How can my passenger ride safely on my motorcycle?

There are very few things more rewarding than taking advantage of California’s beautiful roadways. One of the ways to make it better is to enjoy it on the back of a motorcycle. But if you truly want to take the pleasure to the next level, it is always more fun to ride a motorcycle with a passenger.

However, it is important that your motorcycle passenger understand how to ride with you and be safe. You should insist that your motorcycle passenger wear full gear and also give them a primer on how to move their weight in tandem with you on the back of the bike.

What gear should a passenger wear?

At absolute minimum, when you get on the back of the bike both you and your passenger need to be wearing DOT-approved helmets. It is advantageous if both helmets are full-face. In addition, you should also be wearing a leather or textile motorcycle jacket, and, at minimum, sturdy pants and boots. Gloves are also a good idea.

To be safe, your motorcycle passenger should be wearing as much protection as you are. It is very common for motorcycle passengers to be wearing nothing more than flip flops and cut-off jeans and this is extremely dangerous.

How should a passenger ride?

A passenger needs to understand that riding a motorcycle is different than being a passenger in a traditional passenger vehicle. That is, your passenger cannot shift his or her weight with no concern for the motion of the bike. Make sure that you give your motorcycle passenger a primer in leaning slightly into turns with you.