TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDING WITH A PASSENGER

As a motorcycle rider, it is vital to know how to transport passengers safely. There are many things to consider when carrying someone on your bike. In this blog, we will cover many tips we have amassed for both drivers and passengers when riding a motorcycle together. Following these safety tips can help ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

OPERATOR PREPARATION

As the motorcycle driver, the safety of yourself and the passenger is your responsibility. Preparing before and after the passenger has begun riding with you is essential to maintaining a safe trip.

BEFORE THE PASSENGER JOINS

Not every bike can hold passengers. Before riding with a passenger, confirm your bike has a design that accommodates passengers. Next, review the motorcycle owner’s manual for any safety tips specific to that model, operational advice, and limits the bike may have when accommodating passengers. Check the suspension and tire pressure to confirm the bike is safe to ride with a passenger. Finally, go over the safety advice with the passenger so they know what they should be doing and are confident they will be safe throughout the ride.

AFTER THE PASSENGER HAS JOINED

A passenger will affect much of the bike’s movement because of the extra weight and independent motion. This change means the operator will have to brake earlier, take extra care on turns, and be more aware of gusts of wind affecting the bike’s path. Overall, it is safe for the operator to assume every part of riding will be more challenging and will likely take longer to accomplish.

PASSENGER PREPARATION

Passengers should always wear the correct safety fear and receive safety guidelines before riding. Confirm the passenger can reach the footrests and are comfortable with the responsibility of riding together. Go over the following safety procedures, so the passenger knows how to keep you and themselves safe throughout the ride.

PASSENGER SAFETY PROCEDURES

Ensure the passenger is wearing all the necessary protective gear. The passenger should hold the operator’s waist or hips unless the motorcycle has passenger hand-holds. The passenger should keep their feet on the footrests at all times, including while stopped. Be aware of any hot or moving parts and keep hands and feet away from them. Avoid turning or making sudden moves that could affect the bike. If crossing an obstacle, stand with knees slightly bent and allow the legs to absorb the shock upon impact. When in a corner, look over the operator’s shoulder in the direction of the corner. Make a plan for how you will communicate. Many people use hand signals or shoulder taps to know how they feel or if the ride needs to stop.

TEST RUN

Before going on a long journey across the city, plan a short route to ensure the passenger can feel safe and enjoy the ride. You can schedule a longer ride if they have fun on the short ride, but if they are uncomfortable, you avoid making things worse and respect their decision. Thank you for taking the time to learn about riding with passengers safely. Enjoy the ride and share this blog with your friends before you ride with them!

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