If you want to get better at riding your motorcycle, then you’ve got to practice, practice, practice!
But where can you practice? Where can you be relatively undisturbed as you practice?
There are plenty of places where new riders can practice motorcycle riding skills. These include empty parking lots, private properties, big box parking lots, off-road parks, neighborhood areas, old shopping centers, and rider training program locations!
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Not so fast! Get Your Permit/License Before Riding Anywhere!
Before buying your motorcycle or borrowing someone’s bike, you first must get your driving permit or license.
While this is more or less the same regardless of your state, it would be prudent to know your state’s requirements.
I’ll explain the process as simply as possible, but you’ll also need to check the requirements according to your state.
- Get the driver’s handbook from your local DMV office or online from their website. This is a great way to brush up on the specific rules for motorcycle riding and to prepare for the written exam. Downloading and studying this handbook can help you pass the knowledge test and sharpen your understanding of riding motorcycles.
- Take the written test once you’re confident about the rules pertaining to motorcycles. Having a motorcycle permit on hand will help show police and property owners that you’re serious about learning.
Best Places To Practice Motorcycle Riding
Below are some of the best places for novice riders to practice their motorcycle skills.
Private Properties
Motorcycle riding practice can take place in a wide range of areas and locations. If you’ve just bought your first motorcycle, you’re looking for a safe option. Private properties are a good place.
However, you’ll need the property owner’s permission before you ride a motorcycle around their property to learn without any interference.
It’s also a good idea to learn about the limitations of your motorcycle before taking it out on public roads.
Big Box Parking Lots
Another safe place for young riders to practice is inside big box parking lots, where you can safely ride without cars coming in directly.
Big box stores will usually offer areas with free parking that visitors riding bikes can utilize. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, some of the most common places for riding motorcycles for practice include:
- Empty parking lot
- Church parking lot
- Back roads
Ask if you can come in with your motorcycle. They may allow it if you keep it away from other vehicles.
Neighborhood Areas
Practicing motorcycle riding skills in neighborhood areas is one of the best ways to learn since there is little traffic. Because there are few traffic signals to focus on, you can concentrate on learning how to properly use your motorcycle.
However, neighborhood roads are also full of other distractions, such as vehicles and people, so you’ll need to keep that in mind.
Off-road Parks
For a place where you can practice riding your motorcycle without worrying about other vehicles, these are suitable locations. Even if you run into some problems, you won’t get into any trouble — these parks are used specifically for practice.
The only thing you need to remember is that off-road parks require riders to wear helmets for eye protection.
Old Shopping Centers
Another excellent practice area includes old and abandoned shopping centers that have closed due to a lack of customers. They will usually offer wide parking spaces where you can go to practice and hone your motorcycling skills.
Keep in mind that some places will have security & surveillance, and you could get into trouble if you’re trespassing.
Be wary of your surroundings and ensure that the shopping mall isn’t prohibited if you want to ride there.
Rider Programs Locations
Rider programs are available in many metropolitan areas, which include shopping malls and other similar places. A rider training course teaches novice riders how to ride correctly and safely before purchasing their first bike.
These will usually be in public locations. There’s no need to worry about security while learning how to ride your bike.
However, there are some programs that require proper motorcycle gear, such as helmets, so be sure to get one.
Picking the Right Time To Practice
Once you have a motorcycle learner’s permit, you’re free to get a motorcycle to practice with.
No matter where you choose to practice, the next thing you need to consider is the best time to practice.
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when you find the right place for you.
- How busy the area is: If you’re practicing in a lot that’s busy 24/7, you will need more time to concentrate on learning. Ideally, you’ll want a place or parking lot that has little to no traffic so that you can move around freely.
- The time of the week: Sunday mornings are the best time to start practicing since most businesses are closed during this time. This works well for parking lots and off-road parks where traffic is usually slow. However, it’s best to pay attention to your area to see if there are other days that work better.
- When there is wide open space: Whenever a site has plenty of open space and few obstacles, this is the best time to practice.
Conclusion
If you are serious about riding correctly and safely, it is essential that you put in a ton of practice.
The best places to practice your riding skills are empty parking lots, private properties, big box parking lots, off-road parks, neighborhood areas, old shopping centers, and rider training program locations.
Bonus tip: I follow Motojitsu to sharpen my riding skills. And guess what? He often uses parking lots to demonstrate riding techniques. Now go, learn!
