Riding motorcycles can be fun and it has become a popular hobby among people of all ages. Research shows that there is an increase in the number of people owning motorcycles. Female riders are a common sight on the roads today. The fact that many families own a motorcycle also means that kids on a motorcycle have become a common sight. With the rise in adults riding with children passengers, it is important to address the issue of safety. As you celebrate National Motorcycle Ride Day, it is a good time to think about the issue of motorcycle safety.

Riding with children passengers is perfectly legal as long as the riders follow the set rules. Most people will agree that riding bikes is fun, and speed adds to the fun factor. Unfortunately, this also means that a kid being thrown off a bike is a likely scenario. Before you think about taking your child on a ride, ask yourself whether it is safe to do so.

Riding with your kids can be safe but you need to understand the inherent risks and take necessary precautions. Before placing your child on the motorcycle, you need to make sure that you follow all the safety precautions.

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Wearing the Right Helmet

The first safety precaution you must take is to ensure that your child has a helmet. This means that you have to invest in a helmet for your child - one that fits right. Giving your child an adult size helmet is not good enough. You need to realize that a helmet that is too large will certainly come off in the event of a crash.

Buy a kids' helmet that fits snugly on the little head. Admittedly, this means that the child will soon outgrow it, but it’s all about safety first! Experts recommend choosing a helmet with full coverage and a chin-bar. Some helmets come with a face shield, but if you can’t get one make sure that the child wears goggles.

Choosing the Right Clothing

It is important for your child to wear the right clothing during the ride. Just like a helmet, the clothes can help to protect your child in the event of a fall or crash. Think about the weather when choosing clothes to wear. Remember that there is a good reason why you dress the way you do when you decide to go riding.

A kids’ leather jacket is not just cool, it is also comfortable and it can help to provide some protection in case of a fall. Buy your child a thick leather or denim jacket and pants, as well as some children- specific gloves. A visit online will reveal several companies that offer riding apparel for kids.

The Correct Riding Position

It may be tempting to ride with your child in front of you but this is not just dangerous, it is illegal. Having the child in the front will interfere with your ability to handle the motorcycle. It is also easier for the child to fall off. It is much safer for children to ride on the back. Make sure that the seat is attached firmly to yours.

For additional safety, look for passenger belts with handholds to keep the child secure. These belts help to ensure that the child is firmly attached to you during the ride. The belts are especially useful when riding with younger kids who find it difficult to hold on. A child riding belt will secure your child to your back ensuring safety.

Following Road Rules

When you decide to go motorcycle riding, you must ensure that you follow the basic road rules. Obviously, you need to be in possession of proper insurance and licensing. Sticking to the set rules is especially important when you have a child passenger. Different states have specific rules for riding with children.

Find out the rules in your area and ensure that you comply with them. The laws will often include age restrictions and you need to know what they are. If you cannot find a helmet that fits your child, chances are that he is too young to go riding with you.

Before you decide to go motorcycling with your kids, it is a good idea to teach them some basic safety skills. Small kids tend to forget easily so you will have to teach them over and over again. Practice getting on and off the bike and teach them how to keep their feet in the right position. Enjoy National Motorcycle Ride Day and choose roads with little traffic as your kids get used to being on a bike.

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Sources: sourcefed.com, motocyclecruiser.com, motocycle-central.com, workingmother.com, nationaldaycalendar.com.