Smart motorcycle riders are prepared for whatever comes their way on the road. Among the safety tips for beginning motorcyclists is to keep a safety kit on the bike whenever heading out, particularly on longer excursions or when heading out on the open road. Take a look at the following motorcycle safety checklist of items to include in a kit.

Motorcycle Safety Checklist: Food

If a biker happens to break down in an isolated area, he or she will want to have some water and food on hand. Dry, calorie-dense, non-perishables are the best bet.

Some of the foods that work well for storage are listed below.

  • A few bottles of water
  • Protein or granola bars
  • Jerky
  • A can of tuna with a pop-top lid
  • Nuts and trail mix

Motorcycle Safety Checklist: Tools

Always carry around a few basic tools in case a quick repair is needed to get rolling again. Bring the following tools when riding.

  • Flashlight
  • Fuses
  • Electrical and duct tape
  • A set of wrenches
  • Regular and needle-nose pliers
  • Universal screwdriver
  • Tire pressure gauge
  • Tire patch repair kit
  • Solar powered cell phone charger
  • Lighter or waterproof matches
  • Pocketknife
  • Owner’s manual

Motorcycle Safety Checklist: Weather-Related Gear

Be prepared for whatever type of weather may come. Nothing ruins a ride like a freezing rain or icy roads. Keep extra gear in a backpack or in the bike’s storage compartment if there’s room.

Some of the following weather proofing items may be useful in a kit.

  • Change of clothes
  • A rain suit
  • A poncho (or trash bags)
  • An extra pair of gloves and a jacket or sweater to layer clothing if the temperature drops

Motorcycle Safety Checklist: First Aid

A first aid kit is fundamental to a motorcycle safety kit. It can come in handy for things such as a wasp sting, sunburn, cuts and scrapes, or a burn.

Motorcyclists can purchase pre-made first aid kits, or make their own with the following items.

  • Bandages
  • Gauze and medical tape
  • Scissors
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Antibiotic ointment
  • Analgesic cream
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Tweezers
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen)
  • Antihistamine (Benadryl)

Be Prepared: Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

One of the best ways to reduce your risk of injury and ensure you’re prepared is to take a local motorcycle safety course. Iowa riders can enlist in the Motorcycle Rider Education (MRE) Program administered by the Iowa DOT's Office of Driver Services. A couple of places that offer the program in Des Moines are listed below.

  • Big Barn Harley Davidson (515-265-4444)
  • Des Moines Area Community College (515-964-6676)

Legal Help for Riders in Iowa

Walker, Billingsley & Bair handles all types of injury cases, including motorcycle accident injuries. If you or a loved one were injured in a motorcycle accident, we invite you to call our office to determine your legal options. You might be able to file a claim to recover damages.

To speak with an attorney, contact us for a FREE legal consultation at (888) 435-9886.

Corey Walker
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With over 28 years legal experience, Corey has been recognized for his work as an injury attorney.