Black motorcycle picturing dash with helmet on the handle bar

COVID-19 pandemic is affecting almost every aspect of our daily lives across the world. Social distancing and self-isolation are the new normal, something that most of us have never experienced. The same changes apply to motorcycle riders, particularly this motorcycle season.

Now, although motorcycling connects people and reduces stress levels considerably in times of confusion and anxiety-like this one, is it still safe to go for a ride? While riders are an awe-inspiring lot, usually not afraid of taking risks, they are not immune to the dreaded virus. As such we have compiled a list of safety tips based on recommendations and resources of the World Health Organization to help you stay healthy and safe as you ride through the COVID-19 storm;

Crucial safety tips for this motorcycle season

Avoid Gatherings

The riding season is here, and in many parts of the world meet-ups, group rides and rallies offer a great way to step into another season of trips. 2020, however, is slightly different. The world is facing an abnormal situation where any gathering has the potential of spreading coronavirus. So, it is only wise to avoid such types of meetings, if they have not been canceled already.

The Center for Disease Control advises that the best way to keep the virus at bay is to avoid exposure. This essentially means foregoing any form of the party like club dinners and so on. Steer clear of any popular hangouts that draw hundreds of people.
See more ways to protect yourself on CDC Website.

Keep your riding gear as far away as possible from the main house.

Anything from the helmet to gloves and boots should be kept as far away as possible from anyplace that you or your family members frequent. A garage is a good option. While the possibility is very low, the virus can spread by contact with a riding gear that has encountered it somewhere else.

If you do out-and-back rides without stops, this safety tip may not be important, but if you stop and interact with people often, it is wise to keep your gear somewhere safe. According to the CDC, the virus can be spread from contact with any contaminated surface.

This is not the main means of transmission, as coronavirus has poor survivability on non-living surfaces. It is just a better than sorry safety precaution for riders who have high-risk relatives or friends at home. This includes those with chronic disorders like lung and heart disease, rather the elderly.

Clean and disinfect regularly

Clean thoroughly and disinfect any surfaces on your bike or even the garage that you often touch to be safer. This can be the handlebars, gloves, boots, the insider of your helmet, or any tools that you use more regularly; the clean and disinfect them. Cleaning will get the grime and dirt off,  while disinfecting will eliminate any germs or bacteria. WHO recommends these two processes to help optimize the effectiveness of your sanitization.

Always Carry a Sanitizer

Do you have a sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcoholic at home? If yes, find a way to bring it with you during a ride. It will be convenient in case you stop somewhere along the journey and touch any surfaces, like a gas pump or ATM. Here is a guide of Disinfectants to use against SARS-CoV-2

Avoid riding if you can

It might be safer for you to take a break during the pandemic if you can. If there is another alternative for transportation, like an enclosed vehicle, go for it as it will leave you less exposed to the virus. Obviously, if it is a ride with no interaction and stops, riding your motorcycle should be fine.

On the other hand, if you will be interacting with people in crowded areas, it is best to avoid exposing all your riding gear to bacteria, which you can easily bring home with you and transmit to other people or surfaces.

Above All

Be safe, exercise your judgment, and adhere to any other recommendations provided by the authorities. Also, keep in mind that these are simply the best practices and not guarantees. Similarly, we are in this together, so make decisions for the betterment of all and what your local health agencies have advised as well.

The most important thing to do now is to stay safe and to practice the guidelines to slow the spread and soon return to what we know as normal life. Meanwhile, stay safe and remember that Stambaugh Law is an experienced Law Firm with more than 30 years helping people to get the compensation they deserve. If you need any legal assistance for your case don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for a free consultation.

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