Motorcyclists in California make it a point to enjoy the journey and sometimes they want to share that journey with someone else.
Motorcyclists are allowed to carry passengers and even younger passengers when it is safe to do so. However, there are guidelines and restrictions governing those rides with passengers in California.
Using Good Judgement When Riding with a Motorcycle Passenger
The California DMV Motorcycle Handbook advises that only experienced riders carry passengers on their bikes.
Motorcyclists should be conscious of the fact that the extra weight a passenger adds changes the way a motorcycle handles. A passenger can affect the balance of a bike, the way it brakes, and the way it accelerates.
Experts suggest motorcyclists practice riding with passengers away from traffic until they get the hang of it.
DMV Officials also ask that motorcyclists change the way they drive when transporting a passenger:
- Ride a little slower, especially when taking curves, corners, or bumps.
- Begin slowing sooner when approaching a stop.
- Open up a larger cushion of space ahead and to the sides.
- Wait for larger gaps to cross, enter, or merge with traffic.
Educate California Motorcycle Passengers
Motorcyclists should know about the safety precautions to take when carrying a second rider. Passengers should also know a few safety guidelines.
Passengers should be informed of a few helpful tips before riding:
- Get on the motorcycle only after the engine is started.
- Sit as far forward as possible without crowding the driver.
- Hold firmly to the driver’s waist, hips, or belt.
- Keep both feet on the footrests, even when stopped.
- Keep legs away from the muffler(s), chains, or moving parts.
- Avoid unnecessary talk or motion. The motorcycle will sway with the passenger’s movement.
The rider should communicate with passengers when conditions change. That can include a quick stopping or starting of the motorcycle. Riders should sound an alert when a sharp turn or a bump is ahead. Road surface issues are also reasons to communicate with a passenger.
Riding Motorcycles with a Child in California
California allows minors (under 18-years-old) to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle, but the child must meet a height restriction in order to legally climb aboard.
The child must be at least four feet nine inches. This matches the height requirement of a child who no longer has to sit in a car seat while in a vehicle.
For more information on the laws governing riding with a minor on a motorcycle visit our informational page here.
If You or a Passenger are Injured in a California Motorcycle Accident…
You can proceed with great caution when a passenger is riding with you, but a careless driver can still force you into a dangerous crash. You may suffer a serious injury and a passenger could be just as hurt in a collision, if not more.
When you or a loved one are hurt, you should talk to a skilled attorney serving California Motorcycle Accident Victims. Insurance adjusters love to pin the blame for accidents on motorcyclists even when a police accident report says otherwise. Your attorney can shield you from these unfair attacks and demand the support you’ll need to resume your motorcycle rides again.
Martin Gasparian, the founder of Maison Law, works hard to see that motorcyclists don’t have to exhaust their own savings to pay for medical care. Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation to find out how to earn the financial support you need in recovery.
