Florida's weather, beaches, and scenic highways make it a popular place for motorcyclists of all ages, making motorcycle safety an important issue. Changes in vision, hearing, reaction time, strength and stamina can impact your safe riding skills. Even minor crashes may result in more serious injuries as we age. Other factors, like our ability to process and eliminate alcohol or medication may also inhibit safe riding skills, like vision and judgment.
Just like driving a personal vehicle, there is no age when someone must stop riding. It is important to stay aware of your own limitations and learn safety tips and information to remain proactive as a motorcyclist.
Educational Materials
Ride Smart Florida is a statewide safety initative and extension of the Florida Department of Transportation's Motorcycle Safety Coalition. Their goal is to reduce rider fatalities and serious injuries through education, outreach, and data-driven action. Their educational materials are available to download or order directly from their website here.
Riding Retirement Card. Helps motorcyclists assess their riding abilities with a practical self-checklist and expert advice. It guides rider in recognizing when it might be time to step back from riding while offering ways to stay connected to the community.
Resources
- Ride Smart Florida Riding Retirement. Learn the "hard stops" for riding your motorcycle, complete a "Riding Into Retirement Checklist" and watch a "Seasoned Rider Safety Video."
- The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Motorcycle Rider Education & Endorsements. Being properly licensed to operate a motorcycle is required by law. From this site you can also access helpful education and safety information to become and remain a safe rider.