| How to Prevent Hand Pain from Excessive Writing Posted: 29 Sep 2018 01:00 AM PDT Have you ever written an essay and gotten a dead hand after a while? Although this might seem like a minor nuisance, the wrong posture and grip can actually cause some nasty problems in the long-term. To make writing as comfortable as possible and avoid hand pain, you should take some time to learn the best writing techniques and tips to soothe pains. EditPracticing Good Writing Technique - Choose a pen or pencil that is comfortable. In general, look for a wider barrel (larger diameter) with a padded grip.
- Make sure the pen writes smoothly, without skipping or dragging along the page.
- Avoid buying pens that rattle or leave behind blotches of ink.
- Light pens are easier to balance, making them more ideal for writing for longer periods of time. For pencils, try heavier grades of lead like 2B, which allow for lighter grips.[1]
- Grasp the pen loosely. Do not clench your fingers around the pen or grip it too tightly. You don't need to strangle it—just pull it against the page. Imagine you're writing with a quill. Remember: people wrote for hours using quills, and they definitely weren't holding them tightly.[2]
- Hold the pen from the back, leaving more space at the side of it with the writing tip.[3]
- Fountain pens are ideal for most writers, as they don't require a lot of pressure against the page.
- Avoid ballpoint pens if you're not comfortable with them, as their design requires you to apply more pressure against the page. They also tend to be made cheaply.[4]
- Write slowly when you start using new grips. If you've been using improper grip and are just beginning to get used to a new one, always start slow. It's going to take a while for your muscle memory to start developing, so work your way up to faster speeds only when you have your positioning right and your writing is neat.[5]
- Don't get discouraged and switch to improper writing techniques, even if you're faster at them.
- Press the pen gently against the page. Get a good pen so you don't have to press hard, then pull the pen lightly and evenly against the paper. If you prefer to use a pencil, try the next softest lead.
- Try a gel or rollerball pen. If you write often for long periods of time, these are great investments. Some gel and liquid inks may also flow smoothly enough to help discourage you from clenching and pressing.
- Write with your arm, not your fingers. Writing is not drawing! Keep your hand and wrist still, and move your whole arm using the elbow and shoulder (like you are writing on a whiteboard). Avoid using your finger muscles—this might seem counterintuitive, but your fingers should only be used to support your pen or pencil.[6]
- The most common grip is between your first and middle fingers, using your thumb to hold the pen or pencil in place. Another grip is placing your middle and index finger on top, using your thumb to hold the pen or pencil in place.[7]
- A less common grip is holding your pen or pencil between your first and middle fingers, using your thumb to hold it in place.
- Calligraphers (who are very practiced writers) hold their writing instruments with their thumb and forefinger, resting the pen gently on top of their forefingers' knuckle.
- Look at your hand position and evaluate it. You may not have paid much attention to how to hold a pen since you were in early elementary school, but pay attention now.
- Is your hand position neutral? Try to hold your wrist straight and don't turn or bend it as you write.
- Are you reaching or straining in any way to reach the page or the desk? Move the desk, chair, and paper until you are comfortable.
- Is the rest of your work space comfortable? Are the chair and desk at the right heights for you? Can you see and reach the page without straining or crouching? Are other items you need (such as the stapler or telephone) within easy reach?
- Is your wrist, arm, and elbow supported, at least when you are not actively writing?
- Practice good posture. Sit up straight with your shoulders back, your chest out, and avoid leaning over the desk. If you lean over your work, your neck, shoulders, and arms will tire out much faster.
- For longer writing sessions, vary your posture. Lean one way and the other in your chair, and try to lean back every now and then.
- Always make sure you can breathe properly—slouching can lead to reduced oxygen levels because the position causes you to breath from the top of your lungs instead of the bottom, which isn't as effective due to less gravity.[8]
EditTaking Regular Breaks - Take breaks to put less strain on your body. Leave yourself extra time for writing. Unless this is the big, final test and you have no choice, stand up every hour (or less) and walk around for a minute or two. Relax your hands, arms, and wrists during this time.
- Take walks outside if you have the time.
- Set down the pen any time you're not writing. For instance, if you pause for a few moments to compose your next thought, set the pen down, relax your hand, recline in your chair, and even stand up and walk around a bit.
