Motorcycle passengers can’t just sit back and enjoy the ride. They have responsibilities on the bike, too!
Most of my motorcycle blog posts have been directed at keeping motorcyclists safe, but motosport.com has a great post worth reading that prepares passengers for their first ride.
There is more to riding as a passenger than borrowing a friend’s helmet and jumping on the back of a motorcycle.
The story breaks the motorcycle riding experience into two broad categories: dressing properly and the responsibilities facing all riders. Hint: You’re not just sitting there — you’ll have to pay attention and participate! Your life and the life of the motorcyclist may count on your active role as a rider!
Dressing properly: The author provides a brief overview of the three kinds of fabric worn for motorcycling — leather, Cordura brand and jeans. Once you know the options, you can select the equipment that is best for the conditions.
The author is right to emphasize the importance of the helmet: “Your helmet is the last and most important piece of the motorcycle ride. You never want to wear a helmet that is too big for your head (or too small). It must fit just right and strap on because you never want it to fly off in case you do get thrown from the motorcycle. This is one of the most important motorcycle safety tips you will ever get. Yes a motorcycle sissy bar is great and it will help but the right helmet could save your life 95 percent of the time. “
Getting ready to ride: Motorcyclists must follow a series of safety procedures before riding. And that means the driver AND the passengers.
The driver needs to highlight the “peculiarities” of driving a motorcycle, which may prevent dangerous reactions. The story continues:
“To maintain the stability of the vehicle during driving, the passenger has to stay within a certain viewing angle of the pilot’s head, so the passenger can anticipate the maneuvers and track key movements – including the inclinations necessary during cornering.
“In motorcycle braking, when the body of a passenger is projected forward, he or she must press their hip against the pilot so that it does not suffer the weight transfer and lose balance.
“When the motorcycle stops, passengers must keep their feet on the back pedals to warn the driver that they are ready to go.”
As an added bonus, the author provides a bunch of links to websites that will help the novice rider become a safe passenger.
I strongly recommend all Twin Tiers motorcyclists, drivers and passengers, take some time to review the safety links here as we gear up for motorcycling season.
Remember, your passengers are not just along for the ride! They’re your co-pilots and they need to be an active participant every time they ride!
Thanks for reading, and remember to ride safely this year!
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ZiffLaw Attorney, Esq.
NY and PA Injury and Accident Attorney
The Ziff Law Firm, LLP
303 William Street
Elmira, NY 14901
Phone: (607)733-8866
Fax: (607)732-6062
Email: info@zifflaw.com
www.zifflaw.com
