Important Bike Riding Tips for Teenagers

The curiosity in most teenagers is at its peak and look for different ways to keep themselves engaged. This might involve things such as playing sports or going on long rides. When it comes to long rides, bikes are a popular mode of transport universally. However, if you have a teenager who likes to go on rides, there are certain tips that might come in handy for them. With these tips, you can ensure that the person does not face any hassles.

4 Tips for Teenagers Riding a Two-wheeler

These are a few tips that you can give to teenagers who enjoy bike riding:

1. Carry learner’s license

In legal terms, a teenager is an individual who falls between the age group of 9 to 19. While most teenagers start to learn to ride bikes by the age of 14 or 15, the RTO issues a learner’s license at the age of 16. Having a learner’s license is proof that the person is legally allowed to ride a bike. If you were to hand over your bike to a teenager who does not have a learner’s license, it might be a cause of concern for you. If the teenager is caught by police and found to be riding the bike without a learner’s license, you are the one who could get fined. To avoid such unpleasant situations, it is better to have them apply for a learner’s license before they start riding the bike.

2. Carry a helmet

When it comes to two-wheeler accidents, most of the victims are found to be riding their bikes without a helmet. While the bike insurance policy covers the damages caused to the bike, a helmet can serve different purposes. First, it protects you from injuries that can be caused to your head in an accident. The injuries caused to the head can be severe and have long-term impacts. Second, it is required under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 to wear a helmet at all times when riding a bike. If found riding the bike without a helmet, the authorities could fine you or the person found riding your bike. *

3. Maintain speed limit

Over-speeding on a bike is a problem that frequently poses a danger for everyone on the road, be it other riders or pedestrians. When someone drives beyond the legal speed limit, not only are they endangering their own safety, but also the lives of those around them. Over-speeding is also a problem in teenagers who are learning to ride a bike. To have a safe riding experience within the city limits, it would be better to keep the speed under 30-40 kmph. If going outside, 60-70 kmph is the ideal speed limit.

4. Ride under adult supervision

One of the common reasons why teenagers tend to cause accidents when riding bikes is the absence of an adult to guide them. Bikes, although easy to learn, still take some time to be handled properly. When to change gears, how to properly release the clutch, or how to accelerate in control are things which require some time to get used to. Any confusion may cause them to panic, and they might the bike instead of applying the brake. It is your responsibility as an adult to supervise a teenager when they are learning to ride a bike. Once they feel confident enough to ride the bike without your supervision, you may allow them to ride the bike without supervision for shorter distances.

Additional tips for teenagers when riding bikes

Other than the above, these additional tips for teenagers can help:

1. Avoid the use of a phone while riding a bike. There is a trend among teenagers about wanting to record videos while riding their bikes. This increases the chances of an accident taking place.
2. Do not try to perform stunts when riding the bike. If the bike were to get damaged, you can claim bike insurance to get the damage repaired. However, it is important to ensure road safety and a civic sense at all times when riding the bike. *
3. Do not try to overtake vehicles, especially on congested roads. Bike riders in an attempt to save time tend to overtake vehicles. This increases the risk of an accident taking place where someone could get fatally injured as well.

Things to be Avoided While Riding a Bike

1. Riding without Protective Gear: Never ride without a helmet, gloves, knee pads, or proper clothing for safety.
2. Speeding: Avoid riding above speed limits or too fast for road conditions to reduce accident risks.
3. Riding Under the Influence: Never ride while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs to maintain focus and control.
4. Overloading the Bike: Avoid carrying excessive weight or passengers that may compromise balance and control.
5. Ignoring Traffic Rules: Follow all traffic signals, stop signs, and lane rules to ensure safety for yourself and others.
6. Not Checking the Bike: Neglecting to check brakes, tires, lights, and oil levels before riding can lead to mechanical failures.
7. Riding Aggressively: Avoid sudden lane changes, sharp turns, or weaving between vehicles without caution.
8. Distracted Riding: Stay focused and avoid using mobile phones or listening to loud music while riding.

Conclusion

As an adult, it is important that when you lend your bike to a teenager, you must make them understand everything related to road safety and all the rules. If your insurance is nearing expiry, it is important that you renew bike insurance, especially before lending it to a teenager. Insurance is also an important aspect which you should educate teenagers about. Since it is required by the law to have a valid insurance policy at all times when riding a bike, you can help them understand its importance. If a teenager wants to know about looking for the correct quote before buying a policy, you can show them how to use the bike insurance calculator to get a quote for the policy.

FAQs

1. What protective gear should teenagers wear while riding a bike?

Teenagers should always wear a helmet, gloves, knee pads, elbow pads, and appropriate clothing. This gear provides protection in case of accidents and helps reduce the risk of serious injuries.

2. How can teenagers improve their bike riding skills?

Teenagers can improve their skills by practicing in safe, open spaces. Start with basic maneuvers like turning, braking, and accelerating slowly. With consistent practice, handling skills will improve.

3. Is it safe for teenagers to ride a bike in heavy traffic?

Riding in heavy traffic is risky, especially for beginners. Teenagers should avoid riding in busy areas until they are fully confident in their skills. If necessary, ride during less busy times and wear high-visibility clothing.

4. How can teenagers ensure their bike is in good condition?

Regular maintenance is key. Teenagers should check the tires, brakes, lights, and oil levels before every ride. It’s also important to get the bike professionally serviced regularly.

5. What safety tips should teenagers follow when riding at night?

Teenagers should wear reflective gear, use front and rear lights, and ride on well-lit roads. It's essential to stay visible to other drivers and avoid riding in poorly lit areas to reduce accidents. * Standard T&C apply Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.