- Take the time to do some quick hand and finger exercises.
- Limit total daily writing time. If you've been writing for several hours, come back later or even the next day. Try and spread out the total writing time across as many days as possible. This is tough when it comes to school and work, but you should do it whenever you get the chance.
- If you have a lot to write, try writing in several smaller sessions rather than one long one.
- Engage in a different activity the next day. If a test, writing assignment, or some important thought kept you writing extensively yesterday, use today to get some exercise. Take a stroll outside and get enough outside time to relieve stress.
- Decreasing stress by getting outside and doing other activities is especially important for creative writing and preventing writer's block.
EditStretching Your Hands - Lift your wrist as high as it will go with fingers dangling. Image that you're hanging a cloth ribbon on a clothesline above your head. Lift your fingers, drop your wrist, and slowly lower your wrist. Be sure to lower your wrist as far as it will go. Imagine that you are smoothing out the ribbon. Afterwards, slowly raise your hand again, as if you have a balloon attached to your wrist.
- Repeat the process from the beginning with your opposite arm about 5 to 100 times.
- Perform hand/finger tendon glides regularly. This exercise begins with extending your fingers straight. Then, make a fist, and extend your fingers straight again.
- Do this repeatedly, but each time you make a fist, alternate between the 3 choices: a straight fist, full fist, and hook fist.[9]
- Conduct simple hand exercises with your writing hand. For example, grab the pen or pencil and twist it between your fingers. You can also open and close your hand, and gently stretch your fingers by moving them away from each other and then back together again.
- Regularly exercising your writing hand is important to prevent cramps.
- Reach out a hand with your fingers facing up and palm forward. A simple way to remember this first movement is pretending you're signaling a stop sign. Afterwards, use your left hand to gently pull your fingers toward you, bending your right hand back. Hold this position for around 15 seconds.[10]
- Repeat this exercise with both hands.
- Extend one of your hands in front of you and point your fingers down. Your palm should be facing your chest, and your fingers straight downwards. Take your opposing hand and gently press your fingers toward you. Hold this position for around 15 seconds.
- You can also do this exercise with your palm facing away from you and your fingers pointed up. In this case, you still press your fingers toward you.
- Squeeze a stress ball to exercise your wrists and fingers. A stress ball is an easy way to stretch your fingers and wrists, while also strengthening them. This can help with stamina and reduce the likelihood of experiencing pain from writing.
- Most big-box stores and popular online suppliers sell stress balls
- Interlace each of your fingers and stretch outward. Make sure your palms are facing away from you when you stretch your arms out in the opposite direction. Then, while holding your arms outward, reach them toward the ceiling, keeping your shoulders lengthened in line with your back.[11]
- Hold this position for around 10 to 15 seconds.
- This exercise stretches your fingers, hands, and forearms, and also improves circulation.
EditExploring Medical Options - Talk to your doctor if you experience frequent pain. If you're experiencing pain that doesn't respond to measures you can take yourself, talk to a doctor. If most of your writing is for school or work, ask whether accommodations or arrangements can be made. Your doctor can make recommendations and help you implement them to make your work more manageable.
- Some solutions include a workspace more suited to your size or work habits (e.g. a chair and table of a more suitable height, a slanted or elevated work surface), a different selection of writing implements, and a different means of writing (such as dictation or typing in lieu of writing longhand).
- Doctor's can also refer you to an expert for an ergonomic evaluation and suggestions about your workspace and work habits.
- Splint your finger if arthritis flares up. Keeping on a splint for 2 to 3 weeks can help reduce inflammation during arthritis flare-ups. Measure the size of your finger to determine the size of splint to purchase and tape it to your finger using medical tape. Make sure the injured finger is properly supported and kept in a straight position.[12]
- You can also create a homemade splint using 2 straight, narrow objects (like two pieces of cardboard) by taping one to the top of your finger and one to the bottom.
- If your fingers are tingling or numb, seek medical attention. These are signs that you're not getting enough oxygen and blood flow to the injured area.
- Apply a splint to your wrist to reduce inflammation. If you start to experience wrist pain, purchase a wrist splint to hold it in a neutral position and ease inflammation. You can also create a makeshift splint at home by gently wrapping your wrist with padding, such as clothing, and then securing a rigid object to the top or bottom.[13]
- Local pharmacies and online suppliers sell many kinds of splints.
