Bike Rider? Here are the 8 things you should know

Nothing feels better than donning your biker leather jacket and hopping on to your bike in the warm weather. Riding a bike can be an exhilarating experience. And the fact that it can help reduce your carbon footprint also makes it all the more appealing.

A typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.

Riding a bike to work is definitely a fun and environmentally friendly solution compared to your traditional car ride. But if you are a new rider, there is a lot of information to be taken in before you twist the throttle. Here is a list of 8 things you should know while enjoying your two-wheeler ride:

1- Get the right equipment

Before you hop on to your bike, make sure that you have all the basics needed for a smooth journey. You obviously need a bike (with a lock), a helmet, the right attire and extra lights on your ride – especially if you plan to ride when it’s dark. Read more about biking must-haves for a safe journey.

2- Don the right attire

Now for the fun part- the wardrobe. Thankfully it doesn’t have to lycra! But wearing a bright colored  biker leather jacket can help other road users spot you easily.

For nighttime rides, we recommend you invest in a piece of reflective clothing and a high-quality pair of head and tail lights. Don’t forget to wear your helmet at all times!  You will easily find these things at your local bike shop.

3- Learn the basics

If you are a newbie or feeling a bit rusty about your biking skills, then we suggest you join a bike riding course. Learn it from a professional who is accredited in bike training. A few classes should give you the skills, experience, and confidence to ride your bike safely. Look for free bike riding courses in your locality or ask a friend to help you out.

4- See where you want to go

Now that you’re all done with the basics, it’s time to test grounds on the road. One of the first problems you’ll face while riding a bike is ‘target fixation.’

This basic bike riding rule says that you’ll end up going wherever you’re looking. So if you are looking at the road up ahead, that’s where you will head. If you’re observing a tree on your left, you’ll keep going that way.

Things can also get a little tricky when approaching corners. You’ll have to look for multiple things at once – such as other vehicles, potholes, pedestrians and small animals. A tip is to use your head as a signal to inform other drivers about where you’re planning to turn. Turn your helmet to the left if you plan on taking the next left turn.

5- Do a pre-ride inspection

Most motorcycles are powered in the following ways: chain-driven, belt-driven or shaft-driven. Shaft and belt-driven models require less frequent maintenance as compared to chain-driven ones. A cruiser will most probably be belt-driven, and a sports bike is usually chain-driven.

You might be wondering that why does this matter? Well, when you’re riding a bike, the chain/belt/shaft is what keeps your bike moving. So, make sure that you examine the bike before heading out. A poorly maintained chain or a belt can break during the ride and cause an accident.

Finally, check for any leaking sources of oil or other fluids. If you find anything leaking, get your bike checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.

6- Know your estimated MPG

Not all bikes have fuel gauges. It has nothing to do with the model and year of manufacturing of the bike. It is a style decision made by the manufacturer, regardless of the age and type of bike you own.

If you are a new owner, we recommend keeping a check on your bike’s estimated MPG and fuel capacity. If you don’t have a fuel gauge on your bike, use a trip odometer that indicates when it’s time to start looking for a gas station.

This small tip can make a huge difference, especially if you are trying out a new route in the middle of nowhere.

7- Chrome gets hot in the sun

Not many riders realize it, but chrome tends to get extremely hot in the sun. It may look good, but if you’re planning to ride anything with chrome grips, be prepared beforehand.

Keep a pair of armored gloves handy when you’re riding. Not only will they save your hands from the heat, but they will also protect you exponentially better in case of a crash.

8- Know the local motorcycle laws

Different states have different requirements for motorcyclists. Many states require riders to wear a helmet at all times. On the other hand, some states such as Illinois have a rule that only riders aged 17 and under are supposed to wear a helmet, and others require no helmet at all.

To stay updated about the latest motorcycle laws in your state, check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s page.

Conclusion:

Riding a bike is one of the most exciting experiences in the world. Nothing compares to the thrill of riding a two-wheeled machine that is a couple of hundred pounds.

It’s one of the best ways to enjoy your daily commute.

The sense of freedom it provides and the feeling of the wind blowing through your hair can’t be compared to anything else.

Are you an avid bike rider? Share your best-kept secrets about bike riding with us in the comments below:

ABOUT Alycia Gordan

Alycia Gordan is a freelance writer who loves to read and write articles on healthcare technology, fitness and lifestyle. She is a tech junkie and divides her time between travel and writing. You can find her on Twitter: @meetalycia

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