How To Deal With Your (Adult) Child’s First Motorcycle

It’s hard to see your children grow up and become more independent, but of course, that’s a sacrifice we have to make if they’re to live well-adjusted within the world. It’s harsh for a parent to see their child going out into that big bad world, but it’s harder to see them unequipped to deal with it, especially as they get older.

The feelings of worry often come when our lovely children encounter progressive life milestones. The day they move out is a big one, as is the day they begin driving independently. That latter example is very important to handle well, as it’s always important to stress responsibility and care on the roads.

However, it might be that your child is interested in driving a moped or motorbike, too. If they’re of the adult age to do so, are qualified to drive it, and can purchase their own model, there’s not much you can do in order to dissuade them, even if you might feel tempted to. Remember that if they want to buy a motorcycle, ensuring they understand safety requirements, receive proper training, and practice responsible riding habits can help ease your concerns and keep them safe on the roads.

At the very least, you can help them remain safe on the roads, by emphasizing these necessities:

Discuss Safety Gear

Sure, you might not be the happiest parent in the world, knowing that your child is going to have to negotiate the road with larger vehicles. This is why it’s so important to stress to them the importance of safety equipment. From high visibility coats and reflectors at night, to full-body motorcycle suits, gloves, and helmets to ensure safety.

Moreover, most of the safety on the road comes from keen observation skills and trusting no one else on the road. You might ask them to avoid the freeways just for safety reasons. Proper practice and good routine planning will help them stay safer than they otherwise would be.

Make Them Set Ground Rules

Discuss the importance of setting ground rules on their bike. That might mean not giving anyone else a ride if they’re not highly familiar with riding on the backseat of a cycle because the last thing anyone needs is to negotiate a novice while they’re trying to drive on public roads safely. 

Ground rules might also ensure they never allow themselves to drive after a night of drinking (you can still be over the blood alcohol limit after a good night’s sleep), and of course, to never try and show off on the bike.

Encourage Maintenance

If anyone is going to ride a motorcycle, they need to be aware of its maintenance needs much more than your average car user would. This is because a potential problem escalates possible danger much more than it could behind the wheel of a car.

A healthy relationship with their local mechanic’s garage, few if any custom changes to the bike itself, and using proprietary or officially licensed parts as opposed to aftermarket or knock-off models are key. Encourage them to have an intimate knowledge of their motorcycle if they’re to get into this hobby. Luckily, most bikers will be more than happy to oblige with that, as the love for owning a motorcycle comes with maintaining and caring for it.

Stress The Dangers

Of course, expressing your concerns about their time on the bike is totally valid as their parent. While you might not ask them to stop riding a motorcycle, you can certainly make sure they’re prepared for the possible dangers, not to scare them but to provide a sense of responsibility and good practice.

For example, teaching them to never trust other road users and always be hyper-aware of the chance of a mistake can lead them to correct their actions, such as making certain there’s space to pull out of a junction instead of just trusting another car to slow down before they do. You can also give them the contact information for a motorcycle attorney should they encounter any trouble on the road. It’s always best to prepare your attitude and means of outcomes just in case of any issues.

Consider The Neighbors

Motorcycles are cool for certain, but they can also be quite distracting if outfitted with a notably loud exhaust. Teaching your child the elements of good taste, and making certain they dampen those accessories or refrain from them entirely can be helpful. This way, you won’t have to field any complaints from those on your street about being woken up at late night or early morning.

It’s also good to keep some good space on your driveway for them to park easily, this can prevent the bike from taking up any street parking space that might have been better used by another. Of course, motorcycles take up less space, so finding room for them should be simple.

Keep Communication Open

As a parent, you may never be that comfortable with seeing your child on a motorcycle. But understanding this is important to them, that they’re engaging in the best safey practices, and that they care for the machine they drive is good to know.After all, any road use is a risk. The more they drive, the more experienced and skilled they’ll be. That said, you are their parent, and that doesn’t mean you have to be 100% cool with this at all times.

Simply keeping communication open, making your concerns heard, but being broadly supportive can be enough. After all, you might not like your child’s tattoos, think they could do better at their job, or may not understand the music they like. But ultimately, being a supportive and loving parent isn’t about any of these things. It’s about helping them unlock the best of themselves and 

After all, we’ve no doubt that our own parents had these thoughts about us at one point. It may be that you even had a stint on a motorbike or moped in the past, and so you grudgingly realize you’re not one to talk. Either way, when you keep that communication open, they won’t feel they need to hide anything from you, and that’s the essence of parenthood.

With this advice, you’re sure to (if grudgingly) deal with your son or daughter’s first motorcycle.