Tell your passenger to tighten their hold when you...

Tell your passenger to tighten their hold when you...

• A. Approach surface problems, are about to start from a stop, or are about to stop or make a sharp turn.
• B. Turn on the turn signal lights.
• C. Take a photo.
• D. Open the throttle.

Answer: (A)

The important idea here is knowing when your passenger should brace for stability. You tell them to tighten their hold in situations where the bike’s balance is about to be challenged—like when you’re approaching surface problems (potholes, gravel, uneven pavement), when you’re about to start from a stop, when you’re about to stop, or when you’re about to make a sharp turn. In these moments your speed and lean can change quickly, and a firm grip helps the rider and passenger stay coordinated and reduces the chance of a stumble or injury. Turning on turn signals, taking a photo while riding, or merely opening the throttle aren’t the moments you cue a tighter grip. Signals are a separate safety step, photos are dangerous while moving, and while acceleration is a part of riding, the brace-to-stability cue is most needed for those specific changes in motion or road conditions.

The important idea here is knowing when your passenger should brace for stability. You tell them to tighten their hold in situations where the bike’s balance is about to be challenged—like when you’re approaching surface problems (potholes, gravel, uneven pavement), when you’re about to start from a stop, when you’re about to stop, or when you’re about to make a sharp turn. In these moments your speed and lean can change quickly, and a firm grip helps the rider and passenger stay coordinated and reduces the chance of a stumble or injury.

Turning on turn signals, taking a photo while riding, or merely opening the throttle aren’t the moments you cue a tighter grip. Signals are a separate safety step, photos are dangerous while moving, and while acceleration is a part of riding, the brace-to-stability cue is most needed for those specific changes in motion or road conditions.