Riding Pillion on a Motorbike
Safety and Comfort for Motorcycle Passengers
Riding on the back of a motorbike can either be thrilling or disastrous, depending on how well you follow some commonsense rules.
Wear Full Protective Gear
Ideally the pillion should wear full protective gear, no less than the driver. At the minimum, a full-face helmet, leather jacket, leather gloves and sturdy boots should be worn. Knees, shoulders and elbows are the common impact spots during a crash, so these areas should be armoured and/or padded. Helmets should never be bought second-hand due to the possibility of microfractures; for the same reason they should be replaced after being dropped, or after any crash in which the helmet collided with any surface.
Don't Shift Your Weight
It is tempting for a pillion to either try to 'help' the driver lean around corners, or endeavor to compensate by leaning the other way. Neither practice is safe. Instead, the pillion should sit 'like a sack of potatoes', neither moving his body deliberately nor trying to keep stiffly upright. If the pillion is snugly tucked against the driver and clasping the driver around the waist, the two bodies will tend to naturally lean together around corners.
Cornering and decelerating are the two most unstable conditions for a bike. If a pillion must shift his weight, he should wait until the bike is accelerating or at least travelling quickly along a straight road. Gravel roads also make motorbikes very unstable.
Work Out Signals
Unless you have an intercom system between the driver's and pillion's helmets (an expensive option), it is useful to have a simple system of communication. Some bikers recommend tapping the driver on the thigh to indicate 'Stop the bike now' or 'Stop the bike as soon as it's convenient'. Make sure to differentiate any hand signals from pointing out items on interest along the way.
Hold Onto the Driver's Waist, Not Shoulders
It can feel intuitive to hold onto the driver's shoulders, as they are the highest point on the bike. However, pushing on his shoulders puts a lot of tiring pressure on his arms, and may interfere with his ability to steer efficiently. Hold the driver around the waist instead, or use the pillion grab rail at the back of the seat instead. A belt with pillion handles may also be worn by the driver.
Keep Your Feet Up When the Bike is Stationary
A pillion does not need to 'support' the bike by putting his feet on the ground when the bike is at a stop sign. It is safer to keep the feet on the footpegs.
Dress Warmly
The wind chill on a bike, especially an unfaired model, is considerable. Woollen gloves can be purchased to wear under the protective gloves. Special motorbike balaclavas are available to be worn under helmets, as are waterproof overjackets and overpants. Other warm or waterproof gear should be considered according to the conditions in which you are likely to be riding
Drive Only with Someone You Trust
Being a pillion is trusting your life to the driver's reactions, skill and wisdom. Follow common sense when asked to ride—is the driver experienced? Does she encourage you to follow or ignore safety guidelines, especially as regards protective clothing? Is she completely sober, strong enough to support the bike with your added weight, and experienced at carrying pillions?
