Idaho Motorcycle Passengers and Group Riding Practice Test

What the Idaho Motorcycle Rider’s Handbook says about passengers and group riding

• Required Equipment

  In Idaho it is illegal to carry a child passenger in front of you on a motorcycle; children ride immediately behind the rider, since a child in front keeps you from balancing properly and may interfere with control. p. 71

• Instructing Passengers

  Give every passenger complete instructions before starting, even one who rides. p. 71

• Carrying Loads

  Most motorcycles aren't built for much cargo, but small loads are safe if placed and fastened well: keep loads low (piling against a sissy bar raises the center of gravity) and forward, over or in front of the rear axle (loads behind it affect turning and braking and can cause a wobble). p. 72-73

• Keeping the Group Small

  Keep riding groups small: small groups are easier and safer for vehicles to get around, aren't split as easily by traffic or red lights, and their riders don't have to hurry to catch up; a group of more than four or five riders should be divided into two or more smaller groups. p. 73

• Keeping the Group Together

  To keep a group together: the leader plans ahead and signals early so the word gets back, starting lane changes early; put inexperienced riders just behind the leader so they don't strain to keep up; let the tail-end rider set the pace; and make sure everyone knows the route. p. 73-74

• Staggered Formation

  In Idaho's staggered formation the leader rides on the left side of the lane, the second rider 1½ to 2 seconds behind on the right, the third on the left 3 to 4 seconds behind the leader, and the fourth 3 to 4 seconds behind the second. p. 74

Where it is in the Idaho Motorcycle Rider’s Handbook

• p. 70–72Chapter 7 · Getting off the highway, passengers and cargo
• p. 73–76Chapter 8 · Group riding

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