Tag Archives: crash

Danger in lane filtering around trucks

Lane filtering around trucks can be dangerous simply because riders can be invisible to the truck driver, even if you are right in front!

The Goldwing World Facebook page published the above photograph claiming all the bikes in the photo are in the truck’s blind spots.

It has been shared on many occasions. But notice that one of the positions where riders cannot be seen is right in front of the truck.

I have witnessed riders filter to the front of a line of traffic and then move across to sit in the lane in front of a prime mover.

The truck driver could be totally unaware of the presence of the rider.

So if the rider stalls when the lights turn green, what’s stopping the driver from running over the top of you if you happen to stall?

Or if the rider is distracted and misses the change of lights and the truckie is keen to get going … splat!

Lane filtering rulesHow to ride safely in heavy traffic lane filtering happiest commuters commuting plan trucks

Despite the dangers of trucks to lane filtering riders, only the ACT prohibits lane filtering next to buses and trucks.

There is no mention in the official lane filtering rules for Queensland, NSW, SA, Victoria or Tasmania.

However, they all suggest in their explanatory notes riders “should avoid” filtering next to buses and heavy vehicles.

It should also be noted that an overriding rule is that riders must lane filter only “when safe to do so” (or similar words).

This is mentioned in Victoria, SA, ACT, Queensland and Tasmania, but not NSW,

It not only puts the onus on the rider to act responsibly and safely, but also provides police with some latitude to fine riders based on their judgement.

Onus on trucks

While riders should always take responsibility for their own safety, there is also an onus on truck drivers and other motorists to share the road with all vehicles, including motorcycles.

London has taken it further, banning trucks (lorries) over 3.5 tonnes that do not have special extended mirrors to reduce blind spots.

Drivers with a non-complaint vehicle face a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice and potential fine of £1000 in the Magistrates Court.

Similar legislation would be most welcome here in Australia.

RACQ safety officer and Suzuki Bandit fan Steve Spalding says blind spots around large vehicles are “a very risky situation for riders”.

“If there are ways to improve the types of mirrors fitted, or have better placement of existing ones, then we’d like to see heavy vehicle operators make those changes,” he says.

“Riders have to be aware of their vulnerability at all times but particularly when in congested traffic and around large and heavy vehicles because it can be difficult for truck drivers to cover all the blind spots.”

However, the truck mirror legislation would not have helped the London rider in this video which has gone viral. He was in front of the driver!

More blind spots

One of the big problems with riding near trucks, buses and other big vehicles is that their blind sports are not the same.

Fixed vehicles such as vans and buses/coaches have different blind spots to B doubles or prime movers with trailers. There are also extra blind spots for trucks with hoods (eg Mack) rather than cab-over trucks (eg Hino) with flat fronts.

We spoke with several bus and truck drivers and they say they don’t have a lot of problems with riders, but agree that there is potential for riders to get lost in blind spots.

For fixed vehicles, the worst blind spot is close on the inside (left in RHD countries and right for LHD countries) of the vehicle. Most heavy vehicles have blind-spot mirrors, but fast-accelerating bikes can zoom into view so quickly on a slow-moving vehicle, the driver may not have had a chance to see them.

Prime movers also have the problem that when they turn, their mirrors, which are fixed to the prime mover, show only a view of the trailer on one side and a wide view on the other, creating a massive blind spot area.

For trucks with a big bonnet, almost every near position from the mirrors forward is a blind spot, especially by the inside fender.

Drivers say riders can slip into the gap in front of a truck without them seeing the bike, which could result in a rear-ender as they approach a red traffic light.

They also claim that when the lights turn green, a gap opens up in front of slow-moving trucks and riders tend to slip into that gap where they may not be seen.

trucks

Wide berth

Motorcycles need to give trucks a wide berth on all angles in all traffic situations.

And don’t hope that your loud exhaust will alert the truck driver to your presence.

Most truck cabins are loud because the driver is sitting over the engine and is probably playing music or their CB radio over the top.

They will not hear you until you have passed them.

Sucked in

Bus and truck drivers also warn about the aerodynamic effects of following and riding too close to their vehicles.

