6.1 Carrying Passengers

Carrying Passengers on a Motorcycle

Operating a motorcycle is a demanding physical and mental task that requires constant concentration, balance, and quick reflexes. Adding a passenger to your motorcycle introduces a significant amount of weight, which fundamentally alters the vehicle’s operating dynamics. Under the Alberta Traffic Safety Act and its associated regulations, specific laws and safety guidelines govern the transportation of passengers. Understanding these legal mandates and safety principles is essential for passing the Class 6 operator’s knowledge and road tests, and for ensuring the safety of both the rider and passenger on the road.

Legal Requirements in Alberta

Before you ever carry a passenger on a motorcycle in Alberta, you must ensure that both your license and your motorcycle meet all legal requirements. The province has strict regulations:

1. Vehicle Design: A passenger is only legally permitted on a motorcycle that is specifically designed and equipped to carry more than one person. Under the Alberta Vehicle Equipment Regulation, this means the motorcycle must have a seat large enough for two people (a tandem seat or a separate passenger seat behind the operator) and separate, dedicated footrests (footpegs) for the passenger. It is illegal to carry a passenger in front of the operator.
2. Passenger Footrests: The passenger must be able to sit on the seat and have their feet rest firmly on the passenger footpegs. If a passenger is too short to reach the footrests, they cannot legally be carried on the motorcycle. This rule effectively restricts carrying small children who cannot reach the pegs.
3. Helmet Laws: Under Alberta law, every person riding a motorcycle—both the operator and the passenger—must wear an approved motorcycle helmet. The helmet must meet safety standards recognized by the province, such as CSA, DOT, ECE, Snell, or BSI. The helmet must be properly fitted and securely fastened with the chin strap. The only legal exemption is for members of the Sikh religion who wear a turban, as per the Alberta Traffic Safety Act.
4. Learning-Rider Supervision vs Casual Passengers: Until the Class 6 road test is passed, a learning rider must be supervised by a full non-GDL Class 6 rider. The Rider's Guide allows that supervisor to be seated on the learning rider's motorcycle, to follow on another motorcycle, or to follow in a vehicle. A casual unlicensed friend is not a substitute for that supervisor. After you hold Class 6 or Class 6-GDL, you may carry passengers on a motorcycle equipped with a proper passenger seat and footrests; safety experts still recommend solid solo experience before regularly carrying passengers.

Preparing the Motorcycle for a Passenger

Because the addition of a passenger adds 100 to 200+ pounds to the motorcycle, you must adjust the vehicle's setup to compensate for this weight. Failure to do so will result in a dangerous loss of control, poor suspension response, and potential tire failure.

• Tire Pressure: Check the owner's manual for the recommended tire pressure when carrying a passenger or heavy load. Typically, you will need to increase the tire pressure (particularly the rear tire) to handle the additional weight and prevent the tires from overheating or flexing excessively, which can cause a blowout or reduce cornering stability.
• Suspension Pre-load: The extra weight will compress the rear shock absorber, lowering the rear of the motorcycle. This reduces the amount of suspension travel, making it easy to "bottom out" over bumps, which can cause a loss of control or damage the motorcycle. Adjust the rear suspension pre-load (stiffen it) according to the owner's manual to keep the motorcycle level and maintain proper steering geometry.
• Mirrors and Headlight: With the rear of the motorcycle compressed, the front wheel tilts upward. This changes the angle of your mirrors and aims the headlight higher into the eyes of oncoming drivers. Adjust your mirrors after the passenger mounts the motorcycle, and adjust the headlight aim if necessary.

Pre-Ride Briefing for the Passenger

A passenger who has never ridden a motorcycle can easily cause an accident by shifting their weight at the wrong time or fighting the motorcycle's natural lean in curves. You must give your passenger a thorough pre-ride briefing before starting the journey.

• Mounting the Motorcycle: Instruct the passenger to mount only after you have started the engine and given them a clear signal that you are ready. You must stand with both feet firmly on the ground, holding the front brake to stabilize the motorcycle. The passenger should step onto the left footpeg, swing their right leg over the seat, and sit down gently.
• Seating Position: The passenger should sit as far forward as possible, directly behind you, without crowding your controls. They should hold onto your waist, hips, or the motorcycle’s designed passenger grab rails or strap.
• Footpeg Discipline: Emphasize that the passenger must keep their feet on the footpegs at all times, even when the motorcycle is stopped at a red light or intersection. Putting their feet down can unbalance the motorcycle or lead to their foot being run over or caught in a wheel.
• Leaning in Curves: Instruct the passenger to look over your shoulder in the direction of the turn. They should not attempt to steer the motorcycle or lean further than you do, but they must not "fight" the lean by trying to stay upright. The passenger should remain in line with your body.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: The passenger should avoid unnecessary shifting, waving, or sudden movements, especially at low speeds or when stopped, as this can easily tip the motorcycle over.

Riding Adjustments and Handling Dynamics

Riding with a passenger requires a smoother, more conservative riding style. Every action you take must be planned further in advance.

1. Acceleration: The motorcycle will accelerate much slower due to the increased mass. You must allow for larger gaps in traffic when pulling out from intersections, merging onto highways, or passing other vehicles.
2. Braking: Stopping distance is significantly increased. You must initiate braking earlier and increase your following distance (to at least 3 seconds or more).
3. Braking Technique: Because the passenger’s weight is positioned over the rear wheel, there is much more traction on the rear tire than during solo riding. This makes the rear brake much more effective and less likely to lock up. You should use more rear brake pressure than you normally would, while still applying the front brake smoothly.
4. Cornering: The motorcycle will feel heavier and require more physical effort to lean into curves. Approach curves at a slower speed than you would when riding solo, and accelerate gently out of the turn.
5. Wind and Road Hazards: The passenger increases the surface area of the motorcycle, making it more sensitive to sidewinds. Bumps, potholes, and bridge expansion joints will be felt more intensely; you should scan the road further ahead and slow down to minimize the impact of road hazards.

Comparing Solo Riding vs. Passenger Riding