There’s nothing quite like the rush of wind against your face as you cruise down an open highway on your motorcycle. For many of us, riding isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way of life, a passion that defines who we are. But let’s face it: time catches up with all of us eventually. Those lightning-quick reflexes you relied on in your 30s start to dull a bit by your 50s and 60s. Your eyes don’t adjust to nighttime conditions as easily, and that heavy cruiser that once felt like an extension of your body might now feel more like wrestling a bear at low speeds.
In this article we will learn what safety practices should aging riders follow to stay safe on two wheels as the years roll by.
What Safety Practices Should Aging Riders Follow?
Understanding Age-Related Changes That Affect Riding
Reaction Time and Cognitive Processing
By 45, most of us start noticing those split-second delays. According to research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riders over 50 typically react about 0.2 seconds slower than riders in their 20s. That might not sound like much until you do the math—at 65 mph, that’s nearly 20 feet of extra stopping distance. That could be the difference between a close call and a hospital visit.
Tom Reynolds, a 64-year-old rider from Colorado with over 40 years in the saddle, puts it bluntly: “I noticed it first at busy intersections. That quick calculation of ‘Can I make it?’ started taking just a beat longer. I found myself second-guessing decisions I once made instinctively.”
Cognitive processing speed also changes with age. Older riders may require more time to:
- Process complex traffic patterns
- Make quick decisions at intersections
- Manage multiple tasks simultaneously (like watching for traffic while navigating)
- Switch attention between different hazards
Vision Changes
Our eyes begin changing in our 40s, and these changes directly impact riding safety:
- Night vision deterioration: Those evening rides become trickier as your eyes need more light to see clearly
- Narrowing peripheral vision: You might miss movement coming from the sides
- Increased glare sensitivity: Oncoming headlights can temporarily blind you
- Reduced depth perception: Judging distances—like how far away that approaching car actually is—becomes less precise
Dr. Elizabeth Chen at the American Optometric Association recommends that riders over 50 get annual eye exams specifically with night riding concerns in mind. “Many riders don’t realize how significantly their night vision has deteriorated until they find themselves in a dangerous situation,” she explains.
Physical Strength and Endurance
Perhaps the most overlooked aspect of aging and riding is diminished physical strength:
- Handling a 600+ pound motorcycle at parking lot speeds requires considerable core and upper body strength
- Muscular fatigue sets in faster, especially on longer rides
- Recovery time after a long day in the saddle extends from hours to days
- Quick physical reactions to unexpected road hazards become more challenging
Research from the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity shows that by age 60, most adults have lost 10-15% of their maximum muscle strength compared to their 30s—a significant factor when controlling a heavy motorcycle.
What Safety Practices Should Aging Riders Follow? Strategic Safety Adjustments for Aging Riders
The good news is that experience and wisdom can compensate for many age-related changes. Here are practical strategies to keep riding safely as you age:
Reconsidering Your Motorcycle
The perfect bike for your current stage of life might not be the one in your garage. Consider these factors:
Weight and Maneuverability
Heavy motorcycles provide stability at highway speeds but become liability hazards during slow-speed maneuvers, especially as strength diminishes.
“I switched from my Harley Road King to a BMW F750GS when I hit 65,” says Jack Thompson, a lifelong rider from Oregon. “The weight difference—about 200 pounds—made a night-and-day difference in my confidence. I can ride longer without fatigue, and I no longer dread tight U-turns or navigating parking lots.”
Check out the Cycle World Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide for comparisons of weights and ergonomics across different models.
Ergonomics Matter More Than Ever
As we age, riding position becomes increasingly important:
- Upright seating positions reduce strain on wrists, neck, and lower back
- Seat height should allow you to firmly plant both feet at stops
- Handlebar reach should keep your arms relaxed, not extended
- Windscreen height should direct airflow over your helmet to reduce neck strain
Maria Delgado, a 59-year-old rider and physical therapist, shares: “After developing arthritis in my wrists, I switched from a sport bike to a standard with a more upright position. I can now ride for three hours without pain instead of being uncomfortable after just 45 minutes.”
Embrace Technology That Compensates
Modern motorcycles offer technologies specifically beneficial to aging riders:
- Linked braking systems reduce the coordination needed during emergency stops
- ABS (Anti-lock Braking Systems) provide a critical safety margin on wet or uneven surfaces
- Traction control helps manage unexpected road surface changes
- Electronic suspension adjustment allows quick adaptation to changing conditions
- Tire pressure monitoring eliminates the need to physically check tire pressure before rides
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcycles equipped with ABS are 31% less likely to be involved in fatal crashes—an especially valuable margin as reaction times naturally slow with age.