Vehicles such as buses and some trailers with carriages low to the ground tend to create a vacuum at highway speeds that can suck a light bike toward them and potentially under their wheels.

Other trailers can push riders away into oncoming traffic. Some trailers, such as those carrying vehicles, create so much turbulence it can send a light bike into a tank slapper.

The effect is worse if the rider follows too closely before overtaking as they cop a sudden blast as they draw up alongside.

Oakey truckie Brad Shannon advises: “If you can see our mirrors we should be able to see you. But I always look twice, anyway.”

Trucks
Truckie Brad Shannon

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rider flees after ramming police motorbike

This dramatic video shows a motorcycle rider making a short dash for freedom after ramming a Queensland Police motorcycle.

It’s the second time in a week a Queensland motorcycle cop has been rammed. Click here for that dramatic footage.

Motorcycle cop rammed ramming
Motorcycle cop rammed

No matter what you think about motorcycle police, it can be a tough job and they don’t deserve to be hit.

The job of a motorcycle cop is an important part of police duties, Queensland Police say.

“It differs significantly from the general perception of the motoring public,” they told us.

Latest ramming incident

In this latest incident a rider struck the Road Policing Command motorbike yesterday afternoon in Geebung.

The senior constable was conducting speed camera duties near a school on the intersection of Newman and Robinson roads at 3.45pm when he saw a motorcycle pull up at the lights.

He identified the motorcycle as having been involved in several traffic offences in the area.

The officer then parked his motorcycle in front of the bike and activated his lights.

It is alleged the other bike reversed before hitting the officer’s bike, knocking both to the ground.

The video shows the man fleeing the scene before the officer catches him.

The senior constable was taken to hospital for treatment to a minor injury to his knee and his bike sustained minor damage.

Police will allege that the man returned a positive roadside drug test and was found in possession of a quantity of ice.

A 35-year-old man was issued with a Notice to Appear in the Sandgate Magistrates Court for driving while disqualified, drug-driving, obstructing police and possessing a dangerous drug.

He was also been issued with an infringement for an unregistered, uninsured vehicle and possessing “something that resembles a numberplate”. hitting cops police ramming bike

The man’s motorcycle was also seized.

Investigations are continuing with further charges expected.

More info

If you have any more information on this incident, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP1900205782

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle officer rammed by stolen car

“I’m down, I’m down,” a motorcycle officer calmly says into his police radio after being rammed by the driver of a stolen vehicle.

This dramatic video, released by Queensland Police, shows just how vulnerable even police motorcyclists are and the dangers they face in their duty.

Office rammed

The Sergeant, aged 50, suffered a dislocate shoulder and injuries to a rib, hand and ankle. He is recovering in hospital.

In the video, he is slowly pursuing the stolen vehicle on a rainy Wednesday night in Toowoomba when the car does a u-turn and slowly approaches the rider.

In the last 10 metres, the car revs and rams the motorcycle, knocking the cop off his bike.

“941, I’m down, I’m down. He’s run into me,” he says on the radio.

“I can’t use my left arm. Drove straight at me, I was trying to get up on the side of the road to let him go past me,” he says.

Tough job

DayGlo Queensland Police rammed

The job of a motorcycle cop is an important part of police dutiesQueensland Police say.

“It differs significantly from the general perception of the motoring public,” they told us.

“The primary function is to provide a high visibility presence on the road network across Queensland, thus positively influencing driver and rider behaviour.

“Having said that a rider’s day may include a wide variety of functions, be they planned or emerging situations. QPS riders are expected to ride in all weather and road conditions.”

The video quite clearly shows “emerging situations” and riding in “all weather” conditions.

Three charged

Detectives have now charged two men and a woman after they allegedly threatened a man at his house with a knife and demanded his Ford Falcon.

About 30 minutes later, the motorcycle Police Sergeant saw the car run a red light and pursued it until he was rammed.

The Ford was later found and the woman and one of the men were arrested “without incident” after they fled the vehicle on foot.

The driver allegedly assaulted and bit a police officer while being arrested.

A 29-year-old man is in the hospital under police guard.

