Riding with a passenger requires practice, patience and preparation. The MotorEagles safety team have some tips on how to make riding together a safe and fun experience.
There are several things you need to consider if you plan on riding with a passenger. Even if you’re an experienced rider, two-up riding requires practice, patience and preparation.
MotorEagles wants riding together to be an enjoyable experience for you and your passenger. Here are 10 tips on how to ride safely (Adapted from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation):
- Law: Every state has different requirements for riding with passengers. In most states, you need to have a full motorcycle license before you’re allowed to transport another person on your bike. Review the law in your state.
- Bike: Some states have certain equipment requirements that need to be met when riding with a passenger. For example, your bike should have a separate seating area to accommodate for a passenger. It should also have separate foot pegs for the passenger.
- Weight: The weight of a passenger will affect how your bike operates. Review your owner’s manual for weight limitations and other related recommendations, such as adjusting the tire pressure and motorcycle suspension.
- Operator: You need to make some adjustments to how you ride when you’re carrying a passenger. Keep in mind, it will take more time to slow down, speed up and turn.
- Secondary riders: It’s a good idea to ride with a passenger who knows how to operate a motorcycle. They can help you follow the proper safety instructions.
- Safety gear: You and your passenger should wear proper safety gear, including a helmet.
- Children: Most states have age requirements for passengers. A child should only be allowed to ride as a passenger with permission from a parent or legal guardian. The child should be tall enough to reach the foot pegs and mature enough to follow all safety instructions.
- Passenger: If your passenger is new to riding, instruct him or her on where to place his or feet, how to sit and where to hold on (your waist or the bike’s hand holds). Let your passenger know to keep his or her feet on the foot pegs at all times in order to avoid contact with hot or moving parts. Lastly, tell your passenger not to make any sudden movements that can affect your ability to control the motorcycle.
- Practice: You need to be an experienced motorcycle rider before you can safely carry a passenger. The MSF suggests practicing low-speed clutch/throttle and emergency braking in a low-traffic area before moving to busy streets.
- Safety course: Even if you’re an experienced rider, it’s always a good idea for you and your passenger to take a motorcycle safety course. A safety course can help you better understand the proper procedures for riding safely with a passenger.
Riding with a passenger can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also be a dangerous one. Make sure you, your passenger and your bike are prepared so you can avoid a motorcycle accident when riding together.
If you ride with a passenger, what are your tips for riding safely? Share your thoughts with us, you can comment on our blog and Facebook, or you can follow the motorcycle accident attorneys on Twitter.