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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.