A 20-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman have been charged with one count each of armed robbery, burglary and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.

They appeared at the Toowoomba Magistrates Court today.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Helmet still crash tested in Australia

Motorcycle helmets are still being crash tested in Australia despite European-standard helmets being available here for several years because they provide riders with “more information”.

The NSW Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets (CRASH) crash-tests 30 helmets a year and releases the details every November.

Centre for Road Safety active executive director Craig Moran says that while all helmets sold here meet either Australian Standards or global standard UNECE 22.05, CRASH ratings “give riders more information so they can chose the best helmet for their situation”.

Helmets tested

CRASH has tested 34 full-face helmets since 2017 and 1012 pre-2017, 17 open face helmets since 2017 and 35 prior and nine dual-purpose helmets since 2017 and 23 prior.

It is not as comprehensive as the similar British SHARP helmet safety scheme. It has tested and rated hundreds of helmets, almost all of which are now available for sale in Australia.

“The helmets are chosen based a number of criteria including their approximate number of sales or popularity or if the consortium identifies a particular helmet as requiring further performance testing,” Craig says. 

“Helmets are proven to reduce the severity of head injuries as well as the likelihood of death and disability.

Helmet still crash tested in Australia
CRASH testing

“We also recently launched MotoCAP which is a consumer information program designed to provide riders with scientifically-based information about the protection and comfort of a range of motorcycle jackets, pants and gloves available in Australia and New Zealand.”

CRASH is run by a consortium of NSW government agencies and Swann Insurance.

It assesses and compares motorcycle helmets in terms of their ability to protect the wearer’s head in a crash and how comfortable the helmet is to wear.

Click here for more information about CRASH testing procedures.

Last year we assessed helmet ratings from CRASH and SHARP to assess whether price correlates with safety.

We found some surprising results! Click here for the full story.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Rear-ended BMW rider seeks justice

A Brisbane rider whose BMW R 1200 R was rear-ended in 2016 is still waiting to find out if the irresponsible driver who hit him has been fined.

Matthew Craig, of Daisy Hill, was leaving the M1 at the Mt Gravatt-Capalaba Rd exit when he stopped at a give way sign in the left-hand slip lane to let a several vehicles pass by.

Seconds later, he was rear-ended by an impatient BMW X3 driver.

Since then, Matthew has not ridden and is still waiting for another bike as his was classified a repairable write off. 

To rub salt into his wounds, police and the courts have refused to provide him or us information about the driver’s punishment.

Matthew Craig's BMW R 1200 R before it was rear-ended
Matthew Craig’s immaculate BMW R 1200 R before it was rear-ended

All he knows is that the woman was charged with driving without due care and attention and the matter was finalised at Holland Park Magistrates Court on January 25, 2017.

Search for justice

Matthew was not forewarned about the court appearance and his efforts over the past two years to find out what happened have failed.

He has been told it is a privacy issue.

However, the matter was heard in an open and public court. It is not his fault he was not present when the matter was heard as he was not warned of the date.

It is good that justice may have been done, but it is important that justice is also seen to be done and that the victims are satisfied with the verdict.

Matthew is now filing a Freedom of Information application.

We will update you if/when he gets a result.

How to avoid rear-ender

Meanwhile, it looks like there is little Matthew could have done to avoid this rear-ender.

The problem is impatience.

It happened to me at a stop sign when a fellow rider rammed me from behind. We were in a queue of riders going around the corner. While looking to the right for oncoming traffic he assumed I had dribbled through the stop sign instead of coming to a full stop.

I have also seen this happen to another rider and a friend in his car. Check out this rear-ended rider’s video.

The first vehicle moves to the front and stops to look for traffic and the next vehicle stops behind them.

On seeing that the road is clear, the second vehicle just proceeds without looking ahead, assuming the vehicle in front has also moved.

In this case, Matthew waited cautiously for the vehicle with the dashcam, even though there was a clear left lane.

Matthew Craig's BMW R 1200 R before it was rear-ended
Impatience leads to impact!

And the driver behind him doesn’t even appear to be ready to stop!

His cautiousness cost him a crash.

