Road safety is not just about infrastructure, rules and regulations; it is also about the daily decisions, skills and attitudes of us, the riders.

Improving motorcycle safety in Europe is often discussed in terms of what governments, authorities and manufacturers should do. Yet we motorcyclists also play a crucial role.

	A first and perhaps most important factor is rider training. Obtaining a motorcycle licence should not be seen as the end of learning, but rather as the beginning of a lifelong process. Taking voluntary advanced training can dramatically improve braking, cornering and hazard perception skills. Many national organisations already offer such post-test courses, and riders who participate often report that their confidence and safety margins increase noticeably. Regular refresher training is equally important, especially after a winter break or when switching to a different type of motorcycle. At the European level, FEMA supports efforts to make training systems more consistent and to ensure that riders are rewarded for experience and competence rather than simply being forced through administrative licence steps.
	Just as important is the rider’s mindset. Motorcycling requires constant awareness and a realistic understanding of risk. The key is not fear, but respect for the limits of both machine and rider. A positive safety culture within the motorcycling community can help promote responsible behaviour: riding sober, wearing protective gear, and adjusting speed to the conditions.
	Protective clothing remains the rider’s most immediate safeguard. Modern protective gear has advanced enormously, and there is little excuse for riding without it. Certified helmets, gloves, boots and reinforced jackets can make the difference between a minor injury and a life-changing one. Airbag vests and jackets are now becoming more affordable and can prevent fatal chest and neck injuries. FEMA and its members continue to advocate for policies that make protective gear more accessible, including tax reductions and awareness campaigns that encourage riders to invest in quality equipment. However: protective clothing doesn’t need to be mandatory, we can make our own choices.
	Visibility is another essential factor. Riders should assume that other road users often do not see them and position themselves in traffic accordingly. High-contrast clothing, effective lighting and strategic lane positioning can help prevent the most common type of accident, being overlooked at a junction. Many national organisations run public awareness campaigns urging car drivers to “look twice for motorcycles,” but riders themselves can also make a difference by increasing their own visibility.
	Infrastructure plays a major role in safety, and riders can contribute here as well. Reporting dangerous road surfaces, poor signage, or slippery paint markings helps authorities identify and fix hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed. Rider organisations in several countries have created online platforms for this purpose, proving that when riders engage constructively, improvements follow. FEMA continues to campaign for motorcycle-friendly road design, including protective barrier systems and non-slip materials, but this work is most effective when riders provide concrete local information. The safest roads are not those with the most restrictions, but those where all users take responsibility for themselves and for each other.
	Collective action remains the backbone of progress. By joining national organisations and supporting FEMA’s European work, motorcyclists strengthen the voice of those advocating for practical, evidence-based safety measures. The goal is to ensure that EU policies focus on the real causes of motorcycle crashes, like visibility, infrastructure, and training, rather than on symbolic or unnecessary measures such as mandatory periodic inspections. We need to keep reminding policymakers that motorcycles are part of the solution for sustainable mobility, not a problem to be regulated away.
	Finally, maintaining your bike in good technical condition is an everyday act of safety. Tyres, brakes, lights and suspension must be checked regularly, and safety technologies such as ABS or traction control should be properly used and maintained. These systems have proven to prevent many fatal accidents, especially in critical braking situations.

Written by Wim Taal

Top photograph courtesy of Husqvarna Motorcycles

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