Since a significant portion of the readers of this blog are sourced from foreign countries it is a question that needs to be addressed. How safe is travel in North America? With the use of VPN's it is impossible to tell who is truly foreign but I will address the question anyway.
Over a period of 54 years I have exceeded 250,000 miles of all kinds of riding. My only gap in riding was about 18 years around work in NYC and my 2 children. I only lack travel in CA, NV, AK and the western provinces of Canada. Next year I will cross all of those off except AK, which is still out there as something I want to do. I started riding in early 1972 after discharge from the Army in the fall of '71. At that time you seldom saw another motorcycle rider and you were pretty invisible to the car drivers, they never looked for you. You were a novelty and some people felt you were a threat of some kind so people stayed away from you. They were still very helpful if you needed assistance but they viewed you as being a person living on the edge. The roads were being developed and many were gravel so you became proficient in various road surfaces. If I remember right the tires (I used AVONs) were hard as a rock and I think they all had tubes. I once had a blow-out on the newly constructed I-40 near Statesville, NC and the front tire turned sideways and took me straight off the road into a pasture. You didn't have interstate fencing back then. Luckily a local farmer bailed me out and took me to a garage to fix the tire. There is no doubt that everything is better now, except the traffic!
You still have to worry about traffic! One of the newer traffic issues is that people are aware of the risks to disabled vehicles on the side of the road and that includes highway maintenance and police activity. It is recommended that drivers move to the left away from these hazards and it is a law in most states that you do so. What this means is that if you see someone off the road ahead watch out for everyone shifting left. In Mississippi last year I saw a motorcycle off on the shoulder and the rider was drinking water, no mechanical problem it was just hot. I was partway by a Uhaul box truck and he came over onto me in the passing lane and pushed me onto the rumble strip. He heard my horn and moved back quickly but it could have been a disaster. This is why I never linger in a truck or cars blind spot. If I get a ticket for speeding to pass a truck it is the cost of reducing my risk on the road.
Don't be afraid to ask if you need something! Yes, the hotels/motels all post that check-in is 4 PM. I have had a big chain make me sit in the lobby until 4 but smaller ones are usually eager to accommodate a rider coming in off the road. Last year I arrived in Red Lodge, MT at around 1:00 after crossing Beartooth Pass and I was tired and it was becoming very hot. I stopped at a very old historic motel called the Yodeler Motel and the owner said he didn't have any rooms ready yet but told me to leave my stuff in the lobby and go eat lunch, I would have a room when I got back. He recommended restaurants and it was all taken care of when I got back. In the winter it is a big ski town and the Yodeler has a huge hot tub which I enjoyed. It is a beautiful town and well worth staying 2-3 days. If it is brutally hot, stop and check in. In that type of heat I leave at 4-5 am and am off the road by noon and checked in somewhere. It's a good time for doing laundry or taking a soak in the pool (always carry a swim suit). When you check-in be sure to ask if the video cameras are working and where is the best lit spot to park. I have seen people on smaller bikes ask for an outside first floor room in a strip motel and they roll their bike into the room when it gets dark. I have never had a problem but some riders have lost their bikes. I think the fear of this is greatly over-stated.
The short answer to the question is Yes, it is safe for foreigners to travel in North America. You need to use common sense like you would in any country. If you are going into a major city there are always areas that would be best bypassed. So think about it before you get there. I have never had a problem. I have to say I really love traveling in Canada. The people are warm, interested in helping you and I have felt safe in all their major cities. The airbnbs are cheap and clean and the scenery is spectacular!
There are motorcycle clubs all over the country. Ours, the Tarheel Travelers BMW Club, is very willing to assist travelers with mechanicals or lost or needing lodging. You don't need to have the brand of bike, we have all kinds. But most importantly, don't let fear of your safety stop you from great life experiences.