To avoid this sort of incident, riders can try several things:

  • Check behind to see if there is a vehicle following;
  • If possible, offset your bike to the following vehicle, either to the extreme left or right of the lane or trickle a little around the corner; and/or
  • Blow your horn or rev your bike to alert the following driver that you are still there.

Click here for more tips on avoiding rear-enders in situations such as lane filtering.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Are more red light cameras welcome?

While many riders hate covert speed cameras that are turning us into a nation of speedo gazers, they should welcome more red light traffic cameras.

Lane filtering now puts us at the front of the traffic light queue, so when the light changes to green we have a duty to get away quickly to avoid holding up traffic.

However, this puts us in danger of being cleaned up by motorists running yellow and/or red lights.

More red light cameras with good signage might just prevent motorists from running lights and putting us in danger.

Queensland has just added eight more intersections to its list of locations with new combined red light and speed cameras.

They not only detect motorists who disobey the red traffic light, but also those who speed through the intersection.

Statistics reveal that 11% of all serious casualties on Queensland roads occur at intersections with traffic lights.

Accidents involving motorists running red lights are usually t-bone crashes which are the most lethal, especially for riders.

During the past five years, 42 people have been killed and more than 3000 hospitalised in crashes at signalised intersections in Queensland.

Triggering traffic lightsred light cameras

The only problem we can see if if the lights fail don’t change for motorcycles.

Many small motorbikes don’t trigger the inductor loop in the ground.

red light cameras
Tell-tale cut marks in the road

Click here to find out how to make them trigger and what you can do if they don’t work.

Riders who give up waiting for the lights to change and ride through the red light can expect to cop a fine!

If these cameras are being installed at more intersections, it is vital that the authorities ensure lights detect motorcycles or install more roadside buttons like these to trigger the lights.Red-light traffic light red light cameras

Speed and red light cameras

The new combined red light and speed cameras are fixed and operate 24 hours a day.

They are at the following intersections in Queensland:

  • Glenlyon Street, Gladstone Central at intersection with Tank Street;
  • Anzac Avenue Road, Kippa-Ring at intersection with Boardman Road;
  • Morayfield Road, Morayfield (intersection of Caboolture River Road);
  • Lutwyche Road,  Lutwyche  (intersection of Norman Avenue);
  • Lutwyche Road, Kedron (intersection of Kedron Park Road);
  • Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo (intersection of Cavendish Road);
  • Smith Street, Southport (intersection of Kumbari Avenue); and
  • Bermuda Street, Burleigh Waters (intersection of Christine Avenue).

The combined red light and speed camera systems have advisory signs installed prior to the intersection advising motorists that a combined red light and speed camera system is operating.

For the complete list of combined speed and red light cameras in Queensland, click here.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Call for fatal bike crash witnesses

A rider has died after a crash involving a car in Rothwell, Redcliffe, north of Brisbane, overnight and Queensland Police investigators are seeking eye witnesses.

Forensic Crash Unit say that around 8.20pm a Honda motorcycle collided with a Toyota Corolla sedan at the intersection of Coman Street and Deception Bay Road.witnesses

The 23-year-old rider was transported to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.

He was sadly pronounced dead shortly after midnight as a result of injuries sustained in the crash.

The car’s driver, a 25-year-old woman, was not physically injured.

Investigators would like to speak with any members of the public who may have witnessed the crash or has dash-cam footage of the incident to contact police.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

Quote this reference number: QP1900034668

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

International report cites bike crash reasons

The motorcycle road toll can be reduced by better speed and alcohol/drug use enforcement, safer motorbikes, mandatory helmet laws and improved roads, according to an international report.

These are key points in the latest World Health Organization Global status report on road safety 2018 report released this month. The report is only released every two or three years.

Toll rate flat

The international report also points out that the motoring fatality and injury rate has remained fairly steady as a proportion of population over the past few years.

In Australia, motorcycle crash fatalities have remained flat since 2011 despite an almost doubling of motorcycle registrations in that time. That actually means a decreasing rate of motorcycle fatalities.

international report cites motorcycle crash reasons
Australian crash stats. The flat dotted line is the trend over that time.

