Passing a motorcycle isn’t the same as passing a regular car. A lot of people treat it like it’s just another slow vehicle in front of them, speeding up, swinging around, and cutting back in like it’s no big deal.
But then again, motorcycles are very different from cars. They’re smaller, harder to spot, and the rider has almost no protection. One small mistake by you, even an accidental one, can cause a serious crash or send a rider flying off their bike.
While passing a motorcycle, you always have to bear in mind that there’s a real person behind the handlebars who’s trusting you to do it safely. Here are a few safety tips to help you keep yourself and the rider out of harm’s way.
Don’t Assume It’s Safe Just Because It Looks That Way
The first and most important thing is to never jump into passing just because you feel impatient or think it looks clear. Sometimes a motorcycle might be going a bit slower than the speed limit, or maybe you’re in a rush and want to get ahead. But rushing into passing without checking can cause serious problems.
You need to start by scanning the road ahead. Is the road wide and straight with good visibility, or are there curves, hills, or intersections coming up that might block your view of oncoming traffic? If your view is limited, it’s never safe to pass. Also, watch for road signs. Double solid lines or no-passing zones exist for a reason. Passing in the wrong spot can cause head-on crashes, especially if you can’t see what’s coming.
Then, check your mirrors properly. Motorcycles are small and can hide in blind spots. Don’t just give a quick glance; vehicles usually have blind spots, look properly to make sure there’s no bike tucked just out of your view. Only when you’re absolutely certain the way is clear should you even consider starting to pass.
Always Use Your Turn Signal and Give Plenty of Warning
Motorcycles don’t have the metal frame or airbags that protect cars. If you suddenly move out without warning, it could cause a rider to lose control or crash.
So before you even start moving over, put your indicator on early. Give it a few seconds so the rider and other drivers know what you’re about to do. That heads-up helps the motorcyclist prepare, maybe slowing down a bit, staying steady, or moving slightly to give you room.
Never Tailgate a Motorcycle
Following too closely behind a motorbike is a big danger. Many drivers think it’s okay because the bike is small and they’ll just pass quickly. But motorcycles can stop suddenly and much faster than cars. If you’re too close and they have to brake, you won’t have time to react and could crash right into them.
Since motorcycles don’t have bumpers, any rear-end crash is way more serious. It can throw the rider off the bike and cause severe injuries.
So keep a bigger gap than you would with cars. This space gives you time to react if the rider slows down suddenly. It also helps the rider feel safer because nothing unsettles a motorcyclist more than a large vehicle right on its tail.
Give the Motorcyclist the Full Lane When Passing
Many drivers make the mistake of trying to pass a motorcycle without fully changing lanes. They just edge over a little bit, thinking the bike can share the lane with them. But that’s wrong.
Motorcycles have just as much right to the full lane as cars do. When you pass, you need to move your whole vehicle completely into the next lane, just like you would if you were passing a big truck or another car.
Passing halfway or squeezing through leaves the rider vulnerable. The force from your car’s speed alone could unbalance the bike, especially at highway speeds. Also, motorcyclists need room within their lane to maneuver around road hazards like potholes, gravel, or oil spills. If you’re too close, they have nowhere to go, which puts them at risk.
So give the rider the whole lane and enough space to move freely.
Keep Watching the Motorcyclist While Passing
Even if you’ve done everything right, you still need to keep an eye on the rider while you pass. Motorcycles don’t always ride in a straight line. They might lean into curves or shift their position to avoid road hazards you might not notice.
If the rider starts moving closer to the center line, they could be avoiding something like a pothole or debris. If they slow down suddenly, don’t panic or slam your brakes; just pass calmly and give them room.
