By: Gregg Hall
For those of us who have kids and motorcycles we have to realize that the same inner pull that drives us to the biker lifestyle very often is in our kids as well. If you have kids you know what I am talking about, you can barely get away for a ride by yourself because they always want to go, right? I enjoy taking them out anyway but we do have to remember that there are special precautions we have to take for them before we take them for a ride.
The first thing we need to do is be sure that we equip them with protective riding gear just like we wear beginning with protective clothing such as long heavy denim or leather pants and jackets, full gloves, good quality heavy shoes or boots, and of course last but certainly not least a helmet that fits them properly. You can't just have an extra helmet that anyone wears, your kids need to have their own that fits them properly. You should also be sure that they have a pair of good quality high impact resistant sunglasses to protect their eyes from the damaging UV rays of the sun.
Make sure that your kids know the rules of the road before you take them out, such as no quick movements and staying seated on the bike at all times. You also want to be sure that they are comfortable and have a sturdy safe place to rest their feet. You may have to get something customized if your kids are really small.
You have to be aware that having a kid on the back of your bike is totally different than having another adult riding with you. Kids move around a lot more, just like they do any other time! They don't think about the dangers as much as an adult and may tend to stick their hands out to play in the wind and things like that. Just watch them and keep them safe.
Another issue I have noticed with my kids, especially when they were smaller is that the sound and vibration of my bike would sometimes make them sleepy, you don't want them falling asleep and falling off the motorcycle! Just be aware that this can happen so that if and when it does you are prepared for it.
Riding your motorcycle with your kids can be a very pleasurable experience, just be cognizant of the fact that with that experience comes some additional responsibilities that you have to take into consideration.
