This month, we safety test … Quad biking!! Quad and off road biking can be great fun, but quad bikes are powerful machines and must be handled with proper care. So to get the maximum pleasure there are some things to remember.

Quad bikes are four wheeled all-terrain vehicles with handlebars supporting thecontrols and a saddle; it looks similar to a motorcycle. Just because you have driven a motorcycle or car don't assume you will be able to ride a quad bike - they handle differently and can overturn easily. Their response can be sudden and if not controlled properly you can find yourself underneath the bike very easily. In particular, turning and cornering techniques need to be mastered before you take the bike off-road as there are special precautions that need to be taken before completing these manoeuvres.

• Always wear proper protective clothing. Helmet, gloves, eye protection, and appropriate footwear, preferably boots. Sports users should wear body armour.
  
• Always wear a crash helmet. Your helmet is the only protection you have against serious head injury should you come off your bike.
  
• Quad bikes are not designed to carry passengers. Carrying passengers can easily unbalance the machine making it difficult to control.
  
• Quad bikes are not made to be driven on the road. They don't conform to regulations (tyres, horns, lights, speedometer etc) so it is illegal to drive them on the road or pavement. It is also illegal to ride in parks.
  
• The maximum weight for anyone wanting to ride a quad bike is between 18-20 stone.
  
• Do not put children in control or travel as passengers on these vehicles, even on private land. There are some small bikes and mini quads but even these can be too powerful for a child to control. Young children don't have the strength or the reaction speed to handle motorised vehicles - so keep them off - it is dangerous.
  
• Drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions.
  
• If you are an individual who owns or drives a quad bike for fun or as part of your job, then you should have proper tuition from a qualified instructor, or from an experienced rider, before driving a quad bike.