How to Combat Anxiety While Riding a Motorcycle
May is Motorcycle Safety Month!
Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it also can trigger anxiety and fear. Whether new to riding or experienced, motorcycle riders occasionally encounter situations that are worrying— riding in traffic, on unfamiliar roads, or in challenging weather conditions. Anxiety can universally affect your concentration, confidence, and enjoyment of riding. Fortunately, there are some strategies you can use to overcome anxiety and ride with more ease and fun. Here are some tips on how to combat anxiety while riding:
- Educate yourself
One of the best ways to reduce anxiety is to learn the fundamentals of riding and improve your skills. Taking a professional motorcycle safety course can help you gain knowledge and confidence in handling your bike, braking, cornering, and maneuvering in different situations. You can also read books, watch videos, or join online forums to learn from other experienced riders and experts.
- Prepare yourself
Another way to combat anxiety is to prepare yourself before each ride. This includes checking your bike for any mechanical issues, wearing proper gear, planning your route, and checking the weather forecast beforehand. Make sure you are physically and mentally ready to ride! Avoid riding if you are tired, hungry, thirsty, sick, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You also should avoid riding if you are feeling stressed, angry, or distracted.
- Relax yourself
When you are riding, try to relax your body and mind as much as possible. Breathe deeply and evenly, but avoid holding your breath or hyperventilating. Loosen your grip on the handlebars and shake your arms out occasionally to release tension in your muscles. Some suggest listening to soothing music, but do not let it keep you from being aware of what is happening around you.
- Challenge yourself
One of the most effective ways to overcome anxiety is to face your fears one step at a time. Instead of avoiding situations that make you anxious, try to expose yourself to them in small doses and with increasing difficulty. For example, if you are afraid of riding in traffic, start by riding on quiet streets during off-peak hours, then move on to busier roads and highways as you feel more comfortable. If you are afraid of riding in the rain, start by riding on a dry day with wet patches on the road, then progress to riding on a light drizzle and eventually on a rainy day.
By challenging yourself in this way, you will learn that your fears CAN be defeated, and that you can cope with them successfully. You’ll also build your confidence and skills as a rider.
- Enjoy yourself
Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself while riding! After all, riding a motorcycle is supposed to be fun, not stressful. Focus on the positive aspects of riding, such as the freedom, the adventure, the scenery, and the camaraderie with fellow motorcyclists. Smile and laugh when you can— celebrate your achievements. Remember why you started riding in the first place, and don’t let anxiety ruin your passion.
Riding a motorcycle can be an amazing experience if you know how to combat anxiety while riding. By following these tips, you can reduce your anxiety and ride with more safety and pleasure.
We at the Herd Law Firm, PLLC, are motorcycle riders, too! We support bikers and motorcyclists injured on the road, and have successfully represented such victims seeking the assistance and compensation they so need and deserve.