Of course, every death is lamentable, but the selective quoting of motorcycle crash statistics, especially during the Christmas/New Year holiday season, can be misleading.

It also serves to demonise riders as having a death wish and therefore not worthy of consideration by other road users.

International report

The WHO report says progress in reducing road fatalities and injuries has mainly been made in high-income countries.

In these countries, there is a high level of enforcement of speeding and drink driving, ABS on motorcycles (mandatory in Australia for bikes over 125cc from November 219), mandatory helmet (99% compliance in Australia) and improved roads, it says.

No doubt politicians and police will just seize on the first issue to raise speeding fines and enforcement.

But they would be ignoring the fact that this is an international report representing 175 countries. By comparison, the low-income countries included in the report (such as Afghanistan) have little to no enforcement of speed or drug/alcohol-influenced riders, no or lax helmet rules and poor roads.

The only category where Australia compares is in the standard of our roads.

Bad Roads Rally roadworks potholes Victoria report international
Crumbling Victorian roads

WHO says 67% of motorcycle travel in the world is on substandard roads. That surely must include Australia!

Over the past few years we have reported numerous cases where riders have crashed in unacceptable road conditions thanks to poor design, inferior surfacing and a lack of maintenance.

The WHO report says conditions that make a road unacceptable for motorcycle use include a poor road surface and trees too close to the road. In some states, wire rope “safety” barriers are also too close to the road!

(It also mentions separate motorcycle lanes which some Asian nations with much higher proportions of motorcycles have implemented or are considering. We doubt motorcycles will ever have separate lanes in high-income nations.)

WHO says that by 2030, all new roads should “achieve technical standards for all road users that take into account road safety” and “more than 75% of travel on existing roads is on roads that meet technical standards for all road users”.

That’s a long time to wait for appropriate roads that should have been paid for by our hard-earned taxes.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Royal Flying Doctor Service warns of roos

Riders heading into the Outback this Christmas should be aware of the dangers of hitting kangaroos, says the Royal Flying Doctor Service whose planes have even hit them. 

“The roo problem is significant as they come to the edges of the road to graze in the current drought conditions,” a spokeswoman for the RFDS NSW/ACT says.

“Road accidents as a result are on the increase and we have communicated safety advice internally to our teams, and have suffered roo strikes on our landing aircraft.

“It is a major cause of concern right now and a lot of regional communities, such as Hay, are running safety and awareness programs.

“Dusk and dawn are problematic and we have advised our team when driving to brake in a straight line when faced with hitting one, not to swerve to avoid hitting them in which case the accident can become much more serious,” the RFDS spokeswoman says.

Click here to find out what other animals are a danger to riders

Click here to find out how to avoid becoming roadkill.

outback adventure Royal Flying Doctor Service

The uniquely Australian service attends a “significant” number of rescues of riders involved in motorcycle crashes in remote parts of our Outback.

They say their emergency services are allocated based on a range of factors such as availability and location.

“Motorcyclists should call 000 in event of an accident and the call will be directed to the appropriate medical team,” a spokeswoman says.

“It is also possible to call the RFDS directly on (08) 8080 1188 in the event of illness or an accident if they are in a particularly remote location.

“It’s a good idea for riders to keep this number on them as a back-up. Anyone who rings us on our emergency line will be triaged by our doctor and the appropriate response initiated.”

Ambulance costs

In the wake of our article about the possibly massive expense of an ambulance callout, the good news for riders is that Royal Flying Doctor Service is free!

There is no cost to the user for RFDS medical services or flights if that is what is used,” she says.

However, riders should still be aware that there is a cost if an ambulance is called.

It’s not required to cover RFDS services but private health cover is recommended in case an ambulance attends, rather than the RFDS,” she says.

“There are costs associated with being picked up by an ambulance.”Outback adventure Royal Flying Doctor Service

Chopper squad

Helicopter services such as LifeFlight and Careflight are based on the coast and only have a flying range of an hour.

Likewise, location and distances have a lot to do with whether ambulance or RFDS attend an accident.

