Arrive Alive! The Motorcycle Safety Podcast

I'm bridging the 12-hour time gap between New York and Australia to sit down with my first-ever international guest, Paul Eddington—better known to his 26k+ YouTube subscribers as Paul in Perth .  Against all odds, Paul survived a maximum, typically "inoperable" cancer enduring an intensive 18-hour surgery and brutal rounds of chemotherapy that left him with severe peripheral neuropathy and postur...

This episode features Kristen, a Queens native, mother of two, and the woman behind Wicked Wednesdays NYC, one of the most popular weekly motorcycle meetups in the tri-state area. Kristen shares her journey from walking off her first MSF course overwhelmed and intimidated, to passing on her second attempt, buying a Ninja 400 the very next week, and eventually upgrading to a 2022 BMW S1000RR, one o...

K icking off riding season with a tribute to my cousin Luca Simonassi, a fellow rider we lost in Sicily, and whose humor and spirit I hope comes through in every word. Then we get straight into the mailbag with some great questions including garage sale helmets, riding with a group that is way too fast for you, and how to start your own bike night without getting sued. Dust off the bike. This one...

We demystify the world of motorcycle insurance. and  why the "cheapest" online policy often leaves riders dangerously exposed. We dive into the critical importance of underinsured motorist coverage, the reality of insuring high-value accessories, and why your garage location matters more than you think. Don't hit the road this spring without downloading our exclusive Insurance Checklist PDF includ...

Spring is coming, but don't let the warm weather fool you. This season, complacency is the villain. In Episode 105, Len Bellello draws on Shakespeare's Richard III to frame why this spring could be the most dangerous riding season in recent memory — brutal roads, atrophied skills, and drivers who've forgotten motorcycles exist. Plus, five research-backed crash factors every rider needs to know: tr...

cold winds, rain, gravel, ice, while not fun at all can be dealt with successfully with the right mindset and technique. Today, BMW MOA's Wes Fleming admits to riding hundreds of miles in  6°F weather and also tells us strategies for staying upright and warm and protected in rthe worst of conditions.  Whether you're commuting year-round or just want to be ready when the weather changes on you, the...

In Day 6 of the 12 Days of Motorcycle Safety, we welcome back returning guest John DelVecchio, a motorcycle training expert and author from Rochester, New York, for a critical discussion on visibility and being seen on the road. We dive deep into the "SMIDSY" phenomenon (Sorry Mate, I Didn't See You) and explore the science behind why drivers often miss motorcyclists—including eye movement blind s...

Nobody wants to think about crashing, but if it happens, what you do in those first few minutes matters big time. In this episode, we're covering the essentials—from getting to safety and documenting the scene, to tracking down witnesses and camera footage before it disappears forever. We'll talk about what your insurance actually covers, why you should never apologize at the scene, and the realit...

Nobody wants to see blue lights in their mirror, but every rider will eventually get pulled over. When it happens, knowing what to do can make the difference between a warning and a ticket. In this episode, we cover everything motorcyclists need to know about traffic stops. This episode gives you practical, motorcycle-specific advice to help you navigate traffic stops safely, respectfully, and sma...

You don't need to spend a fortune to stay safe on two wheels. In this episode, we're sharing surprisingly smart strategies for buying quality safety gear on a budget – including places you might not have considered – plus a breakdown of the high-tech revolution happening in motorcycle safety. Airbag vests and suits that used to cost over $1,000 are now available under $300. Smart helmets with AI-p...

There's something almost meditative about cleaning and maintaining your motorcycle. In this episode, we explore how maintenance and cleanliness go beyond the mechanical and connecting the physical benefits of catching problems early, the mental clarity of a well-maintained machine, and the spiritual connection you build caring for your ride. We discuss how these elements intertwine:  A well-cared-...

Day 1 of 12 Days of Safety: Gift Ideas & Gear Upgrades Kicking off the 12 Days of Christmas with 12 safety episodes in 12 minutes or less. We look at what to get yourself or a loved one—and all the better with Christmas recently passing as deals are better! No partridge in a pear tree required, and these don't require knowing someone's size or bike model. These practical upgrades enhance both safe...

