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What a first-time passenger should ask
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An elementary school teacher in Georgia sent a note recently asking about suggestions for materials to use to introduce the concept of rider safety to a motorcycle club she is sponsoring -- for fifth graders.
One of the suggestions she received was to ask them what questions a first-time passenger should ask the driver of the motorcycle he or she is about to ride.
This same issue came up not too long ago when a very responsible 14-year-old we know was invited to ride with Jim Davis for a short trip. Because she's involved in the family activity of racing dragsters, she had several questions that were sound, right off the bat. Others, though, she had to admit she had not considered.
What are the questions a first-time passenger might ask, when she's offered a ride?
- Do you have a motorcycle operator's license?
- Do you have insurance?
- Have you ever gotten a ticket or crashed a bike?
- Do you have a helmet for me to wear? What other gear do I need?
These came forth immediately from that teenager. As the conversation went on, other considerations emerged that might not seem obvious, especially if the passenger doesn't realize how much wind and engine noise will prevent normal speech once you're rolling.
All these topics should be addressed in a short pre-ride briefing, before anyone turns an ignition key or mounts the bike. The discussion might include more safety-related issues, too, such as:
- What's the correct way to get off and on the bike?
- Have you ever carried a passenger before?
- How do I talk to you while we're riding?
- What if I don't like it back here?
- Where are we going, and does anyone else know our plans?
- Do you have a cell phone?
- Are we going to be riding alone, or in a group? If there's a group, what should I do?
One of the instructions our passengers usually receive in their pre-ride chat is that they only have one real duty as passengers. That is to wave at any other riders we meet, to wave at any child that seems curious about the bike and us, and to wave to any law enforcement officer who's standing on his feet in the heat and the traffic.
Eager passengers often have to be advised not to 'help', as well, because they may want to lean with the bike excessively, or to put their feet down when the motorcycle is stopped.
.Most experienced riders have heard about the guy who failed to help a Significant Passenger understand what riding is all about, took off with too much speed and enthusiasm, or even decided to give the newbie "a little scare." The result was that that Significant Passenger didn't enjoy the experience and declined to repeat it, ever again. A few previously-married riders can attest to the fact that their insisting on a poorly introduced ride on their bike was unfortunately "the last straw"!
It's easy to smooth out a newbie to bikes with a little thoughtfulness, and a pledge to put off what the rider considers excitement for another time. An obvious concern for and attention to safety before the trip starts, and a patient explanation to a new passenger of what he or she should expect, will make the adventure fun for someone who may have reservations or doubts about getting on a bike. Passengers should be encouraged to speak up and ask questions, so that both parties know what to expect and can set their concerns aside, one to handle the motorcycle safely and the other to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
For more tips on how to help a new rider or passenger, visit Motorcycle Tips and Techniques. Send email to Cash@msgroup.org.
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