Where I am from in California, we have year-round riding, although many parts of California do not. Around this time of the year, when the snow has melted all over California, or is still in the process of melting in some places, I see an increase in motorcycle accidents, especially fatal motorcycle accidents.

There has been an increase in the purchase of smaller Street motorcycles, as well as sport motorcycles, and a decrease in the sale of what I would call bagger or cruiser type motorcycles.

Guys and gals riding Street or sport types of motorcycles for some reason tend to be more aggressive when they are driving, then people riding the bigger bagger or cruiser style motorcycle. I have been riding motorcycles for over 40 years, and I understand the tendency to be more aggressive on a smaller more nimble motorcycle.

I just talked to a guy that was involved in a motorcycle accident on street motorcycle, and it was not a nice discussion. The guy was seriously injured, and it appears he was at fault in the accident.

Although you may hear many people say that you never forget to learn how to ride a bike, the fact of the matter is if you have been off your motorcycle for even a couple of weeks, it takes some time to get used to riding again, I don’t care how long you have been riding motorcycles.

So, when you have a combination of people who have not ridden a motorcycle for a while, coupled with people on smaller more nimble sport and Street motorcycles, you have a recipe for disaster if you do not take it easy.

Many people who read the Biker Law Blog, and who have read my articles, know my mantra about how to be safe on a motorcycle, “Always Ride Like You Are Invisible.” What this means is that as you are riding, pretend that the other motorist on the road cannot see you. This will make you much more safer than if you assume, they do see you.

If you are on a smaller sport or street motorcycle, take it easy. I know it is very easy to accelerate fast, split lanes, and be more aggressive. Trust me when I tell you that you do not want to go down in traffic on the street. Often times these types of motorcycle accidents are catastrophic to the rider.

If you have been out of the saddle for a couple weeks or more, take it easy, get your skills back before you put yourself in a major traffic situation.

Here in Southern California where I live, when you get on the freeway during most times of the day, it is harrie on a motorcycle. The newer cars can easily do 100 miles an hour, and most cars are driving faster than 65 mph. In other words, you have to have your Shit together on a Southern California Freeway on your motorcycle.

If you have been out of the saddle for a couple weeks, practice on some sidestreets to get your muscle memory back venture out onto the freeway.

Take it easy out there. Although I am a motorcycle accident attorney, I do not like to see motorcycle accidents. I am a real motorcycle rider like you, and any real motorcycle rider hates to see other motorcycle riders go down on her motorcycles.

God forbid if you have had a motorcycle accident anywhere in California, give me a call 7 days a week 24 hours a day at 800-816-1529. Do not delay the phone call because the longer you take to call me, the more you prejudice your case. This is a subject for another article come in the future.

By California motorcycle accident lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., May 13, 2019