What does the phrase “defensive riding” refer to?

The phrase "defensive riding" refers to riding with awareness and anticipating the actions of others. This approach is essential for motorcycle safety, as it involves being conscious of your surroundings, recognizing potential hazards, and preparing for the unexpected behaviors of other road users. By maintaining a proactive mindset, a rider can make better decisions, react quickly to situations, and minimize the chances of accidents.

Defensive riding emphasizes the importance of making safety a priority over aggressive maneuvers or high speeds. This means that instead of merely focusing on their own bike and surroundings in isolation or trying to dominate the road through aggressive riding, a defensive rider considers the actions of others. This can involve keeping a safe distance from vehicles, being aware of blind spots, and ensuring proper signaling before making maneuvers. This philosophy fosters a safer riding environment for everyone on the road.