New rider safety: guidance from professionals and authorities
Many beginner motorcyclists increase their risk on the road by acting carelessly. In this instance, Izvestia cites Viktor Potapenko, a BMW Motorrad instructor and founder of the Motostudy safe driving school, as a leading voice on safe riding habits.
“A common mistake among new riders is riding at speeds they are not yet prepared to handle. Beginners often want to group up with more experienced riders and push their limits beyond what their current skills can safely support. This approach frequently ends in serious outcomes,” he notes.
Furthermore, inexperienced riders often assume drivers will be alert and considerate. In practice, drivers may not notice riders who are focused on other tasks. The expert recommends dedicating the first motorcycle season to focused training rather than chasing speed or thrill.
Many new motorcyclists also neglect protective gear, sometimes wearing only a helmet. Yet there is another extreme: a beginner who wears the absolute safest equipment may still restrict movement too much. Potapenko reminds riders to regularly check the technical condition of their bikes, even for those with years of experience. Skipping proper maintenance can lead to malfunctions and accidents.
In early April, Biysultan Khamzaev, a deputy of the State Duma, criticized motorcyclists who perform dangerous maneuvers on the roads. He argued that the presence of riders on highways can be provocative and urged more careful behavior from them.
The Moscow Ministry of Transport has also emphasized the importance of predictable riding. It notes that the main causes of crashes include careless lane changes, not maintaining safe distances, disregarding driving rules, and speeding violations.
In a related legal matter, a court previously considered a preventive measure against Şahin Abbasov, while cyclists gathered nearby to observe the proceedings. (citation: Izvestia)