As a result, which service attends in accident has a lot to do with the geographical location the accident occurred. 

Royal Flying Doctor Service top Outback tips

The RFDS website features a Travelling Outback section which has a handy checklist for riders:

  • Get good quality maps (paper and GPS) and plan your route.
  • Don’t travel in the hottest part of the year.
  • Be aware of kangaroos and emus. 
  • Be careful not to pack too much. It makes the bike heavy and difficult to control in soft sand, mud and gravel.
  • Store water in small containers instead of one large tank to spread the load. Check all water containers for leaks. In very hot conditions aim to carry 10 litres of water per person per day and don’t rely on waterholes, dams, bores, mills, tanks or troughs for water. A back-up vehicle is ideal for extreme Outback adventures.
  • Take a summary of your medical history with you and bring all medication and repeat scripts.

    ice emergcency USB flying
    We recommend a I.C.E.mergency USB to store medical information. BUY NOW for less than $20.

  • Pack a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent.
  • In an emergency, dial 000 and be prepared to give your location. If you own a smartphone download the Emergency + app which gives your longitude and latitude. It will help emergency services such as the RFDS to find you. If you don’t have a smartphone, keep an eye on the crossroads as you travel and mark your journey on a map. Be aware that some very remote areas have no mobile coverage so pack an EPIRB or satellite phone.outback adventure Royal Flying Doctor Service

The RFDS SE also recommends that people travelling to remote areas do a first-aid course and carry a kit with them. 

Motorbike Writer recommends doing a motorcycle-specific course such as First Aid for Motorcyclists.

The RFDS also has a Fast First Aid booklet with advice for people with no medical training on how to manage first-aid situations. It includes managing a heart attack, snake bites, choking, burns and severe bleeding. 

It is free in NSW and ACT only. To receive your copy text ‘NOW’ to 0428 044 444. Delivery may be slightly delayed over the holiday period.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Pillion falls off bike and is run over

Florida woman Jennifer St Clair, 33, was killed when she was run over by several cars after she fell off a motorcycle pillion seat on her first date with the rider.

Florida Highway Patrol are not sure of the details of the incident last weekend and are calling for witnesses.

The rider has been identified and the matter is being treated as a traffic homicide.

Witnesses say the rider sped off and left the woman for dead on the highway.

This is terribly sad news and we can only speculate on what might have happened.

However, it is a sober warning to riders to take extra care when carrying a pillion, making sure they and you are safe.

Here are some other tips for pillion riding:

1: The right bike.

The general rule is that the more comfortable the passenger is, the safer you both are.

But that doesn’t mean you can only carry a pillion if you own a Gold Wing or Ultra Classic.

Perhaps the most enjoyable pillioning my wife and I have ever done was on a Triumph Bonneville T100.

pillion
Mr and Mrs MBW

She prefers light bikes because she feels I’ll be able to hold it up. She also prefers they aren’t too powerful and intimidating. The Bonne is also low enough for to just throw a leg over, rather than having to step on the footpeg and hoist over.

But there is no use buying a bike your regular passenger will hate, so ask their opinion. They may actually prefer the budgie perch of a sportsbike because it satisfies their desire for sportiness over comfort.

That means lots and lots of test rides together.

2 Mounting and dismounting.

Advise your pillion to ask permission before hopping on so you have a good hold of the bars and both feet on the ground. Don’t try to do this on the side stand as you may bend it, nor the centre stand as you may not be able to rock the bike to get it back down.

Request your passenger to alight as soon as you stop, then park your bike without them. Don’t be a hero and try to do it with them on board unless you are certain of your abilities and the ground surface. If you drop it, you will quickly go from hero to zero.

Mrs MotorbikeWriter in her pillion position aboard an Indian Roadmaster
Mrs MotorbikeWriter in her pillion position aboard an Indian Roadmaster

3 Exhaust warning.

Warn your pillion about putting their foot or leg on the hot exhaust. Nothing spoils a two-up trip more than a quick visit to the emergency ward to treat a leg burn.

4 Don’t scare your pillion.

They won’t have any trust in you if the first time you take them for a ride you hoist it up on one wheel or whittle down your knee sliders in the corners.

