Inexperienced riders should ride near the front of a group, just behind the leader, so more experienced riders can keep an eye on them from behind.

Riding in cold weather for long periods of time can cause severe chill, fatigue, and even hypothermia. Be sure to wear proper clothing to protect you from the elements.

Orange, red, yellow, or green clothing can make you easier to see while riding a motorcycle. Wear brightly-colored clothing no matter what time of day you are riding.

Instead of or in addition to mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is bent at the elbow and pointing downward, it means the operator plans to slow down or stop.

Unlike drivers of larger vehicles, a motorcyclist has three lane position options in their travel lane. The rider should select whichever position is safest based on road and traffic conditions.

For your protection, you should wear pants that cover your entire legs and are made of leather or another sturdy synthetic material. Clothing should fit snugly enough that it does not flap in the wind but not so snugly that it restricts your movement.

The engine cut-off switch is generally located next to the right handgrip. It is important to know where all of your motorcycle's controls are located before starting out.

Wearing a helmet is the single most effective thing you can do to reduce the risk of head or neck injuries in the event of a crash.

Before each ride, you should check the air pressure, tread, and general wear of your tires.

Instead of mechanical turn signals, operators may use hand signals to indicate turns or stops. If an operator's left arm is extended straight out to the left, it means the operator plans to turn left or change lanes to the left.

Choosing a brightly-colored helmet is recommended. Not only will the helmet protect you in the case of a crash, but the bright color of the helmet will help other road users see you.

An expanded cushion of space is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may try to squeeze in front of you, open up your following distance.

You should use both brakes every time you slow or stop.

To reduce the risk of injury, riders should wear a helmet, eye protection, heavy shoes or boots, full-length pants, a jacket, and full-fingered gloves. Clothing should be made of durable materials to best protect the wearer.

Goggles can provide protection for your eyes, but only a face shield can protect your entire face. Eyeglasses are not an adequate substitute for either goggles or a face shield.

An expanded cushion of space is needed if your motorcycle will take longer than normal to stop. If the pavement is slippery, if you cannot see through the vehicle ahead of you, or if traffic is heavy and another driver may try to squeeze in front of you, open up your following distance.

A properly chosen lane position should provide a number of benefits, including an increased ability to see others and to be seen. It should help you avoid wind blasts, other drivers' blind spots, and surface hazards. Your lane position should discourage other drivers from trying to share your lane and provide you with an escape route, should a hazard arise. Choose a lane position that maximizes your space cushion.

Even with three wheels on the ground, a sidecar can tip over if it is being turned too sharply or is moving too fast for a corner.

When approaching a potentially dangerous area, such as an intersection, you should cover the clutch lever and both brakes in order to reduce the amount of time you will need to react to any hazards.

Never let someone ride if they have had too much to drink. Do whatever you can to prevent them from riding, including taking their keys, if necessary. Arrange an alternative way for them to get home.

Appropriate clothing can reduce the risk of injury in a crash. Choose a jacket and pants that cover your arms and legs, are made of sturdy material, and are snug enough that they do not flap in the wind.

Always look through a turn to where you want to go. Turn only your head to look, not your shoulders, and keep your eyes level with the horizon.

When passing parked vehicles, use caution. You may encounter vehicles pulling away from the curb or leaving parking spaces.

In Minnesota, all motorcycles are required to be equipped with a rearview mirror, a horn, a muffler, one or two headlights, one red taillight, and at least one brake. If the motorcycle has a seat designed or suitable for use by a passenger, it must also have footrests or floorboards for the passenger.

It is recommended that you change gears prior to entering a turn.

Of the crashes involving both a motorcycle and a car, more than half are caused by the driver failing to properly yield right-of-way to the rider.

The owner's manual should be your primary source of information about your specific type of motorcycle. Be sure to read the manual before operating your motorcycle for the first time.

Do not try to accelerate out of a wobble because doing so will only make the motorcycle more unstable. Instead, grip the handlebars firmly, slow down by gradually closing the throttle, move your weight as far forward and downward as possible, and pull off the road as soon as you can. Avoid applying the brakes, as this may also worsen the wobble.

To be sure you are familiar with the specific type of motorcycle that you are planning to ride, read the owner's manual before riding it for the first time. This is particularly important if you are riding a borrowed motorcycle.

Swerving is a quick maneuver that requires a lot of traction in order to be safely executed. Making sudden moves, such as swerving, on slippery surfaces should be avoided.

If your front wheel locks as a result of braking, you should release the front brake immediately and re-apply the brake smoothly.

Distances are difficult to judge in the dark because visual cues (like shadows and light contrasts) can be missing or distorted. You should allow a longer following distance when riding at night than you do when riding during the day.

Most motorcycle crashes happen on short trips that are less than five miles long at speeds slower than 30 miles per hour.

The best way to deal with a tailgater is to get them ahead of you. If you can do so safely, change lanes and let them pass. Speeding up may only increase the danger by encouraging them to keep tailgating you at a higher speed.

Even if a motorcycle has a windscreen, riders are required to wear protective eyewear, such as appropriate glasses, goggles, or face shields. Contact lenses do not satisfy this requirement.

To reduce your risk of being involved in a crash, you should remain alert and ready to react to any hazard. Identify hazards and decide the order in which you need to address the hazards. Always use your headlight to make yourself more visible and maintain an adequate space cushion around your motorcycle at all times.

Taking a turn too fast is dangerous. If you cannot hold the turn, you may end up turning into another lane or even off of the road entirely. Use caution when taking a turn.

If you experience chain slippage, tightening the chain may help. If tightening the chain does not reverse the problem, replace the chain before continuing to ride your motorcycle.

Hand signals are an important part of communication when riding in groups. A lead rider raising their left arm and extending their index finger means that the group of riders should move into a single-file formation.

When traveling faster than a walking pace, your motorcycle will need to lean to turn. Pressing the grip in the direction you want to turn will cause you to lean in the appropriate direction