5 safety tips for riding a motorcycle in Hong Kong

Anyone who uses a motorcycle as a means of transportation in Hong Kong will benefit from a vast range of perks, such as lower vehicle insurance premiums, the ability to weave between fast-moving traffic, and the "cool factor" that can give you some serious street cred. Safety concerns, however, can be an issue. Even when wearing a helmet, motorcycle drivers are more vulnerable to the elements and potential traffic accidents. To that end, this article focuses on the below 5 safety tips for riding a motorcycle in Hong Kong.

1. Make sure your motorcycle is fit for the road

Getting out on the road is no doubt an exhilarating experience, but it's important to make sure everything is in working order to ensure that your ride is as safe and hassle-free as possible. Before you hit the road, we suggest checking the following:

• Tires: Be sure to check the tread, and remove any debris caught in it. Also check that your tires are not over-inflated, as this means they will have less grip.
• Under the bike: Inspect this area to ensure that there's no oil or gas leaks.
• Exhaust: Check that it doesn't have any holes or cracks in it.
• Lights: Ensure that your indicators are working. Indicators that don't work can put you and third parties at risk, because other drivers won't be able to tell when you are turning.

2. Wear the right safety helmet

Both the driver and passenger must wear a properly fastened helmet. This is because helmets that are not fastened properly will not provide adequate protection in the event of an accident. The Hong Kong Transport Department also recommends buying a helmet that causes no discomfort, even when worn for extended periods of time. If your helmet shows any sign of damage or has taken a hard knock, it's worth buying a replacement as it might not offer maximum protection.

3. Follow traffic regulations

Be sure to follow traffic rules and don't go over the speed limit. As we talked about in detail in this article, the most common traffic offences drivers should avoid at all costs include:

• Dangerous driving
• Deliberately jumping red lights
• Street racing
• Careless driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
• Driving without vehicle insurance
• Driving without a valid license

4. Protect your body from the elements with the right clothing

Make sure to wear the right clothing, as it will help minimize the severity of injuries should an accident happen. Despite it being over 30 degrees Celsius right now, it is best to avoid wearing short-sleeved tops and shorts, as your skin will not benefit from any protection should you fall off your motorcycle or experience any type of collision. In addition to wearing the right clothing, we also recommend wearing gloves and boots with nonskid soles. It might also be worth sticking reflective tape to your clothing so that you are more visible to other drivers.

5. Consider attending a post-license riding course

To enhance your riding skills and ensure that you are driving in the safest way possible, you might want to consider attending a post-license riding course. This course is offered by the Hong Kong School of Motoring, and teaches motorcyclists how to improve their driving skills in a wide range of road types and conditions.

Don't forget motorcycle insurance

Motorcyclists are legally required by Hong Kong law to secure adequate insurance coverage. Like cars and trucks, it is mandatory to secure at least third party insurance for your motorcycle. Regardless of which insurer you choose to buy coverage from, there are two main types of motorcycle insurance cover in Hong Kong: third party and comprehensive. To learn more about motorcycle insurance, please do not hesitate to contact our team of experts at any time, or visit our website for a no-obligation, free quote today!