This is a question a lot of MotoGP fans ask themselves when it comes to their families and motorcycling. A lot of countries have laws that state that the legal age for owning a motorcycle is lower than the legal age to drive a car.

This means that for families who all share a love of motorcycling and watching races, there might be a lot of temptation to get their kid in the saddle and on the road. But there are a few things to consider and some steps to take before letting your kid go out on the road alone for the first time.

1. Is Your Kid Road-Aware?

Obviously getting a licence will play a huge role in getting them into a safety-oriented mindset, but the fact remains that some kids are just more aware of what’s going on around them than others. On a motorbike, this can be the difference between life and death.

2. Do Your Kids Know The Difference Between Races and Real Life?

While some first-time riders will be almost too cautious, their nerves making their movements jolty and unpredictable, other kids will be all too tempted by the daring speeds they see on television. If your child leans more toward this side of the spectrum, consider starting them off on a smaller cc engine. They might get a bit frustrated initially, but it’ll put your mind at ease knowing they aren’t able to go around tearing up the tarmac. It’ll also save you a good deal of cash.

3. Take Them On Rides Before Handing The Bike Over

Take them on the back of your bike a lot in the months leading up to them getting their first bike. Explain to them what it is you’re doing so that they can get a feel for when you gear up and down, break and accelerate. This also gives you the opportunity to lead by example, showing them road safety in operation.

Once they have the bike, go on rides with them for a while before letting them go alone. Let them ride ahead and watch their movements and responses.

4. Have a Good Talk About Substances

Drinking and driving is something that every kid needs to be sat down and talked to about. The legal ramifications of being caught, the danger that they pose to themselves and others on the road, and the severity of the consequences of an accident. When it comes to riding a bike, this conversation is all the more important for obvious reasons. When you’re on a bike you’re not surrounded by a metal frame and the mortality rate of biking accidents is high.

If you’re a motorcyclist you should know all of this already and can spend the time at Black Lotus Casino instead, but a lot of things are easy to forget as they might seem like ‘common sense’ to you. Keep in mind that the experiences you’ve had in the saddle are extremely valuable and take the time to share them with your kid so that they can learn from you.