A: Interstate, or “controlled access,” highways present a few challenges to the novice rider, as well as some advantages. The main advantage is that, aside from the entrance and exit ramps, there are no intersections. As a result, there are no oncoming vehicles that may turn left across your path; there are no vehicles on cross streets running stoplights or stop signs; there are no vehicles backing out of driveways or rushing out of parking lots at the last moment.

And, if there are HOV lanes—which, per federal law, riders can use nationwide even when riding solo—you may find them to be the most lightly traveled lanes on the highway.

However, typical highway speeds and a large number of traffic lanes may be intimidating. Lane changes can be perilous, whether you are the one making them or you are dealing with other vehicles switching lanes. Motorists might not use turn signals or look over their shoulders in advance of a change, or might not provide a large enough space cushion in front of you when they pull in.

Your keen situational awareness and sharp reflexes will be tested. Spend some time practicing on quick-moving surface streets or backroads, and work your way up to interstate highways.

Also, at higher speeds, braking distance increases, as well as the distance needed to perform a swerve. It is important to find opportunities to safely practice these crash-avoidance skills at higher speeds before heading onto the interstate. Everything happens faster on highways, so having well-developed skills in scanning and evaluating traffic situations is important.

On-ramps and off-ramps can present their own challenges.

When entering the highway, it is best to accelerate and match the speed of traffic when possible in order to merge properly. Precise shifting skills are helpful. Off-ramps will vary in length and radius. Good visual assessment of the ramp plus good judgment in braking and cornering are essential. Riding twisty roads can help develop these skills.

With well-honed riding skills and an arsenal of risk-management strategies, you can safely venture onto the interstate highway.

But your first forays shouldn’t be during rush hour, when you would have to deal with tired, impatient drivers doing their stop-and-go, frequent-lane-change maneuvers. And if you’re not comfortable maintaining highway speeds, you may present a hazard to other motorists.

Consider sticking to surface streets until you’ve logged sufficient miles and gained an adequate level of confidence.

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