- Wear your splint for 2 to 3 weeks at nighttime. Symptoms are typically the worst at night because your hand bends more when you're sleeping.
- Splints don't always work, but don't have side effects like medication-based treatments.
- Purchase nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs curb hand pain by blocking the enzymes that drive inflammation. Use topical NSAIDs like Voltaren if you can—some experts believe that they pose less health risks than oral NSAIDs like Advil and Motrin.
- NSAIDs are not effective for carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Using NSAIDs for long-term treatment of pain has been linked to stomach bleeding, ulcers, and increased risk of heart attacks.
- Anti-cholinergic drugs like Artane and Cogentin are more suitable for writer's cramp (or hand dystonia).[14]
- Ask your doctor about corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation. These injections go right into the affected joints to ease inflammation. They can provide relief lasting for up to a year, although some people report diminishing returns as injection number goes up.[15]
- Steroid injections are typically used to treat tendonitis, arthritis trigger fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff tendonitis.
- Side effects of corticosteroid injections include a "flare," which is pain felt 1 or 2 days following the injection, as well as increased blood sugar, skin thinning, skin lightening, tendon weakening, and in rare cases, allergic reactions.
- If your hand continues to ache, relax for about 5 minutes. It may be enough just to give your hand a rest.
- Try a hand massage to relax tight muscles.
- Make sure your arm is supported while you write. If you have to support the weight alone the whole time, you will tire more quickly.
- Purchase a document stand, slanted drafting or writing table, or lap desk to arrange your work comfortably.
- Try different types of comfort pens. Do a web search on "Ezgrip," "Pen Again," or Pilot's "Dr. Grip" line.
- Step back from your writing now and then. If you tend to get absorbed in your work, set a timer. If what you are writing is making you tense (because it is an important subject to you or because you will be graded on it, for instance), consciously relax your mind and body from time to time as you write.
- Try using a different method instead of writing, such as typing.
- If you use a computer to type, always keep your wrist position neutral. Do not bend your wrists in, out, up, or down while you type. Make sure your arm position and body positions are neutral, and do not hammer the keys. Computers, unlike typewriters, work best if you use a light touch, and you'll be far gentler on your hands.
- Try not to press hard on the paper you're writing on. It only makes your hand hurt worse, it doesn't look good on paper, and it's also harder to erase.
- This article focuses on hand pain from writing, but other close work that uses fine motor skills can cause hand pain, as well. If you do needlework or other fine work, you may be adding to the effects.
- Continuous pain can lead to hand problems if you continue to write. If your pain is severe or does not stop, ask a doctor to help you decide on the proper preventative measures.
- Extended writing and other close activities can also cause strain to the back, neck, arms, and eyes, especially if your workspace is arranged poorly. If you experience pain elsewhere when writing, don't ignore it.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations __ EditQuick Summary
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| How to Entertain a Toddler Posted: 28 Sep 2018 05:00 PM PDT Toddlers tend to have boundless energy, short attention spans, and an eagerness to interact with others. This means that keeping them entertained involves a lot of active engagement on your part. However, toddlers can also be enthralled by simple things, like copying you or playing with a box, and love activities that put them "in charge." So be creative, keep it simple, and have fun! EditSharing Fun Activities in Your Home - Play dress-up together. If a toddler sees you putting on a tie or a necklace, they usually want to do the same thing. Pile up some clothes near a big mirror and have a dress-up fashion show! Or, get fancied up for a tea party or a "business meeting."[1]
- Toddlers also like to mimic adults doing things like shaving or styling their hair. Look for a toddler-friendly shaving or hair styling kit so they can follow along with you.
- Write cards or letters to friends and family. Toddlers can add a unique artistic touch to any card or letter. Give them their own sheet of paper or card to work on while you write yours, then send them both to a friend or loved one. Or, write the card or letter, then let them "spruce it up" a bit.[2]
- Let them choose the stories you'll read. This is one of the simplest ways to let a toddler feel like they're in control. Be warned, though—this may mean you'll read the same book over and over again![3]
- To make things a bit easier, you can present them with 2 options and let them decide—"Do you want to read this book or this one?" They'll still feel like they're the one making the call.