Revise Your Riding Habits
Adjusting when, where, and how you ride can significantly enhance safety:
Time of Day Considerations
Consider adjusting when you ride:
- Avoid dawn and dusk rides when visibility is compromised and wildlife is most active
- Plan longer rides to begin mid-morning when you’re most alert
- Be mindful of medication timing and potential effects on alertness
- Break up long rides into 60-90 minute segments rather than pushing through fatigue
Robert Chen, a 72-year-old who still rides regularly, notes: “I used to pride myself on 500-mile days. Now I limit myself to 250 miles maximum with a substantial break every hour. I arrive less fatigued and much more aware of my surroundings throughout the ride.”
Route Planning
The roads you choose matter more as you age:
- Favor familiar routes where you can anticipate hazards
- Consider traffic patterns and avoid peak congestion periods
- Be realistic about road surfaces that have become more challenging (gravel, poorly maintained pavement)
- Plan routes with regular rest stops that offer shade and facilities
Greg Martinez, who leads a senior riding group in Arizona, suggests: “We use the Rever Route Planning App to specifically locate and avoid sections with loose gravel or construction—hazards that wouldn’t have bothered us much twenty years ago but now represent significant risk factors.”
Group Riding Dynamics
If you enjoy riding with others, consider these adjustments:
- Communicate your preferences openly with the group leader
- Don’t hesitate to take sweep position (last in formation) if you prefer a more moderate pace
- Consider organizing rides with age-peers who share similar capabilities
- Use communication systems to stay connected without the strain of trying to hear over engine noise
“I finally admitted to my riding group that I needed more stopping time on mountain roads,” says Helen Morris, 68. “Instead of quitting the group, I now ride sweep position. I can maintain my own pace in the twisties, and we regroup at predetermined points. Everyone’s happier, and I’m much safer.”
To know more about motorcycle group riding please read the article ” Riding in Formation: Safety Tips on Group Motorcycle Travel on Highway”.
Enhancement Through Training
One of the most effective strategies for aging riders is continued education:
Refresher Courses Specifically for Mature Riders
Organizations like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation offer courses specifically designed for returning and mature riders:
- The MSF Returning Rider Course focuses on refreshing skills after time away from riding
- Advanced Rider Courses provide structured practice of emergency maneuvers
- Private coaching sessions offer personalized feedback on areas needing improvement
Sarah Johnson, MSF RiderCoach with 15 years of experience teaching mature riders, emphasizes: “The riders who stay safest into their 70s are those who never stop learning. They acknowledge their changing abilities and proactively develop skills to compensate. Pride has no place in motorcycle safety.”
Skills-Specific Training
Consider targeted training for specific challenges:
- Parking lot practice sessions focusing on slow-speed control
- Emergency braking clinics to maintain this critical skill
- Track days for improving cornering technique in a controlled environment
- Off-road training to enhance balance and bike control skills
The Total Control Advanced Riding Clinic offers courses specifically designed to help riders maintain and improve their skills as they age.
Gear Considerations for Aging Riders
Protective gear becomes even more critical as we age, since our bodies typically take longer to heal from injuries:
Helmet Reconsideration
Your perfect helmet at 30 might not be ideal at 60:
- Weight becomes critical—neck fatigue sets in faster with heavy helmets
- Field of vision matters more as peripheral awareness naturally decreases
- Ventilation helps prevent overheating and fatigue
- Noise reduction becomes more important as hearing protection
- Shield quality matters more as eyes become sensitive to glare
The SHARP Helmet Safety Scheme provides independent safety ratings that can help you select a helmet that balances protection and comfort for aging riders.
Visibility Enhancements
Being seen becomes increasingly important:
- High-visibility colors for helmets and jackets
- Reflective materials for night riding
- Auxiliary lighting including LED light strips on saddlebags or frame
- Positioning in traffic to maximize visibility to others
James Wilson, a 69-year-old rider from Florida, credits his high-visibility gear with preventing multiple potential accidents: “I switched to a hi-viz yellow helmet and jacket five years ago. Since then, I’ve noticed a significant decrease in cars pulling out in front of me. Being visible compensates for the fact that I might not react as quickly as I once did.”
Physical Support Gear
Consider protective gear that offers additional physical support:
- Back protectors with lumbar support
- Compression layers that improve circulation on longer rides
- Ergonomic gloves that reduce hand fatigue and numbness
- Boots with enhanced ankle support and easy-to-use closures for arthritic hands
The Motorcycle Gear Hub offers reviews specifically categorized for mature riders looking for supportive options.
