Hello, I'd like to give a little bit of background... Although I have my drivers license, I have horrible anxiety getting behind the wheel of a car. I refuse to drive. But for some reason the idea of being on a motorcycle does not scare me. I feel like if I can learn to ride one, it maybe be liberating for me. I have gotten the first part of my motorcycle license, but have yet to actually get on top of one! Do you have any advice for first timers, especially if they may be nervous? Thank you!

Hello, I’d like to give a little bit of background… Although I have my drivers license, I have horrible anxiety getting behind the wheel of a car. I refuse to drive. But for some reason the idea of being on a motorcycle does not scare me. I feel like if I can learn to ride one, it maybe be liberating for me. I have gotten the first part of my motorcycle license, but have yet to actually get on top of one! Do you have any advice for first timers, especially if they may be nervous? Thank you!

Greetings! I know a few people who hate driving but love being on a bike. Motorcyclists often refer to cars as “cagers” and once you ride a bike you really can feel trapped as if you were locked up in a cage. Especially when you’re stuck in bumper to bumper traffic.

That being said, I love driving or riding anything that’s got power, for the most part. I love horses, cars, go-karts, motorcycles… so I actually don’t think I’m the best person to ask about this. However, I would always suggest signing up for Basic Rider Training in your state. Here we’ve got Team Oregon- you can take their course in order to get your endorsement.

Getting on a bike (on your own) on a closed course with specific direction from instructors will give you a safe place to experiment (where it’s okay if you drop it) and see if it’s something you want to pursue. Good luck and be safe!