Is It Safer To Ride A Motorcycle On City Streets Or The Highway?

July 2, 2025 | Motorcycle Accident

Is It Safer To Ride A Motorcycle On City Streets Or The Highway?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2023 marked the worst year for motorcycle fatalities since 1975. Despite widespread efforts to make riding on two wheels safer, motorcycle accidents remain a major source of injury and death throughout the country. The good news is you can mitigate your risk by choosing when and where to ride. 

Should you take your bike out on the highway or stick to the city streets of Carlisle, PA? You may need to use both types of roads on most trips. However, you can plan your routes to maximize (or minimize) how many miles you log on specific streets and highways.

Here’s a look at both options so you can enjoy your next trip while staying a little safer. 

Are Motorcycles Safe?

Motorcycles aren’t as safe as enclosed motor vehicles. That’s because these vehicles:

  • Provide minimal protection from collisions
  • Are harder to see, especially at night or during bad weather
  • Only have two wheels to grip the road
  • Can accelerate faster than your average passenger car

If you love getting out on two wheels, you’re already aware of most of these risks. The key is to use this knowledge to inform your riding habits so you can adapt to other drivers who may not be as aware of motorcycle safety issues as you are. 

Where Do Most Motorcycle Crashes Occur?

The sobering fact is that motorcycle crashes can (and do) occur on any type of road. While highways have higher speed limits, they’re usually well-lit, which can promote better visibility. On the other hand, city streets may lack sufficient lighting or feature more blind spots, such as trees near intersections or cars that are parallel parked along the shoulder of the road. 

This means that a motorcycle crash can happen on any type of road, no matter how careful you are. The goal is to reduce the risk you face through awareness, defensive driving, and prudent planning.

Benefits Of Highway Riding

There are plenty of perks to cruising along the highway, such as I-81 near Carlisle. You don’t have to worry about intersections or crossing traffic lanes that move in other directions, which can decrease the risk of head-on collisions. Additionally, interstates and major highways are usually brightly lit, so you should be more visible to other drivers during evening rides. 

Consistent speed limits along major highways also reduce the likelihood of sudden stops. However, highway speeds can increase the severity of accidents when they occur. 

Pros And Cons Of City Riding

City streets in Carlisle offer a convenient network of paths for getting around town. They allow you to access the city’s many businesses, shops, and restaurants. That said, they’re often busy with vehicles and pedestrians. Intersections are among the most dangerous areas to navigate on a motorcycle. 

If you’re going to be doing a lot of city riding around Carlisle, brush up on some of the most dangerous intersections and roads. You can then take steps to avoid these areas, especially during evening hours or when the weather is poor. 

What You Can Do To Stay Safe

Wearing a helmet, even if you aren’t legally required to do so, can help lower your risk of a traumatic brain injury. You should also make an effort to stay visible by wearing brighter clothing, maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoiding riding in blind spots. These simple tips can help you stay safe no matter what type of road you’re traveling on.

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, our motorcycle accident attorneys are here to help. Contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster PA 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963