Ever wonder what it's like to guide motorcycle tours across 20 countries while dealing with Americans who scatter like five-year-olds the second you stop? Phil Freeman, founder of MotoQuest Motorcycle Tours, learned to ride on a beat-up Honda in Japan and now runs a fleet of 90+ BMW GSs—but here's the kicker: he doesn't actually own a personal motorcycle. From getting blown sideways on Patagonian...

¡Arrive Alive regresa con su inconfundible mezcla de consejos prácticos y auténtica camaradería motera! Este episodio aborda tus preguntas más importantes: ¿Cómo lidiar con el clima impredecible de Pensilvania? ¿Cuál es la guía de supervivencia para el caos de las obras y los conductores despistados en Ohio? ¿La IA hace que las motocicletas sean más seguras o solo vuelve perezosos a los motociclis...

German Santana, a Colombian rider based in Brooklyn,  recently returned from an epic 7,280-mile journey from New York to California and back. Fresh off the road, German shares vivid stories about the challenges, thrills, and lessons learned from his 19-day adventure. Whether you're an Iron Butt or want to be one,  you are sure to love this episode! 

I'm taking you back to September 15, 2019—the day a white SUV ran a red light and changed my life. This crash happened just 175 feet from my apartment and it's what inspired me to create this podcast. In this episode, I share what I've learned since that day about staying vigilant even when you have the right of way, and dealing with unpredictable urban traffic, making the most of autumn's shorter...

With China consistently ranking among our top five listener countries and nearly five million Chinese speakers in the United States and Canada, we wanted to ensure this critical safety content reaches as many riders as possible in their preferred language. This episode is dubbed using AI voice technology from an earlier show featuring Len discussing AI applications in motorcycle safety and answeri...

In this show, you'll hear about my great tour from New York City to Niagara Falls, Canada, and what went right and what could be improved on my 1000-mile round-trip adventure. Highlights include discovering great local eateries and connecting with fellow motorcyclists along the way. What a unique experience of riding alongside one of North America's most famous natural wonders, and why Niagara Fal...

Ryan Snelson, the creative force behind Motoveli, a unique monthly motorcycle zine that's breathing new life into print culture. From his Brooklyn base, Ryan shares how his passion project evolved from a 100-page magazine in 2018 to today's surprise-filled monthly publication that gives smiles to people like us who put on the miles! Please share this show with a friend who rides. 

Arrive Alive returns and back  with that signature mix of practical wisdom and genuine rider camaraderie. This episode dives into your burning questions: How do you handle Pennsylvania's schizophrenic weather? What's the survival guide for Ohio's construction chaos and oblivious drivers? Is AI making motorcycles safer or just making riders lazy? Plus, an honest look at riding in your 50s - because...

Brooklyn designer Karen Oh joins us to chat about staying safe on two wheels and the interesting stats behind why women tend to be safer riders than men. Karen shares her personal riding philosophy, and we talk about the safety tips from past female show guests. Quick, insightful convo for riders of all levels!

 Rob Fish from 8 Ball Tires shares maintenance mishaps and what it takes to keep riders rolling safely. You'll hear wild stories from his San Diego tire shop and drop knowledge from his 30+ years of riding experience.  Enjoy this entertaining and educational conversation about motorcycle life and staying safe on two wheels.

Mark Mendoza, the legendary bassist known for thunderous work with Twisted Sister, brings his decades of road experience to the Arrive Alive Motorcycle Safety podcast for an unforgettable episode.   Mark shares how the same awareness needed to navigate packed stadium parking lots applies to staying alert on the open road. In this special episode, Mendoza demonstrates that whether you're rocking ou...

We recap a challenging and cathartic year of motorcycle riding featuring growth statistics and updates on two serious accidents that affected the riding community.   

Eric Trama reflects on his father's groundbreaking work in motorcycle safety, recalling how he revolutionized rider education He shares personal anecdotes about his dad's passion for both motorcycles and teaching, which led to the development of comprehensive training programs still used today.