ALT-3 How to be a Safe Motorcycle Passenger
To be a safe motorcycle passenger, you have to absolutely trust the person you're climbing on behind. If you're not sure of the rider's capability to handle the bike, don't get on. If you're not sure you really want to do it, don't get on.
A nervous, squirmy passenger is dangerous to both people on the motorcycle. The rider will have to work harder to compensate for the passenger's inability to sit still. Things can get a little hairy when the bike is leaning through a curve and the passenger decides the lean is a little to much and they try to sit up.
Motorcycles curve by leaning, if you can't handle leaning closer to the pavement, you won't be a safe passenger, and you won't enjoy the ride. Be sure you are really ready, know the skills of the rider, and that you absolutely trust them.
Wait patiently for the rider to get the bike off of the kickstand and started. You'll be anxious and ready to hop on, but remember that the rider is the one balancing the bike and they have to have a firm grip while you're climbing on behind them. If you can avoid it, never get on the bike from the muffler side. Mufflers are hot, and if you touch them and jerk, not only will you get burned, you may startle the rider, causing them to lose their balance on the bike.
Sometimes getting on the bike may look and feel like an acrobatic act. Everyone eventually develops their own style of mounting and dismounting, so don't worry, it gets easier. From the left side of the bike, rest your left hand on the rider's shoulder. Not only will this give you balance, it signals the rider that you're about to get on. Place your left foot on the foot peg and step up, while swinging your right leg over the back end of the bike. This sounds impossible at first, but it will get smoother each time, and will eventually become second nature.
Settle yourself on the seat, and get ready for some fun. The biggest key is to always sit still. That's where the trust comes in. Trust the rider to maneuver the bike through all the turns and curves. If the bike has a back rest, keep that backrest firmly in the middle of your back. If you move off to either side, the bike becomes off balanced, making it harder for the rider to control. Don't try to help balance the bike at stops either, keep your feet on the pegs. The rider needs to have total control, again, trust the rider!
Figure out a comfortable place for your hands, and keep them there. If the bike doesn't have a backrest, you'll feel more secure holding on to the rider, but don't put him in a big old bear hug. (Unless of course, you really like each other.) Hands resting on the front rider's waist, or holding on to his belt loops will be comfortable for you both. Above all relax and enjoy the ride, that's why you got on, wasn't it?
Bikes are loud, and there is a lot of wind noise as you're running down the highway, so it's pretty hard to talk and be heard. Signals are great for letting the other rider know that you need something. A beginning rider will need to take breaks more often. That's okay, we've all experienced the "numb backside." Just let the rider know that you need a break, and sit patiently until he can safely get the bike off of the road. Let him know in advance when you have to go to the bathroom, before the "I really gotta go" wiggles set in. When he does pull over, wait until he is in total control of the stopped bike, don't go trying to jump off and run to the bathroom to quickly!
To add another note on safety, you should always dress the part. Jeans, a sturdy pair of shoes and sleeves are advisable. A lot of people disagree on the issue of what to wear on a motorcycle, but when a bug or rock hits your bare leg at 60mph, you'll wish you had jeans on, or when your sandaled foot bumps the exhaust pipe, you'll go buy a pair of boots for the next ride. (The heel of a boot or sturdy shoe will lock over the foot peg, giving you more stability.)
Motorcycle riding can be a safe, fun sport for anyone, but always remember, that the passenger has just as much responsibility in keeping it safe as the rider. And if you feel safe and relaxed, so will the rider. Trust is your first and most important step towards many an enjoyable rides together. Saddle up and be safe!
