There are few feelings as exhilarating as cruising down the road on the back of a motorcycle. You’re able to enjoy a nice breeze, check out the views along your drive, and navigate traffic far more easily than someone in a traditional motor vehicle. If you have kids, they’re sure to want to join you on one of your rides at some point. This can be done safely, as long as you are careful to take the proper precautions and adhere to your state’s laws regarding young riders.
In this article, we discuss safety tips to protect young motorcycle riders, as well as some of the laws that may apply to your specific situation. We hope this post helps you and your family enjoy safe rides together for many years to come!
Is Your Child Ready to Ride With You?
Riding a motorcycle requires maturity and an understanding of the risks faced by bikers on a daily basis. Motorcycle riders suffer serious or fatal injuries more frequently than other drivers, since they are not protected by the frame of a car if a collision occurs. Your child must be mature enough to follow your instructions immediately and take safety seriously, or they could suffer significant harm.
A child riding in the passenger seat must be strong enough to hold on during tight turns and tall enough to reach the footpegs. If your child is too small to do so, they may be able to safely ride in a sidecar until they grow a bit more. You should never pressure a child to ride on a bike if they are afraid or uncomfortable, but you should also be wary if your kid seems overconfident. Young kids don’t always have a good sense of how prepared they are to try a new thing.
Finally, you must consider whether you are prepared to ride with a young passenger on board. Inexperienced riders need lots of practice to become comfortable on their bike solo, much less with a passenger of any age behind them. Only highly skilled riders should operate a motorcycle with a young child.
Carefully Review Local Laws
Every state has different restrictions on how old a person must be to ride a motorcycle as a passenger and what safety gear is required. Failure to adhere to your state’s specific laws regarding motorcycle passengers can result in fines or legal complications.
Some states, like California, do not set a specific minimum age for motorcycle passengers. You must use your own discretion to judge whether your child is prepared for the responsibility of riding with you. California does require your bike to have footpegs when a child is on board, and the child’s feet must reach the footpegs. The young passenger must also be in a secured seat behind the driver and wearing a helmet.
Other states, such as Texas, do set a specific age for motorcycle passengers. Per the Texas Transportation Code, a motorcycle passenger must be at least five years of age. Children must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved motorcycle helmet that is appropriately fitted for them. The child passenger must be secured in a permanent seat, be able to reach the footpegs, and be seated behind the older rider.
As these examples demonstrate, different states have significantly different rules regarding child motorcycle passengers. Before riding off with a young passenger, be sure to review your local laws to avoid any problems.
Make Sure You Have Appropriate Safety Gear On Hand
Child passengers need to wear the same kind of protective gear as any other biker. Depending on how big your child is, it can be challenging to find appropriately-sized riding gear, but it is essential to find properly-fitting equipment.
To begin with, your child needs a fitted DOT-approved motorcycle helmet. An adult helmet will be too large and loose to offer proper protection if a crash occurs. Your child should wear heavy pants and shirts, ideally made of denim or leather, to protect against road rash. They should also have a good pair or riding boots and gloves. You may consider pairing their passenger sheet with a safety harness to help everyone stay securely on the back of the bike.
Ease Your Child Into the Process
Before riding with your child for the first time, thoroughly explain to them what they can expect. Make sure to discuss things in a way that they can understand. Instruct them to stay calm and hold onto you at all times, keep their feet on the footpegs, and avoid the muffler. For your child’s first ride, go on a short trip down the street or in an empty parking lot. Make sure your child is comfortable, and gradually introduce them to longer trips and more advanced maneuvering.
Enjoy A Quality Motorcycle Ride With Your Child
Riding a motorcycle with a child can be challenging the first few times, but they will certainly appreciate the experience. We hope this article helps you and your child enjoy many safe, exciting rides together in the future.
