17 Riders Weigh in on What Makes Responsible Riders

What makes responsible  riders?

We put the question to Motorcycle Mojo Magazine fans during a recent online chat session.  Read what they’ve got to say — and add yours in the comments below.

 

17 Riders Weigh in on What Makes Responsible Riders

 

  1. responsible-ridersDarlene D.  In my opinion a responsible motorcyclist is one who is well trained, routinely hones their skills with regular skill building sessions, takes seminars, practices ATGATT, drives defensively and within the law and most importantly realizes their limits and skill level in every road situation. Margin for error even a small one can have life altering ramifications. I always ask myself is there one thing I could have done better on that ride and assess my skills.

 

  1. Stuart H.  As Neil Peart says “I try to make sure that if something happens it’s not my fault” I think it’s a great way to approach every ride, every corner, every intersection. Control the things you can control…

 

  1. Lou A. One that has his/her equipment, including the bike all in order, knows and follows the rules of the road and is always aware if his/her surroundings

 

  1. Danielle D.  Respect, of the machine, of the road, of rider education, and of the safety of yourself and others.

 

  1. Jeff L.  One that rides within their abilities and experience. Also one that saves their stunting or fast riding for the track or at least a stretch of road where no one else is around. I like to roll the throttle on once in awhile but I don’t do it amongst a bunch of traffic or in town. I find a long straight stretch of road in the middle of no where to get my little rush.

 

  1. Brad G.  Someone who is SAFE

 

  1. JoAnne M. Ride according to road conditions . . .

 

  1. Vince S.  Attitude

 

  1. Lindsay T.  Continuing to build and practice skills throughout your riding career. Advanced Riding courses, Racing Schools even if not planning on racing.

 

  1. Jeff S.  knows his/her machine, knows the rules of the road and acts accordingly.

 

  1. Suzie B.  And NEVER EVER ride faster than your “angel” can fly…Respect…for yourself and for other motorists..make a promise to yourself and to your family that you will do your best to come home..safely after an amazing days ride…

 

  1. Kevin G.  Being aware of one’s own capabilities and his/her bike’s limitations and not trying to exceed them.

 

  1. John T.  respect for others and yourself at the same time!

 

  1. Mike P.  I say Riders that see setting an example for other riders as a must. The people that were warming the bikes up that are in the photo in this post were riding in front of a crowd-doing wheelies, stoppies etc with NO HELMETS–in front of a crowd-at a ware house that supplies most of the helmets sold in Canada! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The actual performers were in full proper gear.

 

  1. Noel H. Somebody who pays attention to what is going on around them and considers that everyone else on the road around them has an equal right to be there.

 

  1. Suhaymath N.  Hmmm. Such an open-ended question! My first instinct is to say limiting (if not totally eliminating) risk-taking, but the problem there is that “risk” probably means different things to different people. Ummmm…I’m gonna go with risk assessment, making good riding decisions (also something that’s probably open to interpretation!), implementing said decisions and continuously improving your skills.

 

  1. Glenn R.  Experience and maturity.

 

 

How do you define a responsible rider?

 

 

 

 

 

About

Author, writer, and student Liz Jansen combines her artistic mediums to create stories that inspire readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery.

2 Comments on “17 Riders Weigh in on What Makes Responsible Riders

  1. The very first rider, Darlene D., said it all, and said it best. As a new rider and 57 YO, I get what she’s saying, and it has raised my level of commitment to be a responsible rider.

    If there is one thing I can add it would be to wait your turn, just because a motorcycle is small and agile doesn’t give you the right to skirt past traffic, and take shortcuts. Such abuses of your bike’s capabilities will surely get you into trouble that your bike can’t get you out of, because you have already used up all of your advantage.

    Ron

    • Well said Ron! Thanks.

      Another great point and one that hasn’t come up yet. It’s easy (and tempting) to take shortcuts sometimes. Other drivers are expecting you to follow the rules of the road and show common courtesy. If you don’t, you increase your own risk.

      Safe travels.

      Liz