- Play "follow the leader" as the follower. Most toddlers will relish the chance to be the one giving you orders. Let them lead you (and anyone else playing along) around the house, throughout the yard, or both![4]
- If they're able to get the hang of the game "Simon says" as the follower, you can also give them the chance to be the one giving the commands.
- You can also get your toddler used to following and giving directions by starting out with follow-along songs like "If You're Happy and You Know It."
- Create music with them as the composer. Pull out some musical toys to play with, or just get out some pots and pans to bang away on. Ask them to make up the song and start playing, and then you can join in and make a beautiful racket together![5]
- You may want to set up a recital or concert for an audience of stuffed animals.
- Let them pick from a rotating selection of toys. Toddlers like to choose which toys to play with, but letting them choose from everything can be overwhelming for them—and for you when it's time to clean up! Instead of keeping every toy accessible, rotate some of the toys in and out of circulation every few days.[6]
- This can make old toys feel like new again.
- It can also make storing toys easier, as only a certain number of toys need to be kept in spots easily accessible to your toddler.
- Have a dance party to their favorite music. Put on a CD of their favorite toddler tunes, or pull up a toddler music channel on your favorite streaming app. But don't just sit back and watch them create new dance moves—join in![7]
- Record them dancing on your smartphone and then play it back to them. Kids usually love watching themselves get down!
EditEntertaining Them Outdoors and Away from Home - Take a walk and let them choose the route. This helps them burn off some energy and be the person in charge. Depending on their age, they can either direct you from their stroller or lead you by the hand.[8]
- Consider limiting them to 2 options in order to make things a little easier—"Should we turn this way or this way?"
- Go for a nature walk and collect items. Bring along a bag or bucket and let them decide (within reason) what to pick up. You could look for pine cones, leaves, rocks, dandelions, or whatever else interests them.[9]
- You might help them create a nature collage or leaf book when you get back home.
- If they're collecting things you don't really want to drag home, you can usually discard items as you go without them noticing.
- Set up a sandbox in your yard. If you're handy, you can build one yourself, or buy a pre-made one. In any case, toddlers will love to dig in, fill buckets, build castles, and have a sandy good time!
- Grab a bag of sand toys, or just use some plastic measuring cups, drinking cups, spoons, etc.
- Make sure the sandbox has a cover for when it's not being used. It can be a health hazard if animals start using it as a litter box.
- Go with them to a toddler-friendly playground. Toddlers can have a blast on slides, swings, and other playground classics, but look for playgrounds that are designed with toddlers in mind. Look for swings that have deep seats with leg openings to secure a toddler in place, and slides that aren't too high or fast. The playground should also have a soft surface for them to run (and inevitably fall) on.[10]
- Toddlers need close supervision at all times while on a playground, even if it is designed for kids their age. Don't just sit on the bench and check in occasionally—walk around with them and help them enjoy their playtime safely.
- Put on rain boots and jump in puddles. A rainy day does not need to be an impediment to a toddler having fun outside. Grab their raincoat, boots, and umbrella and let them find the biggest puddles around. Even better, put your rain gear on and splash along with them.[11]
- Use common sense, of course. Taking a toddler out in a light rain shower is fine; in a thunderstorm, not so much.
- Find a pool, gym, or indoor play area nearby. If the weather simply isn't cooperating, don't feel like you have to keep a toddler cooped up in the house. If they're familiar with the water and you have the proper gear, take them to an indoor or outdoor swimming pool. During a summer heat wave or a cold winter, an indoor play area at your local shopping mall can make a nice retreat.[12]
- Never take pool safety for granted with toddlers. Make sure they have an approved life jacket that fits properly, and supervise them closely at all times.
- Take them to a children's museum. If you have a children's museum nearby, you'll find it to be a great place for keeping a toddler actively engaged for hours. Children's museums have lots of hands-on activities geared toward younger kids, and you don't have to worry too much about them breaking anything![13]
- While not as fully kid-centric, science, art, and history museums often have kid-friendly areas or programs as well. Your local library might also have an area where kids can read and play.
