For decades motorcycles have been represented in movies as dangerous machines only shifty characters ride. In reality, these two-wheelers can be found in garages of teenagers and seniors alike, and since they are very practical (especially for avoiding traffic jams) they are popular among all kinds of people. School teachers, dentists, and lawyers ride them, not just tattooed guys with a shady past. In fact, many riders are normal family people who enjoy the sense of freedom open road provides and who like to explore new places. With that said, a lot of riders are parents, and yes, a lot of them put their kids on their bikes. If your kid has been asking you to take a ride with you, but you are not sure whether that is a good idea, keep in mind that riding with a child can be completely safe, as long as you have taken proper precautions. Here are a couple of things you need to keep in mind if your little one is begging you to take them out for a spin.
Avoid rookie mistakes
Of course, you want your child to be safe, so you will give them a helmet. However, four sizes too big helmet is just as good as no helmet at all. What will happen if you fall? That helmet won’t stay on. In fact, it will fly away from your child’s head before they even hit the ground, leaving them completely unprotected. Also, it is not wise to let your kid sit in front of you, holding onto the gas tank or your legs. If you need to suddenly stop, you will be forced to grab your child so they do not fall off, thereby probably losing control of the vehicle. Unless your kids are old enough to reach the footpegs, putting them on a bike probably isn’t the best decision.
Make sure your motorcycle is in a good shape
A bike that hasn’t been properly maintained isn’t safe for anyone who rides it. Regardless of whether you are a fan of street motorcycles or you have a cruiser, you should make sure that everything is in order. Even if you are not a mechanic, there are some things you can do on your own. For instance, change the oil after several thousand miles, so your motor runs smoothly. Also, replace the air filter, change the coolant and keep the chain clean. When you go to the gas station, also check tire pressure.
Buy your child proper equipment
As mentioned, your helmet won’t fit your kid and can give you a false sense of safety. If you want to take your child with you when you go on motorcycle road trips, you need to ensure they have all the equipment they need to stay safe. While most kid helmets on the market feature off-road lids, make sure you get the full-coverage one. It needs to fit snugly, so it won’t come off in case of a crash. Also, don’t let your kid fasten their helmet on their own. Most likely, they will fasten it loosely. Do it yourself. Speaking of equipment, a leather jacket or one made of durable, strong material is also recommended. This can provide significant protection if they happen to fall.
Get them gear accessories
While a helmet is a must and your kid probably already has a jacket, there are some items you should consider investing in if you plan to ride your kid more often than once every six months. For instance, good gloves are never a waste of money. They will not only protect your kid’s hands in case there is an accident, but they will also keep bugs away from their delicate hands. Long pants such as heavy-weight jeans are also a good idea. When it comes to footwear, avoid anything with laces, since those can easily get caught in a chain.
Keep them in place
Since riding with a child in front of you is not the safest option, you should put them behind you. However, if they are not holding on tight enough, they can fall off. Therefore, get a belt that will go around their waist and over their shoulder, as well as around your waist to secure the child to you. This way your child cannot fall off unless you fall off the bike.
When you have taken proper precautions, putting your child on your bike can be extremely fun for them and an opportunity to create some lasting memories.