What’s Wrong with this Picture?

Take a good look at this picture.  The rider: suited up in the best gear money can buy.  The passenger: no gear at all!  He’s got a $200 Nolan lid, she gets the non-DOT compliant “novelty” helmet.  He’s got a $240 pair of Alpinestars with injected armor for shin, ankle, calf, toe, and heel protection.  She has a pair of ballet flats

Nobody gets to choose when they crash.  The rider in this picture knows that.  So why would he allow his passenger to be in such a risky situation?

Passengers are subject to the same risks as the rider.  Hitting the road at 30 mph feels exactly the same if you’re holding the handlebars or not.  Riding a motorcycle (especially in the warm weather) as a rider or passenger can be an enormous joy – but why unabashedly expose your friend, sibling or even your spouse to risk with no useful protection?

Riders:  Don’t give your passenger a novelty helmet, especially if you know enough to have a proper full-face helmet for yourself.  The word on the street is, they’ll appreciate your concern about their safety.

Respect your passenger and enjoy the ride together!