Motorcyclists come in all shapes, sizes, genders and ages. While people typically think of motorcyclists as younger people, the median age for riders in the U.S. is 50. Moreover, some 39% of those who own motorcycles are in their 50s and 60s.
Some seniors who ride have been doing so for many decades. Others may have given it up when they were busy building a career and raising a family, only to get back on the bike in retirement.
Just as with driving a car, there’s no specific age at which someone is required to give up the keys. As long as a person can operate their motorcycle safely, they can continue to do so well into their senior years.
Older riders, however, need to take added precautions that younger riders generally don’t. Let’s look at a few.
Staying in shape
Riding a motorcycle takes more physical strength and stamina than sitting behind the wheel of a car. Strength training helps, as does keeping as limber as possible with regular stretching exercise – including before and after a ride.
Finding the right bike
Older motorcyclists generally find smaller, lighter bikes easier to maneuver. It’s important to have a bike that you can pick up if it falls over. Getting a bike that makes it easier to sit up straight and reach the controls on the handlebars is critical to safety and comfort. These bikes might not go as fast as others, but older bikers shouldn’t be racing anyway.
Practice and safety courses
Those who haven’t ridden for years or who put their bikes away for the winter can benefit from a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) or other course. They come in everything from basic to advanced.
Be aware of increasing limitations
Just as with driving, senior motorcyclists often find that they need to accept limitations as they age. That may mean not riding at night, not going long distances, staying off busy roads and maybe not riding alone.
Motorcyclists tend to get blamed for crashes that weren’t their fault simply because they have a reputation for taking risks and not obeying the law. Older motorcyclists have the added disadvantage of people thinking they’re too old to ride.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by someone else, you shouldn’t have to fight for compensation because you’re being unfairly blamed. Getting legal guidance as soon as possible can make all the difference in protecting your rights and getting a fair outcome.
