4 Crucial Bike Riding Skills to Master Beyond the Basics: Here’s Why

Be it in a busy city or a remote rural area with lower connectivity, having a two-wheeler can prove to be helpful. What is not to be forgotten is that having a two-wheeler is as much of a responsibility as it is a privilege. Not every person who owns a bike may understand the responsibility they are shouldering. They are required to take care of the bike like the asset it is. This includes its regular maintenance, bike insurance needs, PUC, and other paperwork, as well as being careful while driving it. Most bike owners who have been riding for a while now are probably well-equipped with the basics. For example, they may know how to take an 8-loop with their two-wheeler, which is assumed to be a good indicator of their bike riding skills. However, there are a few more skills that bike riders ought to acquaint themselves with. These may be slightly beyond basic, but they can help you navigate the roads and consequently, keep your bike, yourself, your pillion rider, as well as other commuters around you, safe.

Bike Riding Skills to Equip Yourself With

Before you take your bike out on the road, you should check that you are in possession of all required valid documents, such as driver’s licence, vehicle registration certificate/card, bike insurance policy, PUC, and anything else that is required. Another thing to do as a responsible bike rider is to wear a helmet when riding your bike. Before you move on to the below-mentioned bike skills, it is advisable to acquire the basic ones first. Once you do, here are some of the bike riding skills beyond basic that you can equip yourself with.

• Awareness of your surroundings

One of the most crucial skills to acquire as a bike rider is developing a keen awareness of your surroundings when using a bike. Roads, especially in India, are not the safest they can be. One has to deal with uneven roads, potholes, and unexpected obstacles. Besides this, there is also the risk of reckless drivers, people driving under influence, road rage, and more. As a responsible biker who wants to ride as carefully as possible, you should learn to be fully aware of your surroundings and know how to avoid potential hazards as quickly and safely as possible.

• Quick braking

When braking in normal conditions, you tend to give yourself enough time to apply brakes and bring your two-wheeler to a stop. However, one may face unusual conditions anytime. For example, you encounter an obstacle in front of you that you did not see from a distance, or wasn’t there before, such as an animal. You can either manoeuvre your vehicle in a way that you are able to avoid that obstacle, or your will need to brake quickly. When on a two-wheeler, braking too quickly can prove to be hazardous. However, in some cases, it is the only option you are left with. Thus, it is necessary for all bike riders to know how to brake so as to bring their bike to a halt quickly, without leading to further problems.

• Taking acute turns

Not all roads in the country may be well-planned. Manoeuvring a bike at sharp turns can be difficult, especially for inexperienced riders. It is one of the skills to learn well if you want to ensure that no difficult turns pose a challenge for you. Ensure that when taking an acute turn, you are not doing so at a high speed. Remember that it is okay to stop if necessary.

• Learning all signals

A common way to indicate a turn or other such actions is by using the vehicle indicator. However, you may not find everyone doing so, especially in India. Some drivers may rely on hand gestures alongside or without indicators. To be able to decipher this language may prove to be in your favour. Thus, it is ideal to know the various signals used by drivers on Indian roads. As a bike rider, you must also be taking good care of your bike. However, despite every precaution you may be taking, your bike may still encounter an accident. This can put in in dire financial straits. To avoid such a financial burden, consider a comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy. If you already have one, ensure that you renew your bike insurance on time. When you renew bike insurance, don’t forget to include the add-ons you would like for your bike. You can use a bike insurance calculator to check how much premium you may have to pay for the add-ons included. Knowing how to claim two-wheeler insurance is also essential knowledge. You can claim two-wheeler insurance by contacting your insurance provider via their phone number, website, or app. 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.