Physical Maintenance
Physical fitness directly impacts riding safety:
Targeted Exercise Regimens
Develop a routine focusing on riding-relevant fitness:
- Core strengthening exercises improve bike control and reduce back strain
- Balance exercises like yoga or tai chi enhance stability
- Neck flexibility routines improve head mobility for checking blind spots
- Hand and forearm exercises maintain grip strength and throttle control
Dr. Michael Roberts, sports medicine specialist and rider, recommends: “Ten minutes of daily stretching focused on neck, shoulders, and lower back can significantly extend a rider’s comfortable time in the saddle. It’s a small investment with massive returns for aging riders.”
Vision Management
Be proactive about eye care:
- Schedule annual eye exams with a focus on riding concerns
- Consider riding-specific prescription glasses with anti-glare coatings
- Try yellow-tinted lenses for improved contrast in low-light conditions
- Keep multiple pairs of glasses on rides if you’re dependent on them
The Motorcycle Safety Legal Foundation offers specific guidance on vision considerations for aging riders.
Honest Self-Assessment
Develop habits of honest self-evaluation:
- Keep a riding journal noting any challenging situations and your responses
- Invite trusted riding companions to provide candid feedback
- Notice if certain riding scenarios cause more stress than they once did
- Track recovery time after rides and note if it’s increasing
“I created a simple 1-10 rating system for myself after each ride,” explains Richard Thomas, 75, still actively riding. “I rate factors like hand fatigue, mental sharpness, and physical comfort. When I notice consistent declines in certain areas, I make specific adjustments to address them.”
When to Consider Hanging Up the Keys: Recognizing Your Riding Twilight
For most enthusiasts, adaptations and modifications like those outlined above can substantially prolong their safe motorcycling seasons significantly. However, there inevitably arrives a watershed moment for every devoted motorcyclist to contemplate whether continuing to navigate astride two wheels remains the most prudent decision for their wellbeing.
Telltale indicators suggesting it might be appropriate to contemplate retirement from your cherished pastime include:
- Experiencing multiple unplanned dismounts, precarious situations, or near-catastrophes within a compressed timeframe
- Harboring apprehension, trepidation, or uneasiness before embarking on journeys rather than the customary exhilaration and anticipation
- Discovering that you’re deliberately circumventing specific categories of thoroughfares, byways, or congested environments you previously relished conquering
- Observing that physical recuperation intervals following excursions are extending beyond reasonable durations
- Grappling with health complications or pharmaceutical regimens that substantially diminish coordination abilities, muscular fortitude, reflexive responses, or cognitive vigilance
Rendering this momentous verdict isn’t fundamentally about chronological maturity—numerous motorcycle devotees continue savoring their two-wheeled adventures contentedly well into their octogenarian years. Instead, this pivotal deliberation centers on conducting a forthright evaluation of individual proficiencies, constraints, and vulnerabilities in relation to the unforgiving demands of motorcycle operation.
Transitioning to New Ways to Enjoy Motorcycling
If you do decide to stop traditional motorcycling, consider these alternatives:
- Three-wheeled options like the Can-Am Spyder or Harley-Davidson Tri Glide
- Mentoring newer riders through formal programs like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Mentor Program
- Joining motorcycle restoration groups to stay connected to the community
- Attending rallies and events as a spectator or volunteer
- Participating in vintage motorcycle clubs focused more on appreciation than high-mileage riding
Jim Peterson, who switched to a trike at 72, shares: “I thought I’d miss the leaning and counter-steering of a traditional motorcycle, but the freedom and confidence I’ve gained with the trike has actually expanded my riding world. I’m exploring back roads I’d avoided for years because of gravel concerns.”
The Road Continues: Embracing the Journey
Motorcycling through different phases of life requires adaptation, but the core joys remain—the sensory experience, the meditative focus, and the connection with both machine and environment. By thoughtfully adjusting your approach to account for changing abilities, you can continue to ride safely and enjoyably for many years.
The wisdom gained through decades of riding experience is perhaps your most valuable safety asset—it allows you to anticipate situations before they become problems and make decisions based on a deep understanding of road dynamics. This wisdom, combined with a realistic approach to your changing capabilities, creates a foundation for safe riding well into your later years.
Remember that motorcycling is ultimately about joy and freedom. The adjustments suggested here aren’t about limiting that experience but rather about ensuring you can continue to ride safely and confidently as you age. After all, the goal isn’t just to add years to your riding life, but to add life to your riding years.
As the saying goes among veteran riders: “There are old riders and there are bold riders, but there are very few old, bold riders.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or professional advice. Always consult with appropriate healthcare providers and professional instructors regarding your specific health conditions and riding circumstances.
