Two wheelers form the primary mode of transport for a vast majority of us. They are also fun to ride and many of us with cars prefer to ride a bike for the thrill it gives, to feel the wind gushing through our hair and experience the outside world without a windshield. However, as we all know, we have to be very careful while riding a two-wheeler as compared to cars. A slight loss in concentration can put yourself as well as others at risk. The following tips can help you make your two-wheeler riding safer and better.
Inserting the key, starting the engine and vrooming off is not a very healthy practice. Spend a few seconds doing the following procedures:
Make an initial check: This check includes checking the fuel level (so that you can preplan when to refuel and ensure that your bike doesn’t stop abruptly in traffic), oil level and the tire pressure. Remember that tires are the ones that form the bridge between you and the road and pay extra attention to it. See to it that it is not punctured, check and change tires when they are aged out and always maintain the advised pressure levels.
Adjust Rear View mirrors: Rear view mirrors are very important. You rely heavily on them. It is impossible to turn back and see each time if there are vehicles behind you while riding. Sit on the seat comfortably and adjust the mirrors so that you can see clearly what is happening behind you before starting. If they are loose, immediately replace them.
Idling: Start the vehicle and idle for a while, especially in the mornings when you are starting for the first time. Roll forward slowly and check the brakes. Check headlights, indicators, horn etc. Release the Side Stand, if any before moving forward.
Helmets and Dressing :
Though it is illegal in most places to ride without helmets, a vast majority don’t, they say it spoils the thrill. But remember, thrill can kill. Wear helmets even if it is a short journey. After all, we have one short life to live and enjoy in this world, why make it even shorter!
You can wear bright jackets, especially if the ride is during nights or low light conditions, so that others on road can easily spot you from a distance and avoid accidents.
Wear a good pair of shoes, as many a time, you will have to use your legs for properly balancing and aligning your vehicle in heavy traffic, bad roads, sharp turns etc. Incase of motorbikes, legs have an even bigger role of shifting the gears & applying the brakes.
Hands become numb during cold weather conditions and your fingers may not be able to apply the brake and accelerator when your brain alerts it to do so. Please wear a good pair of gloves during winter and night rides.
Sunlight and glares can blind you completely at times. And that is enough for an accident to occur. Wear good sunglasses which cut off glare effectively while riding in the sun.
Be defensive, maintain a safe distance: Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and vehicles around you. Imagine drivers around you are all rule-breakers and may make a faulty move at any instance and take decisions appropriately. Car and heavy vehicle drivers may not be able to see around very clearly as they are confined to the interiors and may ram into you unknowingly. Judge the movement of kids wisely as they are highly unpredictable.
Avoid carrying big objects: I have seen the pillion rider carry two 29 inch CRT TVs on a speeding bike! Carrying heavy or big objects are highly risky as the rider will find it extremely hard to balance, especially during sudden braking and sharp turns. It puts you as well as people around you at risk. You can always choose public transport or arrange a car in case you want to transport such heavy luggage.
Don’t over speed, don’t break traffic rules: This is something which goes without saying. Government has set speed limits and hired traffic police for your safety. Many people have an ideology that the government has something to gain by making us go at slow speeds and see to it that the government doesn’t gain by going at high speeds and not following traffic rules. What a stupid ideology!!
Hope the above tips help you enjoy your two wheeler ride to the fullest. Wish you a Happy and Safe ride ahead!!
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