Legally Reviewed by Frank Marsalisi on August 12, 2026
Motorcyclists should take extra care while riding as they are not protected by the body of a car in the same way that car passengers are. When involved in an accident, motorcyclists tend to suffer more severe injuries due to the open nature of the motorcycle.
The following reminders and tips can improve their safety while they are on the road.
5 Safety Reminders and Tips for New Motorcyclists
We’ve written these tips with new riders in mind, but they are also applicable to experienced motorcyclists because personal safety should always be a priority.
ATGATT
ATGATT refers to “All the Gear, All the Time”. ATGATT is the best policy especially for new riders who may lack riding experience. As the name suggests, riders following ATGATT wear all the gear every time they are on the road to mitigate the effects of a crash if it occurs. If you follow ATGATT, then you may significantly minimize your chances of severe injuries in the unfortunate case of an accident.
Inspect Before Every Ride
You should develop a habit of always inspecting your bike before riding. Inspecting tires, chains, lights, mirrors, indicators, and brakes can help a lot in avoiding problems on the road. Many crashes occur due to failure to properly inspect the motorcycle beforehand. Inspecting before riding will allow you to identify potential issues and fix them prior to riding, thus avoiding any problem which may arise otherwise. Our full motorcycle maintenance checklist walks through this in more detail.
Avoid Riding in Bad Weather
Due to our year-round great temperature, riders here in Florida can ride nearly year-round. We hardly ever deal with snow and sleet as they do up north. Nonetheless, we do get bad weather that can still affect your riding plans in the Sunshine State. You should avoid riding in bad weather, including rains, high wind advisories, and thunderstorms, at all costs, as motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to injuries during adverse weather conditions. If you do get caught out, our guide on motorcycling in rainy, wet weather covers how to handle it safely.
Wear a Motorcycle Helmet
Under Florida Statute 316.211, riders under 21 must wear a helmet. Riders 21 and older may ride without one only if they carry at least $10,000 in motorcycle medical benefits insurance. Regardless of what the law allows, wearing a helmet has major advantages in protecting you from traumatic brain injuries and facial scars, and research has consistently shown helmets reduce the severity of injuries in a crash.
Only Ride a Motorcycle You Can Handle
This may not seem important at first, but it is perhaps one of the most overlooked points missed by both new and experienced motorcyclists. You should always ride a motorcycle you can handle with ease. Not everyone can ride a heavy touring bike, a powerful roadster, or a sports bike. These sophisticated bikes require special skills.
Always strive to ride a bike you are comfortable on. Not knowing how to properly and comfortably handle a motorcycle can contribute to a serious accident.
Watch for These Risks Beyond Your Own Riding
Even a rider who does everything right cannot control the drivers around them. Distracted driving, drivers who fail to check their blind spots, and vehicles that turn left across an oncoming lane without seeing an approaching motorcycle are among the most common causes of serious motorcycle crashes in Florida. Our post on avoiding motorcycle crashes due to blind spots covers specific ways to reduce that risk.
Get the Help of a Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney
No matter how careful you are riding on the road, you still can’t control how others behave. If you or your loved one gets into a motorcycle accident, it’s important that you know your legal options.
Hire one of the most reputable personal injury lawyers in Florida who can help you every step of the way. Contact us online for a free legal consultation. Marsalisi Law is where law gets personal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Safety for New Riders
What does ATGATT mean and why does it matter?
ATGATT stands for All the Gear, All the Time. It means wearing a helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, and other protective gear on every ride, not just longer trips, since a crash can happen even on a short ride close to home.
Do I need a helmet if I am over 21 in Florida?
Riders 21 and older can legally ride without a helmet only if they carry at least $10,000 in motorcycle medical benefits insurance. Riders under 21 must wear a helmet regardless of insurance coverage.
What size motorcycle is best for a new rider?
The best bike is one you can handle comfortably, not necessarily the most powerful one available. You should be able to reach the ground with your feet, manage the weight of the bike, and reach the controls easily before considering anything larger.
What is the most common cause of motorcycle crashes in Florida?
Drivers who fail to see an oncoming motorcycle, particularly when turning left across traffic or checking blind spots before changing lanes, are behind many of the most serious motorcycle crashes in Florida.
What should I do after a motorcycle accident that was not my fault?
Get medical care right away, document the scene if you are able, and avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurance company before speaking with an attorney. A free consultation can help you understand your options before you make any decisions.
About the Attorney
Founder, Marsalisi Law
Frank P. Marsalisi is a bilingual trial lawyer and St. Petersburg native who founded Marsalisi Law to represent people hurt in motorcycle, car, and bicycle accidents throughout the Tampa Bay area. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2008.
