
