What should you do before changing lanes on a motorcycle?

Before changing lanes on a motorcycle, it is essential to signal, check your mirrors, and glance over your shoulder. This sequence of actions ensures that you are communicating your intentions to other road users, which is vital for safety. Signaling alerts drivers around you that you plan to change lanes, while checking mirrors and glancing over your shoulder helps you become aware of any vehicles in your blind spots, preventing potential collisions.

Being thorough in your checks not only enhances your safety but also the safety of those around you. As motorcycles are smaller than cars, they can easily be overlooked by other drivers. Therefore, regular signaling and comprehensive checks are critical practices that dominate lane-changing procedures.

Other options either lack crucial components for safe lane changes or prioritize speed over safety. Simply signaling does not provide enough information about the context of your surroundings. Accelerating before a lane change can create unnecessary risks, as it may not give you time to appropriately assess the conditions. Neglecting to signal altogether, despite checking your surroundings, fails to communicate your intentions, which could confuse or endanger other motorists sharing the road.