The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

Riding On a Motorcycle in a Group or With Passengers
July 6, 2009

Many people think riding a motorcycle is a solitary affair. After all, unlike a passenger vehicle, a motorcycle lacks an enclosed space that allows for easy communication. However, there are ways to enjoy the company of friends and loved ones while riding a bike.

Riding in a Group

The first method of social motorcycling is riding in a group formation. This pattern is most associated with a crew of Harley Davidsons cruising down the highway in a tight pack. It’s not that simple, however. In order to avoid motorcycle accidents, there is certain protocol that must be followed.

Riders should maintain the same speed, with approximately two seconds in between the rear tire of the bike in front, and the front tire of the bike in the back. If a group consists of more than two bikers, they should split the lane, adopting a staggered approach. The maximum number of bikers per group should not exceed five. Any more could result in a motorcycle accident if one of the riders loses focus.

If a group plans to ride with more than five friends, it should be split into smaller, more manageable squads of four or less.

Communicating While Riding

There are several different methods of maintaining communication while riding. Ideally, the group’s bikes will come equipped with a communication system. If the bikes have this kind of setup, a wireless microphone and ear piece will be routed through the helmet, enabling easy talking by each member of the group. Alternatively, if riding with just one other person, a biker could set up a Bluetooth headset, creating a connection on a mobile phone.

Remember, the first focus should always be on the road ahead. Wireless communication sometimes causes automobile accidents, but it should also be noted that it’s a growing cause of motorcycle crashes as well.

If a bike isn’t equipped with a communication system, or if cellular calls aren’t practical, there’s a much simpler method of getting the point across: hand signals. Before setting out on the ride, the group can agree on a few simple gestures for common actions, such as stopping for gas or food, or equipment malfunction.

Finally, never pass other vehicles in pairs or as a group. Avoid a potential motorcycle accident by safely passing individually.

Riding With a Passenger

Sometimes, riders need to transport someone on the back of the motorcycle. Indeed, many even find that it is enjoyable to have a friend or loved one cruise with them on the back seat. Riders should make sure to take into account the fact that carrying a passenger increases the general rate of motorcycle fatality.

Riding with a passenger introduces several new elements, all of which have the potential to result in a motorcycle crash: 

• Now that the bike is carrying more weight, it will take longer to stop.
• This extra weight will also make the bike handle slightly differently; riders with passengers should practice in a parking lot or on a quiet street before heading onto crowded roads.  

Advising Passengers of Expectations 

It’s important to tell the passenger exactly what is expected of them while they’re on the back of the bike. The operator should make sure that his or her passengers understand that motorcycles are more dangerous than their four-wheeled counterparts.

Here are some general rules for passengers: 

• Require the passenger to wear the same level of protection: helmets, thick clothing, and boots
• Make sure the passenger knows which side to climb onto the bike.
• Show them the proper place on the waist to hold onto.
• The passenger should never place his or her foot down; balance should be maintained by the operator when stopped.

Riding with others is a fun activity, and a great way to socialize with like-minded individuals. As long as it is handled safely, group riding can be enjoyed for a long time to come.