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How to be a safe motorcycle passenger

If someone near and dear to you has a motorcycle and expects you to hop on behind them and ride like the wind, read on. It's always wise to learn from the mistakes and mishaps of others, if possible.

After a lapse of twenty years or so, my dearly beloved husband got the motorcycle fever again. Since the kids are grown and out of the house (most of the time), scooting about on a motorcycle seemed like a harmless and easy activity we could both enjoy. Well, I was partly right.

Many motorcycles on the road today, do not "scoot" or "mosey" or "toodle." Ours, for example, is a behemoth capable of cruising at 70 mph while carrying two, ahem, healthy middle-aged individuals and luggage. In fact, it can streak down the highway at alarming speeds, and my husband seems bent on proving this repeatedly.

Communication between driver and passenger is key. Since we did not have an intercom system at first, we devised a sign language of sorts.

One tap and a point: look at that sight, isn't that interesting/lovely/unusual.

Two taps: I need a restroom within the next 20 miles or so.

Three taps: roadkill alert; hold your breath.

Slap upside the helmet: stop immediately, _____is falling off!

Tap on knee from driver to passenger: Prepare to do the motorcycle wave.

This last signal brings us to one of the most delightful aspects of motorcycle riding. When a bicycle, scooter, or motorcycle meets another, the riders wave, but in a distinctive way: with an arm straight out or slightly bent down, with an open hand or a thumb up. On motorcycles we do not raise our hand high in the air and swing our arms back and forth, as in a traditional wave. Try doing so at 70 mph on a cycle, and you'll understand why. The motorcycle wave makes me feel as if I am at last part of a cool and privileged group. All the poor suckers in 4 wheelers, eat your hearts out!

As the passenger, it is my job to lean with the bike, especially when navigating corners. This requires a tiny leap of faith on each curve, but it becomes fun. Trust me. Also, when accelerating and decelerating, the passenger has to brace for gear changes. Otherwise, your helmet bumps into the driver's helmet, usually resulting in unbecoming outbursts of profanity from both parties.

Be aware of the location of vital parts of the bike, such as the gas tank, brakes, and exhaust, just in case. Ignorance can lead to riding blissfully for an hour or so, then dismounting and discovering that half of one's boot heel has melted onto the bike (not that I would know from personal experience).

Finally, do not polish your seat with any kind of product which makes it slick and shiny. This can lead to your posterior sliding off the bike in a straight trajectory while the motorcycle and driver makes the curve. Again, I did not learn this from direct personal experience.

You may be one of those brave souls who decides to ride a motorcycle solo, or you may follow at a safe distance in the family SUV. But if you plan to be a happy passenger, take note of these tips and have fun on the open road!

Learn more about this author, Joyce Gray.
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