Motorcycle passengers (riding pillion)

A certain level of skill and ability is required to carry a passenger, or riding pillion, on a motorbike safely. Learner riders are not allowed to carry pillion passengers, and riders should consider advanced or refresher training before carrying a passenger for the first time.

Rider preparation

A rider should ensure that they are sufficiently skilled and experienced before taking on the responsibility of carrying a pillion.

Assessment schemes such as BikeSafe, allow pillions to attend and advanced motorcycle instructors are often happy to provide lessons on the techniques needed.

• A pillion can move forward under heavy braking, and their helmet can clash with that of the rider, so they should be prepared for this.
• The extra weight, particularly on a smaller motorcycle, will require more throttle and clutch control, and earlier and harder braking.
• More weight over the rear tyre may improve the stopping power of the rear brake, especially in emergency situations. A rider should practice low speed clutch and throttle control, as well as normal and emergency braking in a safe place to experience the handling changes.
• Riding downhill and in the wet also requires an increase in braking distance. More care is required in cornering, because of the increased weight and cornering clearances may be affected.
• Riders should allow more time and space for overtaking, because the extra weight will affect speed and how the bike manoeuvres.
• The effects of wind may be more noticeable, so riders should be aware of gaps in hedges and spaces between houses where side winds could cause problems.

Allow time for a passenger to get used to the sense of speed and the sensation of leaning. Speeds should be kept low until the pillion passenger gets used to the proper riding techniques.

The decision about if a child can be a pillion passenger has to be made by their parent or guardian. They can enjoy the experience, but need extra stops to go to the toilet and eat regularly, so allow for breaks in the journey.

In warm weather, make sure they have plenty of fluids as protective clothing can be hot, causing dehydration. Being a pillion passenger is more tiring than being a passenger in a car. If considering carrying a child as a pillion, make sure they:

• can physically cope with the length of the journey
• are mature enough to handle the responsibility
• are tall enough to comfortably reach the footrests
• wear a properly fitted helmet and other protective clothing
• hold onto the rider, the pillion hand-holds or the sissy bar.

Motorcycle preparation

The motorcycle must be designed to carry a pillion. The owner’s manual and manufacturers guidance have information on how the machine should be set up for this.

The suspension and tyre pressures are likely to require adjustment. If these adjustments are not made, the pillion will have an uncomfortable ride and the bike’s handling will be affected more. It could also cause damage to the bike. The weight limits specified in the owner’s manual should not be exceeded.

Pillion preparation

Passengers must be tall enough to comfortably reach the footrests and deal with the length of the journey planned. A pillion must be dressed for the weather, as well as wearing clothing which will offer protection in a collision.

Pillions are legally required to wear a properly fitted helmet and should wear protective clothing such as gloves, boots, jackets and trousers in a suitable material, like leather.

The British Motorcyclists Federation has a facility for buying and selling children’s protective clothing, as they outgrow them so quickly.

Pillions should be given a briefing by the rider on what signals they both will use, what should be expected and how they should behave. They both share responsibility for their own safety.

Passengers must:

• mount the bike after the stand is raised and the rider has it securely braced
• hold on to the rider, the pillion hand-holds or the sissy bar
• keep feet on footrests at all times, including while stopped
• keep hands and feet away from hot or moving parts
• avoid turning around or making sudden movements that might affect the balance of the bike
• when crossing an obstacle, stand on the pegs with their knees bent to allow the legs to absorb the shock of the impact.