The aftermath of a motorcycle accident can be traumatic and confusing. Even after healing from physical injuries, you may feel anxious and afraid to get back on your motorcycle.
The good news is that, with proper support, you can ease your fears and get back in the saddle again. If you recently got involved in a severe motorcycle accident, here are some handy tips to help you get your swagger back.
Face Your Fears
Fear is a powerful emotion that can hold you back from your true potential. Unfortunately, many motorcycle accident victims allow fear to prevent them from returning to the things they love most in life.
If you’ve been putting off getting back on your motorcycle because you’re afraid of what might happen, it’s time to face those fears head-on. An excellent place to start is by working with a certified life coach or therapist. Such professionals can provide the tools and information you need to overcome any obstacles stopping you from getting your life back on track.
You can also try to identify the negative thoughts holding you back from riding and replace them with positive affirmations. For example, instead of saying, “I’m too scared to get back on the bike,” tell yourself, “I can still ride my bike safely.”
Take it Slow
In the aftermath of a motorcycle accident, you might be tempted to rush back to your previous activity level too quickly. However, this can lead to new injuries and complications that could put you back on the sidelines even longer.
It’s much better to ease back into your routine; take a step at a time and gradually increase your activity level until you’re back to your old self. Ideally, setting small goals can help keep you motivated and increase your confidence as you work towards your bigger goal.
For example, instead of signing up for a grueling bike ride as soon as you feel ready, you could try riding around the block a few times a day. Then, once you feel comfortable, you could gradually build up to longer rides around the neighborhood or nearby parks.
Get Some Extra Training
After spending a lot of time in recovery mode, you might feel a little rusty when riding your bike. In this case, it might be worth getting extra training to help you improve your skills before you get back in the saddle.
Besides giving you more confidence when you’re out on the road, a refresher course can make you a safer rider. Most training schools offer a variety of courses at different levels, so you can find one that suits your ability level and budget.
Consider Riding with a Group
Riding alone can be a very intimidating experience for someone recovering from a motorcycle accident. Often, you may worry that you might make the same mistakes that led to your injuries in the first place.
On the other hand, riding in a group can help build your confidence and improve your riding skills. You can also learn some helpful tips and tricks from riders who went through a similar experience, helping you avoid everyday motorcycle riding pitfalls.
You can often find local riders that meet regularly for group rides in your area by searching online or asking around at your local motorcycle shop. Just ensure the group you join is friendly, supportive, and of your skill level.
Consider Replacing Your Bike
Sometimes, your old bike might awaken some bad memories and make you hesitant to ride again. This is particularly true if you have a particularly scary or accident-prone bike.
If this is the case, investing in a new bike that you’ll feel more comfortable riding might be a good idea. As you look for a new bike, remember to choose one that fits your size and ability so you can stay as safe as possible.