- Play classic games in cars, planes, or restaurants. It's hard for a toddler to remain cooped up in any one spot for more than a few minutes. Keeping them engaged with simple games like "I spy" can help distract them from the boredom of being stuck in the same spot.[14]
- You can also try putting a selection of items on the restaurant table or airplane seat tray, taking something away while the toddler covers their eyes, and asking them to figure out what's missing.
- Sing-alongs, whether backed up by your stereo or not, are a great choice for car rides.
EditKeeping Them Occupied While You Work a Bit - Let them help you clean. If you need to dust, give them their own little dusting wand and let them clean off low shelves and non-breakable items. If you're doing laundry, work on color recognition together while sorting clothes. If you want to vacuum, get them a toy vacuum so they can follow you around with it.[15]
- Generally speaking, they won't actually be helping you clean, and will often make things a little bit less clean in the process. Learn to embrace it, and enjoy watching them try!
- Offer your toddler toy versions of your broom, dustpan, or other cleaning supplies, and let them follow along with you as you clean.
- Help them "bake cookies" with play dough. Older toddlers may be able to help you with your baking by stirring batters or using plastic cookie cutters. For younger toddlers, you can set up a workstation on the kitchen table or floor and let them do their own "baking" while you do yours.[16]
- Buy or make play dough for them to use and provide plastic cookie cutters and utensils, and a few old baking sheets. You can compare the looks of your resulting cookie creations!
- Even if you do make homemade play dough out of ingredients in your pantry, make sure your toddler doesn't eat it.
- If your toddler is old enough, let them use plastic cookie cutters to cut out real cookie dough and help you put the cookies on the baking sheet.
- Rake leaves or do other yard work together. Instead of trying to squeeze in some yard work while they're napping, bring your toddler outside to help. While they'll probably make it take longer to actually rake the leaves, you'll both enjoy it when they start jumping in the leaf pile![17]
- Some toddlers might also like to help pick up sticks and twigs, pull weeds, or clear small amounts of snow.
- Create a safe play space for them. If you need to get some work done, it's important to remember that you can't really take your eyes off a toddler for more than a few seconds at a time. You need to make sure you're situated in a spot where you can see them clearly, and that the play area is properly toddler-proofed.[18]
- If you're letting them play in your home office, for instance, make sure you protect or remove any electrical or wiring hazards, sharp objects, hard surfaces, and choking hazards. It may be better, in fact, to set up a mini workspace for yourself in the child's typical play area.
- Record yourself reading their favorite books. Reading directly to a toddler is much more interactive and personal, of course. But, when you need to get a few things done, handing them one of their books while you play audio of you reading it can provide a useful distraction.[19]
- You could also create a video of yourself reading the book and holding up the pictures, then play it back on a TV or other screen.
- Give them a cardboard box to play with. Every parent of a toddler has seen it happen—their kid ends up more interested in the box the toy came in than the toy itself. So, at least sometimes, just skip the toy part and provide them with an empty cardboard box or 2 to create and play with.[20]
- With a little help from you, toddlers can find nearly limitless uses for a simple box. It can be a spaceship, a puppet stage, a mailbox, a hiding spot, and so much more!
- Play with your toddler and give them some ideas about how to use the box. This will inspire their creativity, and they may soon start coming up with ideas on their own!
- Set up play-dates with other toddlers. When you're tired and frazzled, adding more toddlers to the mix may seem like the last thing you want to do. However, the kids will help to keep each other occupied, meaning you can become more of a supervisor than an active participant for at least a little while. And, if you invite other parent(s) with their toddler(s) for a play-date, you can take turns with them being the primary lookout for the kids.[21]
- See if you can set up weekly play-dates at a local park, or rotate them among several homes with toddlers.
- Have the next activity ready to go when they get bored. Toddlers have short attention spans, so you have to plan ahead if you want to keep them occupied for more than a couple minutes at a time. When they suddenly lose interest in the pots and pans they were banging on, for example, have some building blocks or art supplies ready to go.[22]
- There is one thing that can invariably keep a toddler occupied for a long stretch of time—you! Make the most of the full attention your toddler wants to give you—they'll be off to school and making friends before you know it!
- Rely on TV or screen time only as a temporary last resort. Plopping a toddler in front of a TV or other screen to keep them occupied should only be a short-term alternative when you don't have better options. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for kids under 18 months, very limited screen time with an adult watching along at 18-24 months, and no more than 1 hour per day of solo screen time from 2-5 years.[23]
- Choose educational programming with limited or no advertising, and watch along with them whenever possible.
