The number of women riders in India is increasing rapidly, which is a very good thing. However, it is very important to learn safe riding habits while riding a scooter or bike on a daily basis. During daily commuting in cities like Delhi, one has to be alert, properly prepared and take care of things special for women like comfortable clothes, balance and fatigue.
These tips will help women deal with common problems like weight imbalance, lack of visibility and long-term fatigue. These five simple but powerful tips, prepared on the advice of experts, will help you navigate the city traffic with ease, confidence and happiness. Let us know about them one by one.
1. Buy proper-fitting protective gear
Never compromise on safety gear. Choose an ISI certified helmet that does not put pressure on the ears and forehead. Use a silk under-cap for long hair so that the hair does not get tangled. Get a full-sleeve riding jacket with adjustable waist and sleeves, padded gloves that won’t slip, knee-length riding pants and ankle-covering boots.
Now there are specially designed gears available for women which remain fit. Do not wear saree, dupatta or loose kurta as they can cause accidents by fluttering in the wind. The right gear protects from dust, rain and road rash and boosts confidence instantly. Make it a mandatory routine to wear before every ride.
2. Customize the bike
Most bikes are made keeping in mind the height and reach of the average man. Therefore adjust according to your body. Lower the seat so much that at the signal both feet can rest completely flat on the ground. Tilt the rear view mirror slightly downwards so that the neck does not hurt.
If the bike feels heavy, switch to a light scooter with a step-through frame. It is perfect for Delhi-NCR traffic. Check the handlebar position so that the elbows remain slightly bent. Comfortable posture prevents back pain, shoulder stiffness and fatigue while commuting 40-50 km daily. If you ride comfortably, you will remain in full control.
3. Practice defensive riding
Indian roads test patience every second. Keep a gap of 2 seconds from the vehicle in front, anticipate sudden lane change of auto or car and give signal 5 seconds before taking the turn. Stay away from the blind spots of buses and trucks. Position yourself at a safe place in front of the red light. Avoid phone calls or loud music.
4. 60 second pre-ride safety check
Before turning on the starter, take 60 seconds to check your two-wheeler. Check tire pressure, free play of brake lever, whether headlights, indicators and horn are working or not. Look for oil leaks, loose mirrors or chain slack. There should be enough fuel and the side stand should be completely up. Keep a small toolkit, puncture kit and charged power bank in the seat storage. Clean mirrors in monsoon or fog. This small habit prevents 90% of roadside breakdowns and keeps you tension-free.
5. Maintain physical fitness and mental confidence
Riding is as much mental as it is physical. Do planks and yoga for core strength, strengthen arms and shoulders with light dumbbells and do balance exercises. Keep a small bottle of water with you in summer and sip every 30 minutes. Get good sleep because fatigue is the biggest cause of accidents.
These 5 important tips will help you a lot in daily riding. It is very important to drive wearing safety gears and helmet. Apart from this, if you make a pillion sit on a two-wheeler, then he must wear a helmet.