When scanning the environment, what should you check aside from the roadway?

Checking traffic signs and signals while scanning the environment is essential for safe riding. Traffic signs provide critical information regarding speed limits, road conditions, and upcoming hazards, while traffic signals inform riders when to stop or proceed. Being aware of these elements helps ensure that you can anticipate and react appropriately to changing conditions or the actions of other road users. Ignoring these signs may lead to unsafe situations, such as running a red light or being unaware of a change in speed limits.

In contrast, while monitoring your speedometer, body posture, and gear condition are important for overall control and safety while riding, they do not provide the same level of situational awareness about the external environment. Monitoring the roadway alone may lead to blind spots regarding important signals and signs that could inform your riding decisions. Therefore, the ability to recognize and respond to traffic signs and signals enhances your overall safety and contributes to effective riding strategies.