- To make things a bit more engaging, help them set up their dolls or stuffed animals in chairs to create a "movie theater." You might even make up tickets to sell for the show![24]
- Or, drag out some home movies for them to watch. Toddlers are often fascinated by seeing themselves on the big screen, and they might be especially intrigued by seeing themselves as a tiny baby!
- Let the toddler be in charge of a game, like letting them be the teacher if you're playing school.
- If you're babysitting, try having a "surprise bag"—put in some toys like bouncy balls, stickers, mini stuffed animals, etc. Tell them they'll get to pull an item from the surprise bag every hour so long as they are playing nicely.
- Be prepared to listen to the same song 10 times, or to do something repetitive for a long time.
- Avoid anything dangerous, and keep an eye on the toddler at all times.
- When giving a snack, make sure that the toddler can't choke on anything.
- Although it's tempting to let a TV, computer, or tablet screen entertain a toddler, unattended screen time for toddlers is highly discouraged by experts. If the toddler is watching a show or playing a video game, make sure it is educational in nature and play along with them to make it more interactive.[25]
EditThings You'll Need - Craft supplies
- CD player and CDs
- Favorite movies
- Dress-up clothes
- Games
- Plenty of patience
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
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| How to Ride a Motorcycle Posted: 28 Sep 2018 09:00 AM PDT Motorcycles are fun vehicles that allow you to experience the open road. However, it's critical that you learn to ride in a controlled and safe way. Take a motorcycle safety course and get a permit or license if it is required in your region. Before you start to ride, purchase safety gear and get to know how your bike handles. With a little time and practice, you'll be ready to cruise around on your bike! EditGetting a License and Registering Your Bike - Sign up for a motorcycle safety course. Look online to find a course near you so you can learn the basics of operating and controlling a motorcycle. These classes typically offer a classroom safety portion and a hands-on riding portion. If you're uncomfortable with riding a motorcycle, a course is a great place to start.[1]
- Some classes will have motorcycles that you can ride if you do not have one of your own.
- Check for licensing classes if you need a motorcycle license in your area. These classes tend to run a few more days than a non-licensing class, but you'll receive the proper permits once you're finished.
- Motorcycle laws vary depending on where you live. Consult with your local department of motor vehicles to determine the prerequisites for obtaining a license. In the United States, most places require you to be 15 or 16 in order to get a permit. Otherwise, you must be under the supervision of a licensed instructor.
- Take the written exam and vision test if required. Schedule a test time that works best for you. The written test will cover basic concepts and rules of the road while the vision test will determine if you can safely drive without a prescription. You need to pass this written exam first before you take the on-cycle test.[2]
- Written and on-cycle exams are required in order to get your license.
- Questions on written exam include safety information, riding techniques, and how to operate your bike. Get familiar with how your motorcycle works and what your area's laws are for riding a motorcycle. Read through a copy of your location's motorcycle handbook to familiarize yourself with safety tips, laws, and regulations.[3]
- Go to your department of motor vehicle's website to find online practice tests for the written exam.
- Pass the on-cycle exam to get your license. Schedule the test appointment at your department of motor vehicles. The tester will observe you as you ride your motorcycle, making sure you follow the rules of the road. Follow all of the safety precautions you've learned prior as you complete the test. Once you pass the exam, you can pay the registration fee for your licensing.[4]
- The on-cycle exam will include identifying where the controls are for your bike, as well as riding slowly in a circle and serpentine pattern. Make sure to practice these techniques on your own before you take the test.[5]
- During the test, be aware of your surroundings and always travel below the speed limit.
- Depending on your location, this can be done at the department of motor vehicles or with a certified third-party tester.
- In the United States, you need to hold an instruction permit for 12 months if you are under 16 in order to get your license.
- Register your motorcycle. Visit your local department of motor vehicles in order to register your bike. You will need to have the title for your motorcycle as well as make a required payment. Check online for any other specifics you need while registering your vehicle.[6]
- Registration may differ in your area if you purchased it from a dealership or a private seller. Check your local regulations online.
- Ensure you have updated tags for your license plate, if required in your area.
