Top 6 Reasons Why Riders Don't Wave Back

Traffic

Being aware of your surroundings and making yourself seen by other motorists on the road are some of the biggest obstacles that motorcyclists face today. A rider must focus several seconds ahead and take extra precaution when riding in traffic because many traffic collision involving motorcycles are the result of a driver simply not seeing the motorcyclist. With modern distractions such as text messaging and mobile video, the average driver is placing less of an emphasis on the act of driving, thus making the roadway a more dangerous place. To compensate, a large portion of a motorcyclists focus and concentration are being placed upon surrounding vehicles in case a quick stop or maneuver is needed. So, if you find yourself riding in heavy traffic, not only should you not be expecting a wave back from a fellow rider, but you may think twice about waving in the first place!

Corners

A leading reason why many riders will fail to wave is because they are approaching a corner or are already beginning to maneuver their way through a bend. While you may be cruising along with a clear path ahead, an oncoming rider has to make numerous adjustments approaching a turn. Signaling, braking, downshifting, and leaning into a corner not only takes concentration, but also requires a rider to use each limb to perform these tasks. With only so many hands to operate the front brake, clutch, throttle, and turn signals, one would need a third arm to offer a wave in the given situation.

Road Hazards and Weather Conditions

Road hazards and poor weather conditions require additional focus when riding a motorcycle. Road hazards are the root behind many motorcycle-related accidents. Poor road surfaces, debris, animals, and standing water are just a few hazards that motorcyclist must face on a daily basis. Encountering any one of these risks requires quick reflexes and proper maneuvering skills to avoid a crash. When faced with the decision of colliding with an object or waving back at your fellow motorcyclist, only those riders not in their right state of mind would choose the latter.

Similar to road hazards, rainy or snowy weather creates a whole new set of obstacles that riders must contend with. Braking, accelerating, and turning in these slick conditions must be completed with care to avoid a fall. Visibility can also be greatly reduced with water being sprayed up by other vehicles. Don't be too hard on the other rider if you offer a wave in disastrous conditions and they stay hunkered over their tank with eyes straight ahead.

Fatigue

Most riders have experienced some form of rider fatigue associated with long hours in the saddle. While motorcyclists are less prone to falling asleep than those operating cars or trucks, a lack of sleep can make for a rough journey that requires extra concentration to prevent nodding off. Similarly, riding in warm weather for an extended period, and even riding in cold weather for that matter, can allow for dehydration to set in, thus one may be focusing more on making it to the next rest area instead of offering a wave back. Not to mention, many of us Harley owners love polishing on our chrome to bring out that brilliant shine and make our bikes look top notch, so it is very well possible our arms may be a bit too sore to lift off of the handlebars to gesture a wave.

New Riders

Riding a motorcycle is a completely different and much more involving experience than driving a car. While a number of motorcyclists began riding at a young age and feel as if their bikes are an extension of their bodies, many enthusiasts have not had the opportunity to take up riding until later in life and find it to be a bit overwhelming at first. Think back to the time when you first began riding a motorcycle and remember the concentration and skill it took to not only worry about your surroundings and other vehicles on the road, but to focus on the smooth and correct operation of the bike controls. With a growing population of new motorcycle riders, an un-returned wave may simply be the case of a new rider coming to grips with his or her machine and the awe that the riding experience provides.

Other Bike Makes

There is often a misconception that sport bike riders and Harley riders never wave to one another. Many riders cross paths with others who are on different makes and models, and after not receiving a wave back, make generalizations that all "brand X" riders aren't cool and don't wave. In reality, the rider may not have waved back for any one of the previously mentioned reasons. For the most part, motorcycle riders make up an extremely small portion of motorist when compared to the total number of vehicles on the road today, so by choosing to ride a motorcycle, one becomes part of the 2-wheeled community. General rule of thumb is that if you are in a safe position and feel comfortable to do so, you are more than welcome to offer a friendly wave to other motorcyclists. Chances are, they may just be waiting for you to make the first move and will promptly return the favor. In a worst case scenario, you don't receive a wave back and simply continue on enjoying your ride.