When you are familiar with it, you are more likely to know when something is wrong and how to go about fixing it.

To develop good riding habits you should:

• Read the operator’s manual and become familiar with the controls, especially when riding a new or different bike.

• Wear clothing which is protective and not restrictive. A long-sleeved shirt is vital. Footwear also needs to be protective. Sturdy boots with reinforced toecaps and sides are ideal. It is also important to wear a helmet.

• Clean your bike regularly, so you can quickly spot any maintenance needs. However, when cleaning your bike avoid directing high-pressure hoses at the bearings, as this can cause unnecessary mechanical problems.

• Follow the regular maintenance programme from the operator’s manual, especially for brakes, footrests and controls.

• When learning to ride a farm bike, or adjusting to a new one, you should do so in a clear open space.

Riding Techniques

When you are riding, there are a number of techniques you should use to make sure you are minimising the risk of injury. These techniques are especially important when riding on hills.

Look ahead of you and check for obstacles.

Keep your feet on the footrests to help keep the bike stable. When one foot is removed from a footrest a noticeable “imbalance” occurs, possibly causing the bike to slide or fall. Balancing on the footrests improves all parts of riding and is an essential part of good riding technique.

Concentrate on riding the bike - it is your main task. If you need to look at stock or examine something else, you should stop.

Learn how to correctly stop and get started on hills.

When riding farm bikes, keep your body and bike movements as smooth as possible.

When stopping uphill:

Put down only your left foot (to the ground), apply the rear and front brakes and pull in the clutch; then

Pivot the bike around your left foot by easing the brakes, to bring the bike to a standstill across the hillside.

Active Riding

Negotiating slopes successfully is a critical part of riding farm bikes. When riding on steep or rough round it is especially important for you to move and use your bodyweight to influence the stability of the farm bike. This is called “active riding”, and is normally best achieved in a standing position with knees bent, but weight carried on the footrest.