Tips for riding a motorcycle safely in the city

Two-wheeler registrations continue to grow in Spain, and during the first quarter of 2025, according to data from ANESDOR, sales grew by 7% compared to the same period last year.

In cities, especially the largest ones, more and more users are choosing to commute by motorcycle or scooter thanks to the many advantages they offer in terms of saving time and money . On main roads in cities like Barcelona, ​​motorcycles and scooters can be seen flooding daily traffic: a study by AMV , the company specializing in online motorcycle insurance, showed that new riders, who previously used a car, save almost €500 a year on fuel, checkups, repairs, parking, insurance, and taxes . But in addition, according to the same study, this also saves them almost 25 minutes a day in commuting time. Added to this is the ease of riding and parking. But at the same time, driving in the city also entails risks, which is why some basic recommendations for dealing with urban traffic as safely as possible are gaining importance.

1. Use appropriate equipment

Regardless of the route we're going to take, it's essential to be aware that on a motorcycle, we are the chassis, so wearing a good helmet, one that's approved and fits perfectly to our head, a jacket with protection, gloves, boots or closed shoes, and pants is essential for our protection in the event of an accident.

2. Make ourselves visible when we are driving

We must use our turn signals when starting off and whenever we perform maneuvers such as exiting a roundabout, overtaking another vehicle, turning, or changing direction. It's very important that other road users know in advance what our movements will be on the road. It's also a good idea to wear a reflective vest.

3. Drive with caution

Improper speed is one of the main causes of accidents. Therefore, it is advisable to respect the speed limits for each road and adapt them to traffic conditions. We should also always use our rearview mirrors; we must always look through them when performing a maneuver. Turning our heads slightly to both sides whenever possible will be very useful for knowing what is happening around us, especially on narrow streets that tend to have more limited visibility and may have obstacles such as cars parked in the back row. And always be careful not to drive on the right side of parked cars, as a driver could open their door without looking. Finally, we should exercise extreme caution when driving in bus-taxi-motorcycle lanes, if permitted in our city, as both taxis and buses can make unexpected stops, so we should drive as far to the left as possible.

4. Stop the motorcycle correctly

When stopping at a traffic light, it's much safer to stop at the side of the lane rather than in the center. This way, we'll avoid being hit by the vehicle behind us. And when we turn around, we won't obstruct other traffic. We also shouldn't rush to accelerate when the light changes.

5. Maintain a safe distance

We should always maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of us to anticipate unexpected braking. And we should never position ourselves in their blind spot, as we could collide with them if they make a turn without noticing our presence.

6. Watch out for pedestrians

When driving in a city, you must pay special attention to pedestrians, as they may suddenly cross a zebra crossing, get on or off a bus at a stop, or speed ahead at a traffic light. Therefore, it is essential to reduce your speed and be very alert to the possible movements of pedestrians.

7. Pay close attention to some elements of the cities

Cities have a number of elements that can be dangerous and cause an accident if we aren't alert enough to them. AMV experts detail the most common ones:

- Pedestrian crossings and road markings: These are a trap for motorcyclists. Their slippery paint prevents tires from gripping the pavement. It's best to try to cross them without sudden acceleration, as this can cause a skid and land on the ground.

- Manhole covers and potholes on the road: Pay special attention to manhole covers that are raised on the road, or those that are poorly placed and potholes, as they can cause loss of control of your motorcycle.

- Dirt on the road: Oil stains, which are often found at gas stations, garages, etc., can be an added hazard to our driving.

- Tram rails: Another very common hazard that often causes the occasional accident is the tram rails found in certain cities, such as Barcelona. Extreme caution must be exercised around them, especially in the rainy winter, as they become very slippery.

8. Maintenance of our motorcycle

It's not all about being careful when driving in the city; it's also necessary to properly maintain your motorcycle. These are the key aspects every rider should keep in mind:

- Tire pressure and condition. It's a good idea to always check your tire pressure when the rim is cold. Proper pressure varies between the front and rear tires. The tread depth should be correct, according to the manufacturer's instructions.

- Chain lubrication and tensioning. Dirt and grease should be removed from the chain every 500 kilometers under normal conditions. Chain tension can also be checked with a screwdriver by moving the chain upward and then tensioning it.

- Check the lights, turn signals, and horn. The turn signals, low beam, rear brake light, high beam, and horn should all work. It's a good idea to check the electrical circuit first.

- Check fluid levels: oil, brake fluid, and coolant.

- Check the brake pads. Just look between the disc and the pad to see how worn they are.

9. Have good insurance to drive around the city

And since, despite taking every precaution, an accident can happen at any time, it's essential to have good insurance that covers us in the event of an accident. AMV experts recommend choosing the motorcycle insurance that best suits each user's budget and needs. If you use your motorcycle intensively in the city, the most recommended insurance option would be "Comprehensive," since in addition to third-party coverage, it also covers "own damage" to the motorcycle in accidents, whether with or without a third party. It's also highly advisable to make sure it includes coverage for towing (travel assistance), driver accidents, and/or equipment. However, many factors can influence the decision on which insurance type to purchase (age and value of the motorcycle, age and experience of the rider, etc.) and optional coverages to add (motorcycle use, mileage of the ride, etc.).