Riders should stick to designated trails and adhere to speeds at which they can maintain control of the bike. For younger riders, parents should provide constant supervision and never allow their children to ride bikes that are beyond their abilities. Even adult riders can seriously injure themselves by attempting to ride a bike that is more powerful than they can handle. When riders gradually build their skill level, they create a solid foundation of proficiency for riding larger, more powerful bikes.
Riders should fully understand the limits of the bike that they are using. Some bikes have a dual-purpose design, which makes them ideal for both dirt and paved roads. Many bikes, however, have features that make them dangerous on paved roads. Before going dirt biking, riders may want to consider taking the hands-on course offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), which teaches individuals how to handle their bikes safely off-road and avoid dangerous situations.