Defending Yourself On Your Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle can be an empowering and liberating experience for women, but women are more likely to be targeted for harassment or assault while out on the road. Motorcycle self-defense is an important topic for all riders, but as a female motorcycle rider, it's essential to be prepared for any situation, including the possibility of being attacked while riding. Here are some tips on motorcycle self-defense that can help keep you safe:
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Be aware of your surroundings:

One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is to be aware of your surroundings, both on and around your bike. Focus on the road, other drivers, and any potential hazards. Keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior, such as someone following you, acting aggressively towards you, or flashing their lights at you.
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Practice defensive riding:

Defensive riding means anticipating and avoiding potential hazards on the road. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, use your turn signals, and always be prepared to react quickly to unexpected situations. Check out defensive riding courses near you.
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Know your bike:

Knowing your bike isn’t just important for safe riding, but also for self-defense. Be familiar with the location and how to use all controls, including the horn, brakes, and accelerator. This will help you respond quickly in an emergency.
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Be prepared to use your bike or helmet as a weapon:

Whether you’re on or off your bike, you already have some weapons at your disposal. You can swing your helmet by the straps to try and keep people away from you. Throwing your helmet towards the face of an opponent is a great way to distract them while you run or hit them with another weapon.

If someone attacks you while you're riding, your bike is a powerful weapon. Use your bike to defend yourself by accelerating away quickly, swerving, or even hitting the attacker if necessary. Always prioritize your safety over your bike or helmet.
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Try not to engage with aggressors: 

If someone is being aggressive or threatening towards you while you're riding, it's important to do your best to stay calm and not engage with them. Try not to respond to any taunts or insults. Instead, focus on getting away as quickly and safely as possible. 
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Get help if you need it: 

If you're ever in a situation where you feel like you're in danger, don't hesitate to call for help. This might mean calling 911, or contacting a friend or family member who can come to your aid. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. If you have a communication system in your helmet, try contacting Siri or Alexa or Google and asking them to call 911 for you. It’s also possible to set up your iPhone to call 911 for you by hitting the buttons on the side of your phone. These ways can be especially helpful if someone is following you while you’re riding or your hands are otherwise engaged.
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Carry self-defense tools:

Carrying self-defense tools can be a good option, such as pepper gel, a baton, or a taser. No matter what you decide to carry, we highly recommend that you practice with it as much as you can.
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Take a self-defense course:

Taking a self-defense course can be a valuable investment in your safety. These courses can teach you physical techniques to defend yourself in various situations and help you build confidence in your abilities.

Being a female motorcycle rider comes with its challenges, but you can ride with confidence and stay safe on the road. Stay aware of your surroundings, practice defensive riding, know your bike, be prepared to use it as a weapon, carry self-defense tools, and consider taking a self-defense course. Stay safe out there!

If we say that exercise helps our mental health, we can't disconnect our feelings from it. This is why owner and instructor Danae Hudson cries on the mat during Krav Maga.

Krav Maga is about more than just kicking butt - the best way to win a fight is to avoid one. But often times women feel like we can't defend ourselves until we're in danger. When are we allowed to defend our boundaries?

Krav Maga near me? There is! If you're looking for a Krav Maga class near you, Valley Self-Defense is a proud member of the International Krav Maga Federation with schools located across the United States. To find a school near you, visit the IKMF USA website.

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