Quad
Bikes Do's and Don'ts
Quad
bikes are four wheeled all terrain with handlebars supporting
the controls and a saddle, and look similar to a motorcycle. Because
you have driven a motorcycle or car dont assume you will be able
to ride a quad bike. They handle completely differently from a
car or motorbike and can overturn easily. Their response can be
sudden and if not controlled properly especially going uphill
or downhill, you can find yourself underneath the bike very easily.
Turning and cornering techniques also need to be mastered before
you take the bike off road as there are special precautions that
need to be taken before completing these manoeuvres. |
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Quad biking and off road biking can be great fun, but quad bikes
are powerful machines and must be handled with proper care and
attention. So to get the maximum pleasure there are some things
to remember.
Always wear proper protective clothing. Helmet, gloves, eye protection, and
appropriate footwear, preferably boots. If you have waterproof trousers its a
good idea to wear these as well as it can get a bit muddy.
Sports users should wear body armour.
Always take a change of clothing |
Always wear a crash
helmet. There is no law to say you must wear a helmet, but not doing so would
mean taking an unwarranted risk, as your helmet is the only protection you have
against serious head injury should you come off your bike.
Insure your vehicle using a specialist insurer.
Quad bikes are not designed to carry passengers. Carrying passengers can easily
unbalance the machine making it difficult to control.
Quad bikes are not made to be driven on the road. They dont conform to regulations
regarding, tyres, horns, lights, speedometer etc and so it is illegal to drive
them on the road or pavement. They do not handle properly on tarmac roads and
cornering can be extremely difficult. However, many quads are now road legal with
PLG classification - the same as a car or motorcycle.
Quads are usually only allowed to be driven on private land.
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Always get permission from the landowners before driving your bike.
It is illegal to ride in parks.
The maximum weight for anyone wanting to ride a quad bike is between 18-20 stone.
The minimum age for quad biking is eighteen. Although you do not need to hold
a driving license to quad bike.
Juniors under the age of eighteen can ride bikes under proper instruction, with
written parental consent.
Do not put children in control or travel as passengers on these vehicles, even
on private land. There are some small bikes and mini quads but even these can
be too powerful for a child to control. Young children dont have the strength
or the reaction speed to handle motorised vehicles-so keep them off- it is dangerous.
Drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions.
Most corporate and fun days organised by companies who offer quad biking are
fully controlled, using only qualified quad bike instructors. They will run through
a safety briefing and will make sure you are adequately supervised throughout
the day.
If you are an individual who owns or drives a quad bike for fun or as part of
your job, then you should have proper tuition from a qualified instructor, or
from an experienced rider, before driving a quad bike.
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Scouce safesport.co.uk
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