Total Motorcycle Community Forums

OK, heard a few times about people saying they are sticking to around town when they get their licence. In my experience, highways are usually long, straightish stretches of road with very gradual bends. I'm sure the potential for disaster is greater due to the higher speeds, but surely around town isn't that great either right? Just wanting to see what people think

I'm a newbie and i have not gotten on the freeway yet. The best thing to do I think is stick to your neigborhood. No traffic lights, just stop signs with little to no cars. Then when you feel comfortable move up to neighborhood traffic light situations. I think when you become comfortable maneuvering your bike around at slow speeds and negotiating intersections, you will be more comfortable when you need to learn the skill needed at high speeds. Now if you are talking about CITY traffic, well that's a whole different situation I think.

Just my 2cents.

I've ridden both, and I see both highways and surface streets as having threats. On surface streets, yes speeds are slower but the odds favor someone turning left in front of you. Intersections are high up on the "danger" list.

Not much of an issue on the highway, but cagers can still merge into your lane, cut you off, etc. And speeds are higher, lessening your reaction time...which becomes important when dodging road hazards / imperfections, etc.

Whilst both have there hazards, riding in town, is at a much lower speed, giving you more time to improve your reactions. on the highway, you have to be much more aware of whats around you, as traffic will be looking to overtake you from behind, and also any debris / oil on the road gives you less time to react at highway speeds

In the UK the statistics are clear. You stand a considerably higher chance of having an accident in town that out on the high road. However, if you do have an accident on the high road it is likely to be much more serious than one you have in town. I would imagine that's the same anywhere in the world.

So , you pays ya money and you takes ya choice.

The first thing you've got to do is to get really confident with using and co-ordinating the controls and handling the bike. So spend a lot of time in the local carpark just practicing slow riding.

Ride into town and out of it, once you've got the basics, but don't choose to ride roads that are excessively busy or at times of day when there are lots of road users about. Get a feel for the kinds of traffic situations you will meet. In town, the time spent in the carpark practicing slow riding will pay off.

But before you do anything, get yourself some training. It will make life a lot easier for you, and safer, and will prevent you getting into bad habits early on. You'll be learning with other bikers. And unless you are a dedicated loner, that's got to be a big plus. (If nothing else, you'll realise that your knees are not the only ones that occasionally get an attack of nerves.)

Go to the TMW home page and click on the Beginners Guide.
The lead you through a progression of learning and experiences.

(And take an MSF course before you learn bad habits.)

DustyJacket wrote:(And take an MDF course before you learn bad habits.)

But I wanna ride a bike, not learn woodwork

Highways are safer. In town there are way more chances of someone pulling out in front of you. It's why most accidents are 35mph or less.

The one thing about that highway that I worry about is road debris. I've gotten nailed in my car with big damage several times on the highway with all kinds of debris flying thru the air with no time to react. Impaled my radiator with a long piece of metal like a javelin, suitcases flying around on the ground, and concrete blocks and tires flying accross the highway.

In town my major concern is getting rear ended at a red light. That has also happened several times to me in my car.

It is completely different situation but they both also dangerous for whoever not paying attention enough. I love riding both local street and FWY, HWY. On local street, I fear of some idiot run over me or suddenly stop / turn. Of highway, mostly concerned speed but more relaxing. If you know what you're doing then everything should be okay.

As other suggestions, keep praticing, take MSF course if you haven't, don't go over your head. Pay all attention to everything around you when riding.