- Get insurance for your bike. In order for you to legally drive in some areas, you need to have insurance. Check with your local regulations to see if you need insurance. If so, talk to your current insurance provider to see if they have an option or bundle for motorcycles.
- Check your bike to make sure it is in working condition. Check your tire air pressure with a tire pressure gauge and fill them if they are low. Look at your brake fluid and oil levels to make sure they are filled correctly. Kneel on the ground to visually inspect your brake pads and chains to make sure they aren't worn down or rusted. If anything looks wrong on your bike, don't ride it.[7]
- Test turning your lights and turn signals on and off to make sure none of the bulbs are burnt out.
EditWearing the Right Gear - Purchase a helmet. Head injuries are the main cause of serious or fatal accidents for cyclists, and helmets can greatly reduce the risk of harm. Find a full-coverage helmet that has a visor that doesn't limit your vision so you can stay aware of your surroundings. Make sure the chinstrap fits tightly around your head so the helmet stays secure.[8]
- Look for a Department of Transportation (DOT) or European Commission (ECE) sticker or label to see if the helmet meets the legal requirements for safe riding.
- Do not wear helmets with tinted visors when visibility is low or while riding at night.
- Helmets usually have ventilation systems so your head will stay cool in hot weather.
- Not all locations require you to wear a helmet when you ride. Check with your local laws to find out.
- Get a snug jacket made of a sturdy material. Jackets made out of leather or a strong synthetic material will work the best for the most protection. Find jackets with lightweight body armor on your shoulders and elbows so you're less prone to injury if you get into an accident.[9]
- Find a jacket that has reflectors built into the fabric so you are more visible to other vehicles. If you cannot find a jacket with them sewn in, use reflective tape on the front, back, and on the arms of your jacket.
- Wear long pants to protect your legs. In case of a fall, pants will protect the entire lengths of your legs more than shorts. Purchase a thicker material like denim for the best protection while riding your motorcycle.[10]
- Wear leather chaps over your pants for an extra layer of protection.
- Pick out boots and gloves. Get boots with short heels so they don't get caught on any rough surfaces. Make sure the gloves cover all of your fingers and the boots come above your ankle. Find a non-slip material that is durable, such as leather, that makes it easier to hold onto your bike in all weather conditions.[11]
- Tuck the laces inside your boot so they don't hang or get caught on anything.
- Not only do gloves protect your hands while riding or during an accident, they will also help prevent your skin from drying out.
EditLearning the Controls on Your Bike - Locate the throttle on the right side grip of your motorcycle. Find the throttle on the right-hand grip of your bike. The throttle controls the speed of the motorcycle. To accelerate and engage the engine, twist the throttle toward you.[12]
- Make sure the throttle snaps back into place if you turn it and let go. If not, have a mechanic take a look at it before you ride.
- Find the brakes above the right grip and near your right foot peg. Locate the brake for the front wheel by the handle right above the throttle. You'll be using the front brake most frequently. While sitting on the bike, find the rear wheel brake with your right foot. Depress the lever to engage the brake.[13]
- Most of your stopping power will come from braking your front tire.
- If you don't see a lever near your right foot for a rear wheel brake, consult the owner's manual for your motorcycle to learn where specific controls are found.
- Familiarize yourself with the clutch and shifter. Most motorcycles are manual transmissions and need to be shifted up or down as you accelerate and decelerate. Look for the clutch above the left handlebar. It will look similar to the handle that controls your brakes. Find the shifter in front of your left foot and control it with the up and down lever.[14]
- Keep your bike in neutral with your kickstand down when you aren't using it. Neutral is usually found in between the first and second gear.
- Many motorcycles work with a "1 down, 5 up" shift pattern. From lowest to highest, the gears usually go first, neutral, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth.
EditPracticing Riding Techniques - Get on your bike. Approach your bike from the left side and hold onto the left handlebar for support. Swing your leg over the seat, making sure not to hit your foot on the tail of the bike. Plant both of your feet flat on the ground and get comfortable in your seat. Once you have your feet planted, you can raise the kickstand with the back of your foot.[15]
- Ensure your kickstand is up before you start riding.
