Ready to burn rubber and hit the road on your motorcycle? Spring is an excellent time to hit the road, see the sights and enjoy your set of wheels. Sometimes, you even have the opportunity to bring along passengers.
Inviting a friend, family or dates on a bike ride is often a great way to have fun together. However, bikers shouldn’t view these situations as times to show off. Indeed, carrying passengers should mean you take excessive precautions. Bikers with passengers often face different rules and safety practices than solo riders. Before taking a guest on your bike, do what you can to keep them safe.
Why Risks Exist to Bike Passengers
Most bikers know that riding a bike is more risky than driving a car. Think about how those risks might impact your passengers.
- Many passengers might not have the same experience riding that you do. They might not understand stability and security techniques to follow.
- Adding a passenger to your bike might impact balance, weight and control surfaces. As a result, the rider might have to make adjustments to their own riding techniques to keep the bike on the road.
- All passengers face injury risks, just like the riders. Remember, motorcycles expose riders to the road in a much more insecure way than other cars. Passengers therefore must use certain safety techniques to protect their own security. They also must rely on the rider’s competence to keep them safe.
Giving Your Passengers the Safety They Deserve
The law recognizes the safety needs of motorcycle passengers. Check local statutes wherever you plan to ride. Make sure you know what precautions you must take. Also keep these tips in mind regarding passenger security:
- Make sure all passengers use safety gear. Helmets are usually the most important item to give passengers. However, other items might include pads, eye protection, shoes and insulated clothing. Double check any special regulations regarding transporting children on the bike. In many cases kids face even more safety requirements than adult riders.
- Give your passengers a safety introduction about the bike. Teach them the best ways to balance, hold on and use their safety gear. Make sure the passenger knows any off-limits rules.
- Operate with extra caution. Don't make sudden maneuvers, or attempt any risky tricks that might put passengers at risk.
Never forget to make sure your bike’s insurance policy covers passengers. For example, buying guest passenger liability insurance can help cover your passengers. If that person gets hurt, you might need this coverage to compensate them.
Ask your insurance agent the best options for insuring your passengers. They can likely guide you to help you choose the appropriate policy and limits for Shreveport motorcycle insurance.