As a motorcyclist, you are more vulnerable in traffic than other road users. Fortunately, you can take charge of your own safety when riding a motorcycle. By riding sensibly, you can ensure that you will return home safely. Riding sensibly means adjusting your speed to the circumstances, choosing an optimal position on the road and, above all, anticipating the behaviour of others.

Improve your safety on a motorbike through technology and equipment

In addition to riding correctly, you can also increase your own safety by ensuring that you and your motorbike are equipped with the right gear. We are happy to give you the best tips.

Do the BRAVOK checks

Safe riding starts with a motorcycle that is in good condition. Regularly check the condition of tyres, brakes, battery, lights, oil and chain. With this so-called BRAVOK check you can be sure that your motorbike is safe to use.

Wear a good helmet

Wearing a motorcycle helmet that complies with the European ECE 22.05 standard is mandatory when riding a motorcycle. That makes sense, because if you fall, a helmet will absorb much of the impact. Pay attention to choosing the right motorcycle helmet and make sure you replace your motorcycle helmet in time for a new one, because a motorcycle helmet does not last forever!

Choose real motorcycle gear.

It is tempting – especially when the temperature outside starts to rise – to put on your trainers and regular jeans and take your motorbike for a spin. It goes without saying that this does not improve your safety. Always wear a well-fitting motorbike suit, gloves and motorbike boots.

Consider an airbag vest

There is a growing interest among motorcyclists in airbag vests. These vests protect your upper body from obstacles in the event of an accident. An airbag vest is worn over your own motorcycle jacket and is triggered by a cord attached to the motorcycle.

The moment you fall off the bike, the vest fills with air at lightning speed. There are also airbag systems that are worn in the jacket itself. These types of vests have sensors that make a cord connected to your motorbike unnecessary.

Choose technology on the motorbike for more safety

Technological developments are making motorcycling safer and safer. We have listed a number of these that can be found on modern motorbikes:

• ABS: Many modern motorcycles are equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This system ensures that the wheels do not lock up when braking sharply. ABS also plays an important role in reducing the braking distance of your motorcycle in the event of an emergency stop. Some motorcycles also have ‘cornering ABS’, which makes braking harder in bends safer.
• Traction control: This prevents your rear wheel from slipping when accelerating or shifting at high revs.
• Wheelie control: This system prevents your motorbike from tilting too far backwards when the front wheel comes off the road.
• Hill Hold Assist: Useful for starting on slopes. The system automatically holds the brake, so you don't roll backwards.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Automatically adjusts your speed and maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front.
• Tyre pressure monitoring: Continuously monitors tyre pressure, which is important for both safety and fuel consumption.
• Driving modes: Modern motorbikes offer different modes, such as for rain, sport or off-road, in which the motorbike is automatically adjusted to the conditions.

As you can see, there are many ways to influence safe motorcycling. Motorcycles have become increasingly safer and more reliable over the past 20 years. If you ensure you ride safely, nothing will stand in the way of an enjoyable and safe motorcycle ride.

Take a look at the range of motorcycles on MotoShare and choose the one you will use for your next safe ride!