To be able to ride your motorcycle safely in traffic you need to observe the rules of the road. While it might be tempting for a motorcycle rider to weave in between traffic to get where he or she is going faster, this is a no no. Motorcycles can maneuver easier than cars but they are much less protected in the event of an accident. While an auto driver has a bunch of steel around them for protection a motorcycle rider is much more vulnerable. So make sure you are safe and you observe these rules.
Make sure that you are aware of other driver's blind spots and try to keep yourself visible. You always need to assume that you have not been seen by other drivers. Its much safer that way for you. As stated before, no matter how tempting, don't weave in and out of traffic. Other drivers might get nervous and they wont be sure where you are going to go next and could swerve into you. So make sure that you don't do this!
Make sure that you are safe when you attempt to pass other vehicles. Trying to ride your motorcycle safely in traffic can be even more challenging than it can be for other vehicles. You have to look about you thoroughly, such as through the back windows and windshields of cars in front of you. Make sure that you also double-check the passing lane as well before you attempt to pass. Don't white line it. This is only legal in California anyway and it is not a good idea to try. This is where you pass other drivers in their lane.
These are just the rudimentary learnings for a motorcycle driver to be safe. There are many more things that you have to learn and put into effect as well. Making sure that you keep your distance from the car in front of you is a safe choice. As well as giving you time to stop and not hit the other vehicle, it is also a way to stop your bike from overheating in traffic. Having an oil cooler is also a good idea. Another good tip for helping to be safe is to have a cell phone and a roadside emergency plan just in case. It is better to have it and not need it than the reverse.
The best thing that a motorcycle rider can do to be safe is to always be aware of what is going on around them. Keep your head about you and make sure that you always leave yourself an out in case of a worse case scenario. If traffic comes to a quick halt you don't want to slam into the vehicle ahead of you. All drivers should be aware at all times but it is even more important for a motorcycle rider. To be able to ride a motorcycle safely in traffic you need to be on the ball and obey the rules of the road.
