How to Ride Safely with a Passenger

For those of us who love riding, there usually comes a time when we want to share the joy of riding with others. However, riding your motorcycle with a passenger is an entirely different experience than riding solo.

While it can (and should) be a fun time for both of you, it needs to be taken seriously with sufficient preparation done beforehand. Follow the tips below to help your passenger enjoy their first ride!

Advanced Preparation

While it would be nice to simply put your passenger on the bike and be on your way, it isn’t that quick and easy. You must take care of these items first:

1) Legal Matters

If you want to ride with a passenger, many states require additional equipment, such as passenger footrests, to be on your motorcycle. Check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office to be certain your motorcycle complies with your state’s requirements.

Most states will also require you to have a full motorcycle license to carry a passenger.

2) Motorcycle

Hopefully your motorcycle is in good condition, but you should give it an overall check before taking a passenger for a ride. Also, check your owner’s manual for information about any adjustments you’ll need to make to your bike based on your passenger’s weight.

3) Gear

Educate your passenger about the importance of wearing helmets and proper clothing. Helmets are critical for safety, even if not required by your state. If your passenger doesn’t have a helmet, be sure to get one that fits properly. If you have an extra jacket or riding pants, lend it to them to increase their comfort and safety. If they aren’t wearing the right clothing, then they’re more likely to become uncomfortable.

Develop a Communication System

It is expected that a person who has never been on a motorcycle before will be nervous. Developing a communication system for the ride is one of the best ways to alleviate anxiety in a nervous passenger. For example, you might agree that one shoulder tap means “slow down” or a certain number of taps means “I need to ask you something”, while pointing to the side of the road could signal for you to pull over.

Safety Tips for Passengers

In addition to establishing some communication signals, giving your passenger safety tips before the ride will help increase their confidence.
Here are some important tips you can give your passenger:

• Keep feet on the footrests, even when stopped
• Keep legs away from mufflers
• Don’t make any sudden movements that could interfere with your driving
• Remain passively on the seat, always holding onto your waist or the passenger handholds if your bike has them
• Don’t try to “help” by leaning with or against you during the ride

Handling a Motorcycle with a Passenger

Your bike will handle much differently with the extra weight of another person. There are several adjustments you’ll need to make to compensate for this, one being allowing more time and space when passing.
Each passenger will have different levels of sensitivity to fear and tolerance for risk. Take the time to learn about your passenger’s comfort level and cater the ride to them. For any first-time passenger, a comfortably paced ride in a low traffic area is a good way to ensure a positive experience. After all, you want them to be excited about riding with you again, right?

Once you’ve established trust between the two of you, you’ll be riding together more often before you know it!