Safety Tips for Sharing the Road with Motorcyclists

They're cool, but motorcycles can also be dangerous for the rider or another vehicle on the road.

Now that nice weather is here, more and more motorcycles are out on the roads in Stow and all over Ohio.

We spoke to Chief Louis Dirker and Law Director Brian Reali about the potential hazards and some safety tips to avoid motorcycle accidents this season.

"First of all, never assume that a driver turning at an intersection sees you," said Dirker.

Reali, who rides a motorcycle, agrees with the chief.

"I would recommend that drivers look twice for bikes. Especially when pulling out of a side road onto a main road or when switching lanes," he said.

Awareness and safety isn't up to only non-motorcyclists on the road.

"Those of us on a bike have to try and keep a buffer zone around us and stay out of the driver’s blind spot too," said Reali.

To stay safe, Dirker suggests having lights on while riding and to "constantly drive defensively."

Proper lighting on motorcycles and all other vehicles isn't just a suggestion though, it's also required by Ohio laws.

"Your bike needs all the lights, breaks, signals, etc. as required by the state," said Reali.

Click here for a list of all the requirements to ride a motorcycle in Ohio.

Reali said he suggests all riders take an authorized safety course too, either through a dealer or the state.

The state offers an inexpensive two day course. 

"It was well-worth the $25 I spent," Reali said.

However, one safety precaution that isn't regulated by Ohio law is wearing a helmet.

"I cannot understand riders who do not wear a helmet," said Dirker. "We all protect what we value and not wearing a helmet may tell others something about you."

Seeing a motorcyclist without a helmet is unfortunately more common than seeing a bicyclist without one.

"I cannot quite reconcile the fact that people can be cited for not wearing a seat belt in a car, but they do not have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle," he said. "We teach kids to wear helmets on bicycles, but allow adults to drive a motorcycle without one.

"I have seen seen too many accidents in which the motorcyclist was not at fault," said Dirker, who has been in law enforcement for more than 30 years. "The cyclist usually loses in a contest with a car or truck."

Watch a Ride SMART video from the Ohio Department of Public Safety here.