My Top 10 Motorcycle Safety Practices--Please Share Yours

[MagnaRider]

All great points all around!
I only have a few points to add that I have learned from my experience.
1. Parking lots are where accidents happen. Be vigilant on looking around and scanning the area. Always be ready to stop or go on a dime.
2. When stopping at an intersection, get used to stopping on one foot and using your other foot to hold the bike in place with the rear brake. In the event you get rear ended holding the rear brake will keep the bike upright, and if you are fast enough you are quicker to get moving and out of the way if you see a rear end incoming. If you hold the front brake while rear ended the bike will tip over and chances are you will be run over by the cars behind you. Also it looks much cleaner stopping and going with one foot
3. I am not a speed demon, but I do like to feel the power of any motorcycle. Remember that stopping isn't your only option in case of an emergency. Sometimes the better option is to throttle up and use your superior speed and maneuvering to get out of a bad situation.
4. Practice emergency stopping. I do this each spring and every once in a while, during the riding season. I have a backroad behind my house that never has any traffic on it, and I will practice getting to 60 and then slowing down as fast as I can. Feel using both brakes and how much pressure you can apply to them before skidding.