Riding Retirement

When you start to feel less comfortable riding a motorcycle, it’s time to self-check!

First, we’d like you to meet Andy: 

Andy began riding in 1969. He had several motorcycles, several great adventures, and no crashes. In 2014, on a ride together, his son said he felt Andy had lost some skills.  

So, after 45 years of riding, Andy decided to “retire” and donated his Goldwing.  

Everyone is different! There is no age when someone must stop riding. Instead, riders should perform frequent self-checks and recognize the “hard stops” in themselves and fellow riders. 

Do any of these apply to you?

Welcome to your riding into retirement checklist

Select all (if any) that apply to you:

I drop my bike often

I can’t get my leg over the seat easily

I have difficulty seeing at night

I’ve had some close calls recently

I feel more uncomfortable while riding

I’m not reacting to situations as quickly

I have difficulty balancing my bike

I have trouble judging traffic

I feel weaker and more tired than usual

I feel more anxious while riding

I have difficulty staying in my lane

Time's up

What the Doc Says

Dr. Lewis Kaplan is a motorcycle rider and trauma surgeon out of Pennsylvania.

He says there are several medical and physical conditions that are “hard stops” when it comes to riding. 

Riding retirement is an honorable decision. When you hang up the keys, that does not mean you have to give up your passion!

There are many ways to stay connected:

Seasoned Rider Safety Video

Courtesy of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation