The gearshift lever of a motorcycle is located in front of the left footrest and is operated by the rider's left foot.

If you see a dog approaching your motorcycle, slow down and downshift until you are close to the dog. Quickly accelerate away from the animal as it approaches.

If you approach an intersection that is not marked with signs or traffic lights at the same time as another driver, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.

Most drivers do not look at their side mirrors as often as they look at their rearview mirror. Therefore, when following a car, it is generally most advantageous to ride in the center portion of the lane where you are most likely to be visible in the driver's rearview mirror.

When riding in a group, use your mirrors to keep an eye on the riders behind you and to confirm that the group is staying together.

Motorized bicycles and mopeds may be operated in bicycle lanes only if permitted by local ordinance or law enforcement.

When riding, your feet should be kept firmly on your motorcycle's footrests for balance. Your toes should not be pointed downward, as this may cause them to get caught between the road and the footrests.

Wearing brightly-colored clothing while riding will make it easier for others on the road to see you. This is true regardless of the time of day.

To avoid running into dangerous situations while riding, you should consistently scan the road well ahead of your motorcycle. Watch the road ahead to identify and react to potential hazards before meeting them.

Position yourself in the portion of the lane where you are most likely to be seen by other road users and where you can maintain a space cushion around your motorcycle. There is no single lane position that is always best and no single lane position that should always be avoided. A responsible rider adjusts their position as conditions change.

Exposure to engine and wind noise can damage your hearing, even if you are wearing a helmet. Wearing hearing protection while riding is always a good idea.

Because a motorcycle's brake light is not as noticeable as the brake lights of a car, it is usually a good idea to flash your brake light when slowing or stopping so others will be more likely to notice that you are decelerating. This is particularly important if you are slowing down more quickly than others might expect.

Most motorcycle crashes occur in broad daylight. To make yourself more visible to other drivers, you should always wear brightly-colored clothing when riding, even during the day.

The more weight being carried by a motorcycle, the more time the motorcycle takes to accelerate and decelerate. Your motorcycle will respond to your commands more slowly when carrying a passenger than it will when you are the only person on the bike.

It is illegal to ride a moped, motorized bicycle, or Class 3 electric bicycle on a bicycle path, equestrian trail, or hiking trail unless that path or trail is on or next to a road. However, permission for operators of these vehicles to use an otherwise restricted trail or roadway may still be granted under local law.

When riding, you should choose pants and a jacket made of leather or another sturdy material. They should fit you snugly enough that they do not flap in the wind, but also loosely enough that they let you move freely.

In California, motorcyclists are generally allowed to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes. Be alert to and obey any posted signs prohibiting motorcyclists from using HOV lanes.

In general, it is best for a group to ride in a staggered formation. Move into a single-file formation when taking a curve, making a turn, entering a highway, or leaving a highway.

A traffic signal displaying a solid red arrow has the same meaning as a red traffic light. Drivers must come to a complete stop and wait for a traffic signal that allows them to turn in their desired direction.

Warning signs are yellow with black lettering or symbols and provide important information to motorists about upcoming road conditions. This sign warns that a stop sign is ahead.

To determine upcoming road conditions when riding at night, use the vehicle ahead of you. For example, the headlights of the vehicle may provide a better view of the road than your own high beam. If the vehicle's taillights bounce up and down, this indicates the presence of bumps on the road.

To remain aware of your surroundings, it is not enough to rely only on your mirrors. Motorcycles have blind spots just like any other vehicle.

It is important to consistently check vehicles approaching your motorcycle from behind to determine if drivers are paying attention to you and your movements. Use your mirrors when stopping at an intersection to make sure approaching drivers are responding appropriately to your actions.

When being passed, it is generally safest to ride in the center portion of your lane. Riding on the side nearest the passing driver increases the danger of colliding with them, and riding on the side farthest from the driver may tempt them to return to your lane too soon.

To reduce the risk of a collision when riding at night, be sure to reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Use the headlights of vehicles ahead of you to see farther down the road. You should always be flexible about your lane position, especially when riding at night.

No matter the speed, riders who are not wearing helmets are three times more likely to die from head injuries than riders who are wearing helmets at the time of a crash.

Intersections present the greatest potential for conflict between a motorcycle and other vehicles. Motorcyclists should exercise caution when approaching an intersection.

Alcohol reaches the brain and begins affecting the drinker's riding abilities within minutes of being consumed. Operating any motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is illegal and dangerous.

Long-term exposure to engine and wind noise while riding can lead to hearing damage, even if you wear a full-face helmet. Using hearing protection is advised to prevent damage.

A plastic, shatter-resistant face shield provides protection for your entire face. A windshield is not an adequate substitute for a good face shield.