As their level of trust rises, you may add these to your repertoire, but always give them a tap on the leg first to broadcast that you are about to do a wheelie (easier with a pillion) or go for a radical lean angle.

5 Communicate.

Rider and pillion communication used to consist of hand signals or, more likely, a vice-like thigh grip from your pillion when they are scared or a whack on the back of the helmet when they want you to stop and let them off.

Agree on a set of signals before you even put on your helmets and mount the bike. You’ll need signals for when you can mount, hazard coming up (bump, sharp turn etc), slow down, speed up, stop, and when to get off.

If it all sounds too complicated, get a Bluetooth communications system. It not only clears up any confusing hand signals, but also means you can enjoy a chat with your pillion.

6 Be smooth.

Anyone who has ever carried a pillion will be aware of “helmet bump”.

As you accelerate, your pillion tenses their stomach muscles and pulls themselves forward. Your pillion doesn’t know when you are going to change gears, so they stay tense. As soon you dip the clutch, momentum slightly lags and they naturally rock forward, banging their helmet into yours.

There are two ways you can prevent this.

First is to be smooth with your gear changes. The second is to move your head and shoulders forward as you pull the clutch in, leaving the lower part of your back as a buffer to soak up your pillion’s forward movement.

After a while, most pillions learn to listen to the engine revs and brace themselves for the coming gear change.

The "pillion in a million"
The “pillion in a million”

7 To lean or not to lean.

Of course, pillions shouldn’t lean opposite to the rider.

But some riders tell their pillion to lean into the corner with them.

I don’t agree as you never know how much they will lean and therefore how tightly the bike will corner.

It’s best to tell them to remain fairly still throughout your journey. In fact, advise your pillion that any fidgeting can cause instability and a possible topple, especially at slow speeds and when stopped at the traffic lights.

8 Suspension adjustment.

Most bikes have their suspension set at the factory for the “standard rider” weight of about 80kg. If you weigh substantially more or less, you should make suitable adjustments to the suspension.

However, a pillion changes the load even more significantly. A rider might vary several kilograms above or below the standard rider weight, but a pillion can more than double that difference.

Also, the centre of gravity is now much higher and further back, which will upset the handling and make the steering light.

If your bike has suspension adjustment, make sure you use it. Usually pumping up the preload on the rear spring is enough.

If there is no adjustment and you are going to be doing a lot of two-up riding, it is wise to fit an adjustable rear shock.

Other areas that may need adjustment include the tyres, chain and headlights. Consult your manual for ideal tyre pressures for two-up and how to adjust the chain and headlight beam.

You can reduce handling and steering anomalies by asking your pillion to sit as close as possible to you. Then you will move together in harmony with the bike and better focus the bike’s centre of gravity. But be aware this will prevent you moving around in your seat and you will have to adjust your riding style to suit.

Pillions pillion

9 Braking.

A pillion’s weight will also reduce braking efficiency.

Not only will the bike take longer to stop, but in a panic situation, your pillion may be flung on to your back. You not only have to support all your weight on your wrists, but also the weight of your pillion. This can cause riders to lose grip on the bars with inevitable consequences.

Also, the rearward weight bias will make the rear brake more effective and less likely to lock up, so use it more. But that does not mean you should use the front brake any less.

10 Gear up.

Just as riders should always wear the right gear, so should pillions.

Your pillion deserves the same level of equipment protection as you.

That also means warm gear when it’s cold, hot weather gear for summer and wets for when it rains.

Riders should also be aware that they block much of the breeze from their pillion, so in summer your pillion is going to need even better ventilated gear.

In winter, riders get some comfort from the heat that comes off the engine, but their pillion may not, so it’s advisable they rug up even more than you.

Bike accessories are also important to a pillion. Luggage will allow them to bring an extra pair of high heels and cocktail dress with them and a sissy bar will provide extra confidence.

However, a loud aftermarket pipe might just be too annoying. Remember, they are a lot closer to it than you. At least put the baffle plug in when carrying a pillion.

  • Do you have any other pillion safety tips? Leave your comments below.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com