Contributed post for our North American readers
There are few things quite as liberating as cruising down the road on a motorcycle with the wind against your face. While this sense of freedom is a great reason to ride a motorcycle, there are so many other practical reasons as well! Check out these 5 reasons you should get a motorcycle and how to stay safe on the road.
1. You’ll Save Money
Not only are motorcycles much less expensive than cars, but they’re also much more fuel-efficient. Getting more than 60 miles per gallon isn’t uncommon with a motorcycle, so you can expect to spend far less on filling up your tank.
2. Think of It as Meditation
There are many things to be aware of on a bike—your posture, speed, road conditions, and any hazards that might present themselves. It doesn’t give you much time to think about unnecessary thoughts. You’ll find yourself almost in a meditative state on a motorcycle, fully in the present moment.
3. It’s Not Possible to Text and Drive
This is a great plus for safety. There really isn’t room to be distracted on a bike. You need both hands to drive, so there’s no chance of texting and driving—or eating and driving for that matter. You have to be present and completely aware of your surroundings.
4. It’s More Environmentally Friendly Than a Car
While their fuel-efficiency will certainly save you money, it also makes biking the greener means of transportation. In addition to adding fewer pollutants into the air, bikes put much less stress on the roads than cars, making road repairs less frequent.
5. You’ll Gain a Sense of Connection to Nature
Often times, behind the wheel of a car drivers are just going through the motions. You might zone out and not really think about what’s going on around you. When you’re on a motorcycle, you’re able to really take in your surroundings and connect with the world around you in an entirely new way. Spending time outdoors has been shown to improve mental health, and biking is a great way to take advantage of that.
A Note on Safety
While riding a motorcycle does have many benefits, there are also dangers involved when safety precautions aren’t taken. Always wear a helmet with a face shield as well as protective gear that will minimize road rash in case an accident does occur. Ride responsibly—be respectful of other drivers on the road and follow the traffic laws. Ride defensively—be aware of other drivers and assume that they may not be able to see you. Stay sober and alert while riding to help protect you and other drivers around you.
Keep in mind that many accidents involving motorcycles are due to other drivers not being aware of the bike. If you’re injured in an accident consult a motorcycle accident attorney right away to help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.