There are so many myths circulating about motorcycles and motorcyclists. However, I want to address those that motorcyclists specifically believe and follow. Like any other culture, we grow up to find ourselves believing that some things are okay just because those around us believe they are right too … no questions asked, no questions asked. That is culture. Similarly, cyclists fall for myths just like everyone else. Let’s see some of them.

You are safe as long as you have a noisy pipe

Well, I’ve heard this before. Not one, not two, but a thousand times of seasoned riders (if I can call them that). For some, it is a testimony. Let’s see it logically; so a driver in front of you wants to change lanes. You make as much noise as you can with your modified exhaust. Do you think the driver will notice that the noise is being emitted backwards? Other than that, what happens if the driver’s windows are rolled up? It doesn’t help, does it? That’s right. Use better techniques like wearing reflective jackets, brightly colored helmets, and maybe investing in a loud horn instead of a loud pipe.

Helmets are an obstacle to hearing or seeing danger.

Helmets block the wind, which means you can hear sounds clearly. They also help your vision, so you no longer strain to see or have that stingy effect on your eyes from the wind hitting you at a hundred miles per hour. Therefore, we can settle for helmets as life preservers as opposed to what many attractions create.

Helmets leave you brain dead in the event of an accident

Really? I can’t even believe this. Good quality helmets are protective equipment. Motorcycle traffic accident statistics show that drivers with good quality helmets are less likely to suffer head injuries. I remember one case where a female passenger died at the scene due to the lack of a helmet, but the rider is still alive and well (not brain dead or anything) because she was wearing a helmet.

Neck break helmets

I understand the logic, but scientific research shows otherwise. Cyclists without a helmet are more likely to break their necks during an accident compared to a cyclist wearing a helmet. Helmets absorb the pressure experienced during a sudden break or impact.

Other motorists don’t care about passengers

Well, no one wants to hit anyone unless you are a reckless driver. However, because the amount of space you take up as a driver is almost negligible compared to cars, it can appear that other drivers have taken care of hitting drivers without a care. To avoid this, try to be more visible to other drivers. Wear brightly colored protective gear, reflective jackets, helmets with LED lighting, etc. Also, try not to drive too close to motorists or close to trucks.

Expert drivers can handle any situation on the road.

Do not fool yourself. Even experienced pilots don’t have this kind of mindset. No matter how many years of driving you have or the mileage covered, you need to protect yourself at all times while driving, which starts with having the right mindset. Wear your protective gear and advertise as much as you can on the road.

Some expert drivers also believe that they can stop faster with conventional brakes than with antilock brakes. Research shows the difference is negligible, so stop kidding yourself. Anti-lock brakes don’t lock on their own, therefore, in the real sense, they give you a better chance of successfully practicing panic stops without crashing.

Just one beer … it won’t hurt

How many times have I heard that? You must be sober while on the road. You need that concentration to be on the lookout for any danger that can be noticed. Also, a drunk driver is more likely to cause an accident. Save the beer for later.

If you’re going to crash, leave it

To be honest, this will increase your chances of crashing because your brakes will not be as effective as when driving upright.

Splitting lanes increases the chances of being hit

Remember we talked about not staying too close to cars and trucks? How else would you do that without splitting lanes? The lane division makes you more visible to the car in front of you, especially in slow traffic, and increases your view of what is happening on the road ahead of you.

Street lanes are safer compared to interstates

A path is a path, whether it is within your neighborhood or on Broadway. The essential thing is to respect the speed limits established for the road you are traveling on, without concessions.

Motorcyclists should not endanger their lives and those of other road users by following nonsensical myths that have no statistical foundation or evidence. Let’s play safe and stay safe.