- Start your engine and let it run for about 1 minute. Turn the key in the ignition so that it's on and turn the red switch on your right handlebar to the "on" or "run" position. Ensure your bike is in neutral before starting the engine. Hold the clutch in before hitting the start button, which is usually below the red switch and is marked with a lightning bolt. Let the engine turn over so that it is warmed up and properly running when you ride your bike.[16]
- Always look on the gauge indicator on your motorcycle's dashboard to ensure that it's in neutral. If not, adjust the gear shift lever while holding the clutch to the neutral position.
- Holding the clutch in while starting your motorcycle prevents it the bike from moving forward if you aren't in neutral.
- If you have a kick start bike, the starting mechanism is found behind your right foot. Press down on it firmly to turn over the engine.
- Keep your headlights on and use turn signals. Locate the controls for your headlights and turn signals, which are typically found on the left handlebar. Use them whenever you ride on populated roads so other drivers can see you.[17]
- If your bike doesn't have turn signals, you'll need to use hand signals. Stick your left hand straight out so it's parallel to the ground, palm facing down, to indicate a left turn. Bend your left elbow so your forearm is at a 90-degree to your bicep (which should be parallel to the ground) and close your fist to indicate a right turn. Begin signaling before you make the turn and return both hands to the handlebars when executing the turn.[18]
- Shift into first gear and slowly ride your bike. Position your left foot so your heel is on the peg and your toes are near the lever. Hold the clutch down and shift to first gear by pushing the shifter down with your left foot. Your bike will start to move on its own without activating the throttle as you slowly release the clutch. Practice keeping your balance as it moves forward at a slow speed. Keep your hand on the brake in case you start losing control.[19]
- Practice on an isolated section of road or in a parking lot that has little traffic so you don't have to worry about other motorists.
- If you let go of the clutch too fast, you may kill the engine. If this happens, shift back into neutral and start your engine again.
- Practice "power walking" by walking it forward while slowly releasing the clutch to accelerate. Work your way up until you're comfortable keeping your feet on the pegs while your bike is moving.
- Squeeze your clutch and shift gears with your left foot. When you feel comfortable going faster, turn the throttle slightly towards your body as you release the clutch to accelerate. Once you go over , ease off of the throttle, squeeze your clutch in, and pull your shifter up past neutral into second gear. Once you've shifted your motorcycle, let go of the clutch and accelerate again.[20]
- As you increase your speed, you need to shift into higher gears. As you decrease speed, downshift to a lower gear. Make sure to let off of your throttle when you squeeze your clutch as you shift.
- Once you switch into second gear, you don't have to shift down to first gear until you come to a complete stop.
- Make turns by pushing the handlebar on the opposite side forward. Look in the direction you're turning rather than looking straight forward. Slow down as you approach your turn by releasing the throttle. To make a left turn, pull the left handlebar closer to you and push the right handlebar forward. For a right turn, pull the right handlebar close to you and push the left one forward.[21]
- For faster turns, practice countersteering. As you make your turn, lean slightly in the direction you wish to go while pushing the handlebar away from you to stay balanced.
- If you make too sharp of a turn, it will cause you to crash.
- Practice slowing to a stop. As you release the throttle, slowly pull on the clutch and squeeze the front brake to slow down. Rest your foot on the rear brake and press down slightly to slow down. Once you come to stop, plant your left foot on the ground and keep your right foot on the rear brake.[22]
- If you are finished riding, shift your bike into neutral once you come to a stop.
- Don't squeeze hard on the front brake or else you could cause your tires to lock up and cause skidding or an accident.
- Move on to more populated roads. Once you feel more comfortable with the basics of riding and controlling your bike, work onto roads with slight amounts of traffic. Keep your surroundings in mind as you ride your bike and be aware of other drivers.
- Check with your local department of motor vehicles to see if you need a permit or special license before you ride a motorcycle.
- Practice under the supervision of an experienced rider to stay safe.
- Avoid potholes, gravel, and hazardous road conditions. While cars can usually handle these easily, they are extremely dangerous for cyclists.
- Always stay aware of where other drivers are on the road.
- Wear all of the safety gear, including a helmet, jacket, long pants, gloves, and boots, to protect yourself in case you fall off your bike.
- Lane splitting is when a cyclist maneuvers between rows of stopped cars, but it may or may not be illegal in your area. Check with your local laws to see if you can use this technique.[23]
EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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