As soon as the ice and snow come off the road, you may already want to get out on your motorcycle. After you get your motorcycle out of storage and do a little maintenance, you may put on your warmest gear and go out for a ride despite the low temperatures.
Riding during the springtime in New Jersey can be exhilarating, but it can also be very risky. What are some of the dangers unique to the springtime roads in New Jersey?
Leftover winter potholes
When a car hits a pothole, it might damage the suspension or maybe blow a tire. When a motorcycle hits a pothole, it could result in the rider getting thrown off and severely hurt.
Late winter is often a time with multiple thaws and freezes that lead to new pothole development, making the spring extra dangerous for motorcyclists.
Mud and leftover leaves
Whether the mud is the result of melting snow or spring showers, if it creeps onto the road, it can easily lead to someone losing traction. For a motorcyclist, that might mean laying the bike down.
Leaves that fell late in the season may come out from under the melting snow and wind up in the street, affecting traction and potentially hiding potholes.
Inattentive drivers
New Jersey doesn’t have very many year-round motorcyclists, so the average driver won’t be watching that closely for motorcycles in the spring.
You also need to factor in your lack of recent experience and ride carefully until you feel confident and safe. Identifying the risk factors that might contribute to a motorcycle crash can lead to a safer first Spring Ride.