Which gear should a motorcycle be in when waiting at a traffic light?
2 Answers
When waiting at a traffic light, a motorcycle should be in neutral. Precautions: When riding a motorcycle, you must not exceed the speed limit. Many traffic accidents involving motorcycles are caused by speeding. Therefore, for safety reasons, never speed and ride slowly. It is essential to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Not wearing a helmet may result in a fine from traffic police, and it also compromises safety. Relevant regulations: Motor vehicle and non-motor vehicle traffic signals indicate: When the green light is on, vehicles are permitted to proceed, but turning vehicles must not obstruct the passage of straight-moving vehicles or pedestrians. When the yellow light is on, vehicles that have already crossed the stop line may continue to proceed. When the red light is on, vehicles are prohibited from proceeding.
As a seasoned motorcycle rider, I habitually stay in first gear at red lights so I can quickly take off when the light turns green, avoiding pressure from vehicles behind. Why not neutral? Because I've found that in busy urban intersections, neutral can cause the bike to roll on slopes—especially when roads are wet from rain—posing too much risk. I always keep the clutch pulled in; my arm may get tired, but safety comes first. If the red light is long, I adjust based on road conditions: on flat ground and if certain it's safe, I shift to neutral for a break; on a slope, first gear is a must to prevent rolling. After a decade of riding, this habit has saved me from countless minor accidents. New riders might try it—practice more when learning, and it’ll become second nature. The key is avoiding engine stalling or sluggish response, which could delay starts, invite honking, and waste time while ruining the mood.
